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A programme aimed at developing young Māori leaders and deepening their knowledge of local government has been “life-changing” for one young Christchurch woman.

The Tuia leadership programme selects one or two Māori rangatahi aged 18-25 from each council district nationally to complete a 12-month programme of mentoring with elected members. 

They also attend leadership development wānanga over the course of the year and commit to a 100-hour community project.

Jaya Bishop is a youth worker who completed the Tuia Programme in 2024 and says it has been hugely positive, enabling her to build life-long connections with other like-minded rangatahi Māori and strengthen her Mātauranga Māori.

“I learned not to be whakamā (shy) to be Māori in Pakeha/mainstream spaces. The Tuia Programme teaches you to be unapologetically Māori.”

Jaya was mentored by Mayor Phil Mauger and Simon Britten, Deputy Chair of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, who has been a mentor for a number of years. 

“Local government makes long-term decisions and it's important to me to be mindful of our future generations, and to make a personal contribution to supporting future leaders," Mr Britten says. 

Jaya Bishop with Simon Britten and Mayor Phil Mauger at the end of year wānanga in Lower Hut

“I valued the opportunity to connect with Jaya over the year that she was involved in Tuia, to hear about her plans and what was important to her, and to see her grow in confidence and in connection with the whole rōpū/group of young people participating in the programme.”

Mr Britten and the Mayor attended the final wānanga in Lower Hutt at the end of last year.

The relationship provides both partners with the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into inter-generational issues, cultural values and experiences.

The 19-year-old is currently studying for a diploma of youth work and hopes to attend some of this year’s wānanga as a tuakana (buddy/mentor).

The connections made with other young leaders through Tuia are lifelong, says Jaya.

“Once you’re in the Kaupapa of Tuia, you never leave. It taught me how to serve my people from where I am and I want to keep doing as much as I can, especially for rangatahi Māori, through passing down what I’ve learned from Tuia and whatever Mātauranga Māori that I have.”

Tuia has multiple off-shoot groups with specific focuses, and graduates of the programme often attend wānanga as a tuakana (buddy/mentor) in subsequent years, something Jaya is really looking forward to.

“To anyone thinking of applying to the programme, I would say Kaupapa chooses you, so if you’re thinking about it, then you should go for it!”

*The 2025 recipient is Māhina Henry-Campbell who has already begun the programme, however applications for next year's Tuia award will open later this year. Learn more about the programme here.