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September 11, 2025
Puāwai Project puts rangatahi at the heart of mental health change
Moeawa Fransen
Posted On September 11, 2025
Download AudioA fresh, rangatahi-led initiative from mental health charity Hauora Aotearoa has launched, offering bold new perspectives on youth wellbeing.
The Puāwai Project is a ten-part kaupapa that centres young people as the drivers of change, sharing their own solutions through mentorship and kōrero on the Puāwai Podcast.
The Puāwai Podcast kicked off last week, setting the tone for a movement that’s all about listening to rangatahi, not speaking over them.
Programme lead Jase Te Patu says the journey began with a shift in mindset.
“I thought, oh yeah, I know some things that’ll help some rangatahi, but I didn’t even ask them nē. It was very top down. It’s like Uncle coming in with the solution when he doesn’t even really understand what’s going on. Whereas when you hear from rangatahi themselves at their level, and they come up with their own solutions, it’s really powerful,” says Te Patu.
The series leads into the Rangatahi Mental Health Summit in Whanganui on 9th October, held during Mental Health Awareness Week.
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