Wānanga Youth Services programme empowering rangatahi in the Waikato
Youth Services, what’s that?
It’s a question that Youth Coach, Amber Thwaites hears all the time.
Amber has been a youth coach for the Youth Services programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for just over a year now.
“I think when people hear the words ‘Youth Services’ a lot of them are deterred, it sounds quite formal,” Amber says.
But the programme has a very simple purpose and it’s not formal at all.
It’s a voluntary programme offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in parts of the Waikato region to tautoko (support) eligible rangatahi (youth) that are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) or are eligible for the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment.
“A youth coach supports youth, whatever that looks like. When we go through our initial meet and greets with the whānau and rangatahi we go through what the rangatahi want to achieve and go from there,” Amber explains.
“We offer support for rangatahi to help them achieve their goals, whether it’s educational, work or training based, or personal. It’s really based on what is going on with them and what they want to achieve.”
The tautoko offered can include things like counselling, help with creating a CV and cover letters, job applications and interviews, acting as an advocate with family or school, through to options like driving lessons to obtain a driver's licence, alternative education options, certificate and qualification options, general health and well-being options.
Having a dedicated youth coach to reach out to at any time helps rangatahi build their capabilities and their confidence.
Feedback from those who have been part of the programme is overwhelmingly positive, with one recent rangatahi expressing that “I feel privileged that I was a part of these services”.
Even once the programme is explained, there can still be resistance to engaging with the service and all it has to offer. Amber encourages those who may feel hesitant about participating to consider this:
“Knowledge is power. We all have different skills and tools that we can help others to put in their kete. Sometimes you may not have something specific that your child or family member needs, so utilise the services that are available to you, utilise us. Give it a go – you never know what might come from it!”
Kaiako, whānau, and anyone with connections to rangatahi in the Waikato region can get in touch with Youth Services to see if their rangatahi is eligible.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
Cambridge Museum project guided by wānanga tikanga studies
Cambridge Museum manager, Elizabeth Harvey, is combining her tikanga studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with her passion for local history, to support the museum’s Voices of Cambridge project.
Wānanga launches first of their kind mātauranga Māori certificates, marking a new era for Indigenous knowledge education
Responding to the growing needs and aspirations of tauira, iwi and communities, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is breaking new ground with the launch of 2 new Level 4 certificates that will be the first standalone programmes of their kind in Aotearoa.
Learning tikanga to strengthen community work
After making the move to Aotearoa in 2014 from Germany, Almaz Bergz set out to gain a better understanding of the people, whenua, and culture that shape life here.
Thriving as a kaiako after He Korowai Ākonga
When Marlena Martin began her studies in He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in 2023, she never imagined where it would take her and how much she would grow as an individual.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa launches new international reo Māori learning
iReo is a flexible, self-directed, online short course made up of 5 standalone modules, each running over 6 weeks. Learners can study at their own pace, weaving te reo Māori into everyday life alongside work, whānau, and other commitments.
Wānanga business programme helps launch The Dog Nanny
Ōtautahi local Jane Dungey turned her passion for animals into The Dog Nanny after completing the Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
From closed doors to open pathways
After the closure of Grace Foundation Whanganui, Craig Kara used his Manaaki Tāngata studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to create Te Ara Kimihia, a kaupapa supporting tāne toward positive futures. His journey of healing, leadership, and transformation now inspires others to find their own pathway forward.
Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations
Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.
Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori
Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.
Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako
Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.
Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.
Making connections between media and Māoritanga
Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.