Three young adult students with a scooter, skateboard and basketball in the campus carpark

He Aranga Taiohi

Youth Focused

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_He Aranga Taiohi - Matatahi Mātāora Youth Services. Visually represented by young women standing in a waharoa.

Tirohanga whānui

Pathways for the future

He Aranga Taiohi empowers rangatahi (young people) to discover who they are, build practical skills and shape a future that feels right for them.

Ngā hōtaka e wātea ana

Programmes available

Ngā kaupapa whakataki

Introductory programmes (2)

Levels 1-3

  • Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_He Aranga Taiohi_Hei Tikitiki programme. Visually represented by a hei tiki wearing a backpack, basketball cap and headphones on a pounamu background.

    Hei Tikitiki | Pathways Programme

    Micro-credential

    Build your confidence, explore your cultural identity, and set goals for your future.

    • Level 2
    • Classroom
    • No fees
  • Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_He Aranga Taiohi_Hei Toki programme. Visually represented by a hei tiki wearing a backpack, basketball cap and headphones, on a pounamu background.

    Hei Toki | Passport to Work Programme

    Micro-credential

    Open for applications

    Develop employment goals, learn basic employment skills, and get a range of other tools to confidently approach employers.

    • Level 2
    • Classroom
    • No fees

Ngā kaupapa takawaenga

Intermediate programmes (0)

Levels 4-6

No intermediate programmes open for application for He Aranga Taiohi

Ngā kaupapa matatau

Advanced programmes (0)

Levels 7-9

No advanced programmes open for application for He Aranga Taiohi.

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Mātātahi Mataora

Youth & School Services

Mātātahi Mataora provides services to young people to help keep them engaged in education or on the path to improving their future. They work directly with rangatahi, schools, and other organisations to provide pastoral care, education, and support.

Mātātahi Mataora was formed in 2012 when Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was successful in gaining a Ministry of Social Development Youth Services contract in the Waikato. Youth service delivery began in August 2012 in Waikato and has since continued with the development of several other rangatahi initiatives.

Read on to learn more about the services provided by Mātātahi Mataora.

A group of Māori performing arts students discuss music production in the studio

Taikākā alternative education

School services

Taikākā Alternative Education

Taikākā Alternative Education provides additional learning support to rangatahi between the ages of 13 and 15 with the goal of transitioning back into secondary school, further education, training, or employment. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa delivers Alternative Education in Te Awamutu and Hamilton and referrals are via participating schools.

A whakairo student carves her project in the classroom

Transition to adulthood

The Transition to Adulthood Service supports rangatahi between the ages of 15 and 21 as they transition out of the care of Oranga Tamariki and into the next stages of their lives.

Our Transition to Adulthood Service Coaches help rangatahi to plan for their independence and encourage the development of knowledge, skills, and resources they need for a bright future. Eligible rangatahi are referred to Mātātahi Mataora for the Transition to Adulthood Service by Oranga Tamariki.

Hands holding a bundle of natural fibres

Secondary-Tertiary Partnerships (STPs)

Mātātahi Mataora delivers Secondary-Tertiary Partnerships (STPs) courses for rangatahi in Years 11-13. These year-long courses allow students to grow their knowledge and skills in a range of topics in a hands-on environment while earning NCEA credits. STAR Short Courses are also available which provide introductory taster opportunities to secondary school students.

People holding kete outside the wharenui during a pōwhiri

Youth services

Mātātahi Mataora facilitates financial assistance for rangatahi receiving the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment. Youth Services kaimahi are available to assist rangatahi receiving these payments to manage their money responsibly, and to plan their future education, training, or employment goals.

Youth Services at Mātātahi Mataora also includes support for rangatahi who are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET). This service works with 16- and 17-year-olds to help them re-engage in education or employment and get the skills they need to achieve their goals for the future.

Rangatahi are referred to Youth Services through Work and Income, social and health agencies, schools, and self-referrals.

Kaupapa anamata

Upcoming events

Two men hongi outside the wharenui during a graduation ceremony

He Puāwaitanga Heretaunga 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Hastings

Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre - 109 Hastings Street South, Eastbourne Corner, Hastings
Free
Graduation ceremony outside the wharenui

He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 23 March 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Auckland

Church Unlimited - 3 Te Atatu Road, Glendene, Auckland
Free
Graduation ceremony outside the wharenui

He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 24 March 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Auckland

Māngere Arts Centre - Corner Bader Drive and, Orly Avenue, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Free
Graduating students watch the awards stage

He Puāwaitanga Papaiōea 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Palmerston North

Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North
Free
Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Kaitāia 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kaitāia

Kaitāia
Free
A view of the audience watching the graduation awards stage

He Puāwaitanga Kaikohe 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kaikohe

Kaikohe
Free
Back view of graduates watching their awards ceremony

He Puāwaitanga Whangārei 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Whangārei

97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington, Whangārei 0112
Free
A student receives their qualification during graduation

He Puāwaitanga Tainui 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Tainui

Corner of Brooklyn Road and, Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands, Hamilton 3214
Free
Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Tauranga 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Tauranga

Bethlehem Baptist Church - 90 Bethlehem Road, Tauranga
Free
Two hands clasp a korowai cloak together

He Puāwaitanga Waiwhero 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Rotorua

390 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Free
Hands clasping a korowai cloak together

He Puāwaitanga Whakatāne 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Whakatāne

67 Keepa Road, Coastlands, Whakatāne
Free
Graduating students watch the awards stage

He Puāwaitanga | Kawerau 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau

Rautahi Marae - 117 Onslow Street, Kawerau
Free

Pitopito kōrero o te wā

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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.

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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.

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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.

Lizzie Dunn - Making connections between media and Māoritanga

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.

Alex Maddox, Kaiwhakarite at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

He Māmā, He Rangahau, He Moemoeā

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Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Royal Society Fellowship for Kairangahau Matua

Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been awarded the prestigious Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship from Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover how her research will transform Indigenous science, strengthen mātauranga Māori, and advance equity in Aotearoa’s research sector.

Tauira to kaiako - Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.

Yumi’s muka kākahu - Rotorua library

Raranga weaves culture and people together

Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.

From the bush to a PHD Fabians journey of faith family and learning

From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

Tauira and kaiako at the opening of their exhibition, Saturday 18 October 2025.

Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

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