The search is on for one local rangatahi (young person) to join a national mentoring programme designed to develop the leadership capability of young Māori across New Zealand.

The annual Tuia programme provides opportunities for successful applicants to meet regularly with their local mayor, participate in civic events, grow their networks and connect with fellow rangatahi throughout the year.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been involved with the programme for several years, and outgoing local participant Olivia Plimmer-Jones said she encouraged anyone with an interest to find out more and consider applying.

“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Olivia said. 

“Don’t worry if you feel you don’t understand a lot about your Māori background or that you aren’t connected – it’s never too late.

“I’ve been able to discuss issues with the community – including the lack of Māori safe space – and attended wānanga around the country on weekends where I would travel to different marae. 

“I’ve gained leadership skills that I can implement in my different roles, been given opportunities to continue working with council, and also represented young people at various events around the country.”

Olivia grew up in Queenstown and has recently completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at University of Otago. She now works at Anderson Lloyd in Queenstown.

She said the Tuia programme helped accelerate her passion and desire to learn more and contribute to social justice.

“It made it possible to realise how important recognition of Māori is in any community, including our district.”

Mayor Glyn Lewers said he was looking forward to exchanging ideas with the new local representative, learning from their experiences, and supporting their contribution to tangata whenua and the community at large.

“Although one-to-one mentoring is at the core of the Tuia programme it really is a two-way relationship benefiting both sides,” he said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Tuia programme can download a 2023 prospectus here. 

Applications for the 2023 programme within the Queenstown Lakes District should be made via email to [email protected] before Tuesday January 31. The successful candidate will be announced by 11 February.

PHOTO: Supplied