He Aranga Taiohi
Youth Focused
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.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the full range of programmes from certificates to degrees that are available at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
If you’re not sure about your next step and looking for further support, keep reading below to discover how we can help you with identifying your skills, setting goals, connecting or reconnecting to education, getting work ready and much more.
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.
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, Hamilton and Māngere. Referrals are via participating schools.
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.
Secondary-Tertiary Partnerships (STPs) and STAR Short Courses
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.
Secondary Tertiary Partnerships (STPs) and STAR Short Courses are currently delivered in Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makarau, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
For any questions regarding programme delivery in these areas, or delivery in areas not mentioned above, please contact youth@twoa.ac.nz
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.
Ngā hōtaka e wātea ana
Programmes available
Ngā kaupapa whakataki
Introductory programmes (2)
Levels 1-3
-
Hei Tikitiki | Pathways Programme
Micro-credential
Build your confidence, explore your cultural identity, and set goals for your future.
- Level 2
- Classroom
- No fees
-
Hei Toki | Passport to Work Programme
Micro-credential
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.
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Auckland
He Puāwaitanga Papaiōea 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Palmerston North
He Puāwaitanga Kaitāia 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Kaitāia
He Puāwaitanga Whangārei 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Whangārei
He Puāwaitanga Tainui 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Tainui
He Puāwaitanga Tauranga 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Tauranga
He Puāwaitanga Whakatāne 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Whakatāne
He Puāwaitanga Kawerau 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
Latest news
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.
He Māmā, He Rangahau, He Moemoeā
Alex Maddox is turning her lived experience as a māmā into a powerful Rangahau kaupapa through He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her vision aims to amplify whānau voices in research and policy for tamariki with vision impairments.
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.
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.
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 - 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.