RANGATAHI TAKE THE LEAD: WAIKATO PROGRAMME PUTS YOUNG MĀORI AT HEART OF HAUORA

Waikato rangatahi are being given a greater say in the health issues affecting their lives, with a Māori-led programme building the next generation of hauora leaders.

Radio Waatea’s Matthew Tukaki spoke with Brandi Hudson, Tumu Whakarae of Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, about the Kia Tū Rangatahi Māori Hauora Leadership Programme and the importance of giving rangatahi the confidence and opportunity to shape their own wellbeing.

Te Tiratū represents about 121,300 Māori across the Tainui waka rohe, advocating for whānau voices to influence health planning, investment and the delivery of services.

Kia Tū is now expanding across seven Waikato secondary schools, putting rangatahi at the centre of conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, vaccination, dental care, vaping and smoking, while strengthening connections to culture, identity and whānau.

Early survey results also provide a snapshot of what young people are experiencing. Among 117 respondents, rangatahi identified school pressure, stress and lack of sleep as challenges to wellbeing, while privacy concerns, fear of judgement and uncertainty about where to seek help were among the barriers stopping some from reaching out.

Hudson says the kaupapa goes beyond simply teaching young people about health. Rangatahi are being encouraged to develop leadership skills, speak about the issues affecting their communities and help design solutions themselves.

For Tukaki, the kōrero also raises a wider question for the health system: rather than waiting until rangatahi become patients, what can be achieved by giving them the knowledge, confidence and influence to help shape healthier whānau and communities now?

The programme is operating at schools including Te Kauwhata College, Putāruru College, Ōtorohanga College, Tai Wānanga Ki Ruakura, Te Kōpuku High School, Tokoroa High School and Te Kūiti High School.

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