Launch of Tīramarama Mai

I am pleased to be here today to celebrate Tīramarama Mai – an initiative piloted by Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu and one of the first commissioned by Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu in this region. 

Like many significant Māori developments Tīramarama Mai has grown from a need identified by Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu for rangatahi aged 14-16 years, who for a variety of reasons, have been excluded from mainstream education.

This programme caters for a maximum of 12 rangatahi who live in Marlborough.

It is an integrated alternative model of education that is whānau inclusive. 

It uses cultural and tikanga models of practice, and is focused on identifying and developing the individual strengths and talents of each rangatahi. 

Identity, connection and wellbeing are pivotal to this programme.

Whilst providing an individual learning plan specific to each young person’s goals and aspirations, the programme is integrated with the other services provided by Maataa Waka.

These include whānau social services, stopping violence services, youth social services, truancy and youth justice support services.

It is an initiative with the support of local colleges who are working in partnership with Maataa Waka to provide teaching expertise and resources; and with other service providers such as PHO, Te Piki Oranga, (Māori Health Provider) and AOD services.

Tīramarama Mai is a whānau ora approach. 

It is a collaborative effort with wrap-around services that puts whānau at the centre and which draws on whānau strengths and aspirations.

It is premised on the belief that if our rangatahi and their whānau are given the right support by the right people - they will have a chance to shine, and to achieve their goals and aspirations - Tīramarama Mai.

It is a whānau centred approach that other sectors must increasingly look to if they are to be effective in improving whānau wellbeing.

Never was there a more apt whakatauki for a programme than yours - ‘enrol your child, enrol your whānau’

Your service refers to the importance of meaningful and relevant learning. 

It befits Maataa Waka ki Te Tau Ihu vision of ‘Kia manaaki ai te iwi’ - let the people be cared for.

It gives life to your mission ‘Ki te whakarato i ngā taputapu e hāngai ana ki te kaupapa Māori kia whakapakari ake i te whānau: - to provide tools within a kaupapa Māori framework which make a positive difference for whānau.

I would like to acknowledge the Co-ordinator of the Tīramarama Mai Rangatahi Programme, Thomas Ngaruhe who is well respected by the rangatahi he works with and who brings to this important role experience in social services.

And Emma-Jaye King, the youth social worker and team leader who has worked tirelessly to get Tīramarama Mai to the stage it is today. 

Both have invested heavily in making Tīramarama Mai available to rangatahi in Marlborough.

Tīramarama Mai is innovative because it aims to create transformation for whānau.

This is not the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff scenario.

This is forward-focused investment, so our rangatahi have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge and reach their full potential. 

This is a significant commitment because whānau development is critical in order to lift Māori achievement and what better place to start than here at a regional level.

This programme represents local people providing locally based solutions, and stepping up to drive community and iwi growth.

This initiative takes courage and I am proud of your commitment to each other.

Rangatahi who have strong whānau support and strong iwi support can overcome obstacles and reach out for opportunities.

Rangatahi with a good education bring strength to the whānau - knowledge and skills the whānau need to look after each other.

As much as this initiative is about bringing our young people back to the learning system, it is also about the needs of the community and iwi, and what they can do to support the education of our next generation of leaders.

If this initiative is to succeed, then old attitudes and old practices have to change.

That is why I congratulate Marlborough Boys College, Marlborough Girls College and Queen Charlotte College who have shown their willingness to work with tangata whenua.

I congratulate Te Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu on its innovation; and for investing in whānau through our next generation of leaders.