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Youth Led Events Youth-led events are what make Youth Week come alive. Every year, rangatahi around Aotearoa dream up and run their own celebrations - stuff that reflects who they are and what they care about. We’ve seen everything from epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to chill hangouts and sharing kai with the community. Whatever it looks like, Youth Week hits different when it’s led by young people your young people, and that energy is what makes the festival of events so special. Want to build your leadership skills & be part of a team that plans a Youth Week event? Planning a Youth Week event starts with figuring out what you and your crew care about. Think about the kind of vibe you want - something creative, something active, something chill, something that brings people together, or something that uses your voice to spark change. So where do you start? Your idea: What’s the purpose? What do you want people to feel or experience? Your people: Who’s helping? Who’s coming along? Your place: Where will it happen? Your plan: What do you need to make it happen? Think about gear, support, funding, food, music, and transport? Your backup: Who’s there to support you? Is there a youth worker, school, community group, council, or local organisation that can help you with the logistics? Although anyone can run a Youth Week event, we’ve got a small pool of funding available to help support some events. It’s there to give your idea a bit of a boost - maybe to cover some materials, kai, or the basics you need to get things rolling. Huge thanks to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport NZ, and Te Rourou Foundation for making this possible. Youth Week Grants

Accessible Event Toolkit We are excited to gift this resource to the sector and wider community to ensure that all young people are able to participate and celebrate Youth Week with us. Many thanks to our friends at Deaf Aotearoa for helping us to create this toolkit. We acknowledge that some of these considerations could include a considerable cost and this means that not every event can achieve every point. Our hope is that this toolkit becomes the primary way you plan, prepare, connect and resource your future events. What's an accessible events Ensuring all people are equally able to participate in events including the cultural aspects, networking, attending meetings/conferences and social components. Hosting accessible events provide for a wider range of people to participate and benefit from the events. In this way greater perspectives can be gained. Access for people with disabilities is not only about physical access to buildings for wheelchair users, but also includes access to written information for people with vision impairments and access to public announcements for Deaf people. How can we achieve accessible events? The aim: Apply the Universal Design Principles as a guide or format to host accessible events. These principles integrate various mobility and informative needs. A key aspect incorporates decision making of disabled people from the start. Full accessibility means all people are treated with respect and can maintain their dignity, gaining and offering as much from the gathering as anybody else. Reasonable adjustments to the event are required to be made to ensure accessibility for all. It is essential to consider how the individuals are informed to fully equip people to participate. Easy access information provided to meet disabled people’s needs is a priority, this can be completed in several ways including: A range of marketing with: large clear print audio braille communication systems, video with audio and subtitles/sign language (NZSL). Accessible websites should be provided by communicating with disabled people or disabled organisations to identify specific needs. Event Checklist Download the toolkit in word format Invitation: Use plain language, simple fonts, word format and include in emails, easy read options, assessable venue, and assessable events. Registration: If unsure of a request personally contact the person to discuss specifics. Have an educated welcoming person at the front door to direct people, offer a lowered area and a seat at the registration desk. Transport: Check to see what else the attendee might need and arrange assessable (wheelchair hoist) transport as needed in advance. If possible, arrange for taxi vouchers to be sent to people prior to the event. Parking, ensuring accessible car parking spaces available close to the front door. Signage: Clear signage is essential (event sessions, parking spaces, refreshments, meals, toilets, exits, and other facilities). Consider tactile, visual and audio signage, large print, easy to read and symbols. Venue/facilities: Appropriately sized room for amount of people, easy manoeuvrability for wheelchair users, assessable toilets. Check service dogs are welcome and identify areas where service dogs can be toileted. Check acoustics and set up loop system. Book sign language interpreters (including in Te Reo Māori). Catering: Dietary requirements, staff assistance provided as needed- carrying plates/ serving and serving area at height accessibility. Tables set up for eating and straws available for use. Water for assistance dogs should be checked. Room set up: Lighting should be bright enough for people to see interpreters without harsh or strong lightening for people with visual impairments. Ensure seats and space for wheelchair users. Consider a quiet room or space for those with heightened sensitivity. Documentation: Available in accessible formats including pre-reading and info packs. All documents in plain language using dark text on plain or light-coloured background with size 12 font. Note takers as requested on registration form. Presentation/Stage access: Ramp accessibility, space for wheelchairs to turn, sign language interpreters, and PowerPoint presentations available, big screens used to clearly view presentation, and plain language used. Sound systems with microphones. Reserve seating at the front for people using sign language interpreters. Timeframes reviewed, ensure enough time for breaks, and consider the speed of the presentation. Evaluation/closing: Evaluation to include a section about the accessibility of the event and closing should be done in culturally appropriate manner. Other considerations: Question of personal support, awareness, and review of allergies or those sensitive to soaps or smells etc, and emergency evacuations examined. When hosting an accessible event, full participation, and enablement of everyone attending the event is a necessity and should be considered. Hospitality involves inclusion of all people and cultural rights being honoured and respected

Youth Week 2026 Youth Week 20256 will be here before you know it! We're excited to announce that this year's theme "Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o nga taiohi! Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard!" was chosen by young people and the youth sector. We can't wait to see how you celebrate! More info Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to 4,000 people who work with young people every day. Our sector is based on a positive youth development approach which focuses on nurturing young people’s strengths and abilities, fostering their healthy development, and promoting positive engagement with their communities. Learn More about Youth Work in Aotearoa

Career as a Youth Worker Youth Work is more than just a job—it’s a commitment to empower and uplift young people in Aotearoa. As youth workers, we play a vital role in supporting rangatahi to navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. A career as a youth worker is rooted in relationships, advocacy, and positive youth development. Whether you’re working in youth organisations, schools, health services, or justice settings, Youth Work is about walking alongside young people, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld. If you’re passionate about making a difference, explore the pathways, qualifications, and professional development opportunities available to help you thrive in this rewarding field. Qualifications Details of recognised Youth Work qualifications. Supervision Supervision provides youth workers with a safe place to reflect on professional development, personal support, organisational and practice issues. Code of Ethics An agreed set of guidelines for Youth Work in Aotearoa to ensure that youth work is carried out in a safe, skilled, ethical manner. Professional Development Staying informed, responsive, and equipped with the skills needed to support young people in a constantly changing world. Korowai Tupu Korowai Tupu is the Professional Association for Youth Work in Aotearoa. It is dedicated to forming genuine relationships with young people, their whānau, and the wider community to promote positive youth development. Youth work is a unique profession, and Aotearoa is a unique nation, which is why Korowai Tupu was designed by youth workers for youth workers to ensure it is an inclusive process for all, recognising experience, qualifications, and training. Read More

Youth Week Grants Before you jump in, please take a moment to read through the whole form so you’ve got everything you need. If you need any support at any stage, reach out on (04) 802 5000 or youthweek@arataiohi.org.nz . Dayna is always happy to kōrero and help with any pātai. A few key things to note Applications close Sunday 15 March, 5pm. Grants are up to $1,000 + GST. Keep answers clear and concise to support our youth grants panel to assess your application. Make sure you read our Terms and Conditions. Each year, Youth Week grants are oversubscribed. This means we can’t fund every application and may not be able to fund the full amount you have asked for. Please take your time to understand how our panel of youth assessors will consider your application. Our youth panel brings their own lived experience and expertise to the final assessment. Make sure your application clearly shows us how your idea lines up with the following criteria: Youth-Led: clearly show how your event was led by young people, from ideation to delivery to evaluation. Connection to the 2026 theme: show how your event reflects or celebrates the theme: “Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi – Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard.” Equity lens: We want to distribute funds fairly across Aotearoa. Our youth assessors will consider accessibility, regional representation and how your event uplifts or provides space for taiohi who are often underserved or underrepresented.  You and your organisation do not have be a membership of Ara Taiohi, however members do receive a small additional weighting as part of our commitment to recognising and strengthening the youth development sector. Apply Here Terms & Conditions You must fulfil each of these to be a successful applicant. I understand that funding will only be provided to legally registered organisations, not individuals. If your organisation submits more than one application, the maximum total we can allocate to that organisation is $1,000 + GST. Please check internally if there are multiple applications, as this may affect the outcome. I understand that grants are up to $1,000 + GST, i.e. if you are GST registered and request $1,000, your invoice will be $1,000 + GST, totalling $1,150. My event must be held during Youth Week 2026: 18-24 May, 2026. My event will be alcohol, smoke and drug-free. If my event is a public event, I will post it on the Ara Taiohi website on the Youth Week events schedule. I will share/tag my event with Ara Taiohi on Facebook and Instagram unless my event is a completely private event. I will include the Youth Week logo or theme image on promotional material. A payment and agreement form must be completed with details of who will receive the funds for my event. This must be provided alongside your invoice for payment. I will complete an evaluation form outlining how the Youth Week event went. This must be completed and returned to Ara Taiohi by 15 June 2026. I will distribute a participant survey to young people engaged in my event (Ara Taiohi will supply a link closer to the time).  I will distribute an engagement survey to young people directly involved in planning, decision-making, and/or delivering the funded event (Ara Taiohi will supply a link closer to the time). Privacy Statement We collect your information for the purpose of assessing your Youth Week application and contacting you about the grant. We will share organisation name and contact email and event details with our funders, for the purposes of supporting announcements and visits during Youth Week 2026. If anything sits outside of this, we will request permission before doing so.

Youth Week Grants Applicant’s contact details Ingoa Tutahi/ First name* Ingoa Tuarua/ Last name* Waea/ Phone* As the person filling this out for your organisation, are you:* Rangatahi (under 24) Youth Adjacent (25 +)) Your answer won’t affect your application Mahi/ Organisation Youth Week grants need to go through an organisation. Please tell us about the organisation applying for funding. Waea/ Phone* Wāhi Mahi/ Address* Which of these best describes your organisation? Select all that apply: * Youth Development Organisation School Swimming Pool Library Other Is this organisation or any staff members a member of Ara Taiohi? * Āe/ Yes Kao/ No Please contact me, I’d like to become a member Īmera/ Email* Your Event Name of event * Date of Event* Day Month Year Please describe your event and what do you hope to achieve (200 words)? * How are taiohi shaping this event through planning, decision-making, and/or delivery? How does their role demonstrate Whai Wāhitanga (youth agency and leadership)? * How does your event fit with the Youth Week theme ‘Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi - Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard’? * Youth Week should be inclusive and accessible to all young people. How will your event show manaakitanga by creating a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for all rangatahi, including those with diverse needs, identities, and backgrounds?* Think about physical access, sensory needs, transport, cost, cultural safety, etc. Will your Youth Week event involve one or more of the following types of physical activities. (Select all that apply to your event) * Artistic movement e.g. dance, circus arts, martial arts Cultural and Indigenous movement e.g. kapa haka, kai collection, siva afi Exercise and Fitness e.g. CrossFit/HIIT exercises, yoga, indoor rock climbing Outdoors e.g. hiking, mountain biking, ocean swim Sport for Recreation e.g. non-competitive and non-traditional sports, including surfing, skateboarding and parkour Sport e.g team sports, friendly competitions, coaching days No physical activity in our event Sport NZ contribute to the funding pool for Youth Week. This question helps us and them to understand whether your event offers opportunities for young people to be physically active. Collaboration Will you be working with, or getting support from any other organisations or services? * Budget Total estimated cost of your event: * Total amount you're applying to Ara Taiohi for (up to $1000+GST): * If you are GST registered, your GST will be added onto the amount you are requesting if successful. Example: Applying for $1,000, you will invoice $1,150. If you have any questions about GST, please email youthweek@arataiohi.org.nz Please upload a budget that includes three columns: 'Item', 'Cost', 'How it'will be funded'. * Upload File Outline all the costs of your event, and specify how you plan to fund them. If you are gaining funding or sponsorship from other sources, please include this. Terms & Conditions I agree to the terms and conditions * Agree Submit Please note - grant applications close on 15th March 2026

Whakapapa of Youth Week Youth Week began in 1995 with a handful of events scattered throughout Canada. Since then it has gathered momentum and is now celebrated each year in countries all around the world. Aotearoa New Zealand first marked Youth Week in the late 1990s, with NZAAHD weaving the first festivals and later entrusting it’s celebrations to Ara Taiohi in 2010. 2025 Whai Wāhitanga Take Our Place 2024 We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho. 2023 Leaders of (tomorrow?) today! Ehara ahau i te rangatira mō āpōpō, engari he rangatira ahau mō tēnei rā. 2022 Our voices matter. We deserve to be heard. Taringa whakarongo! ki te reo o ngā taiohi. 2021 We’re stronger together. He waka eke noa

Youth Week Aotearoa is a better place because of young people! Youth Week is a nationwide campaign that celebrates this! It brings us all together to recognise the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi, and to champion a society that supports young people to thrive. TARINGA WHAKARONGO! KI TE REO O NGĀ TAIOHI OUR VOIECS MATTER! WE DESERVE TO BE HEARD 18.05.25 - 24.05.26 Celebrating Rangatahi Youth Week is all about celebrating everything that young people contribute to Aotearoa - just by being themselves. Too often, the amazing things young people bring to our communities go unnoticed - Youth Week aims to change that! Youth Week is for everyone. It’s about noticing and valuing the ways young people shape our hapori and world around us. Joining in the celebration means honouring the mana and energy they bring to the world. This year, our focus is all about making sure youth voices are heard. ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard’ is a chance for rangatahi to share themselves in the ways that feel right to them - through kōrero, creativity, culture, leadership, and everyday actions. We cannot wait to see how you all interpret the theme! Why celebrate? One in six kiwis are aged between 12-24 - they are our emerging workforce, creators, innovators and leaders Youth-Led Events Planning an amazing event Read More Youth Week, Your Way Youth Week resources for Rangatahi View More Standing with Rangatahi Celebrate the young people in your life View More The Whakapapa of Youth Week Youth Week began in 1995 with a handful of events scattered throughout Canada. Since then it has gathered momentum and is now celebrated each year in countries all around the world. Aotearoa New Zealand first marked Youth Week in the late 1990s, with NZAAHD weaving the first festivals and later entrusting it’s celebrations to Ara Taiohi in 2010. More details

Our Membership Members are a core component of our peak body mahi, and help to shape the work Ara Taiohi does for the wider youth development community. As a Member, you will connect with hundreds of other members who share your heart for young people; together, we can continue to grow our influence for the benefit of all taiohi. Meet our Current Members Membership Structure Personal Members Ara Taiohi Personal membership is open to anyone who works with young people in a way that supports their positive youth development, or who works in the ecosystem of youth development that makes positive change for rangatahi. What are the benefits of membership? -Discounts on Ara Taiohi resources -Discounts on hui, events and conferences (such as INVOLVE) -Access to our regular e-newsletters and other communications -Voting and speaking rights at the Ara Taiohi AGM and Special General Meetings, and the option to be nominated to the Ara Taiohi Board. -Preferential application to our annual Youth Week grants scheme -Early access to Ara Taiohi trainings -The opportunity to inform and influence how we advocate for issues affecting rangatahi, the youth development sector and its workforce But more importantly, you would be joining our collective commitment to the investment into the taiohi of Aotearoa, and into the growth of this community. The greatest benefit you can get from joining Ara Taiohi is what you put in… so become a members and let us know how you’d like to get involved. What are the expectations of Members? Upon joining, Personal Members are asked to sign their commitment to upholding Mana Taiohi – the principles of youth development, and the Code of Ethics for Youth Work. Members of the public can raise complaints about Ara Taiohi Members; if a Member were found to be in breach of Mana Taiohi or the Code of Ethics, then their membership could be revoked. Members are expected to pay an annual membership fee, which aligns with our financial year beginning 1 July. In years where Ara Taiohi can offer the option to opt out of fees, it is expected that members communicate in writing that they wish to take up this option. What is the cost? There is no application fee, but Members are charged an annual fee. This is dependent on your employment status. Waged (i.e. in paid employment): $80 +GST Unwaged (i.e. volunteers and students): $40 +GST Note: Annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. Members who join during the year pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until they are aligned with the renewal date. In some years, Ara Taiohi may be able to offer the option to opt out of fees. Where this is offered, Personal Members need to indicate they are taking up this offer. Group Members Any organisation with an interest in the work of Ara Taiohi can become a Group Member. We especially encourage youth organisations or teams with a youth focus in their work to join. What are the benefits of membership? As a Group Member, any of your staff and volunteers are able to access the direct benefits included in membership: -Discounts on Ara Taiohi resources -Discounts on hui, events and conferences (such as INVOLVE) -Access to our regular e-newsletters and other communications -Voting and speaking rights at the Ara Taiohi AGM and Special General Meetings, and the option to be nominated to the Ara Taiohi Board. -Preferential application to our annual Youth Week grants scheme -Early access to Ara Taiohi trainings -The opportunity to inform and influence how we advocate for issues affecting rangatahi, the youth development sector and its workforce But more importantly, you would be joining our collective commitment to the investment into the taiohi of Aotearoa, and into the growth of this community. The greatest benefit you can get from joining Ara Taiohi is what you put in… so become a members and let us know how you’d like to get involved. What are the expectations of Members? Upon joining, Group Members are asked to sign their commitment to upholding Mana Taiohi – the principles of youth development, and the Code of Ethics for Youth Work. Members of the public can raise complaints about Ara Taiohi Members; if a Member were found to be in breach of Mana Taiohi or the Code of Ethics, then their membership could be revoked. Group Members are expected to pay an annual membership fee, which aligns with our financial year beginning 1 July. In years where Ara Taiohi can offer the option to opt out of fees, it is expected that members communicate in writing that they wish to take up this option. A Primary Contact is required as the main point of contact for your Group Membership. This person will receive our emails about your membership, keep your organisation details updated and be able to vote on behalf of your organisation at our AGM. If the person designated as your Primary Contact were to leave the organisation, you would be required to provide a new Primary Contact. What is the cost? There is no application fee, but Members are charged an annual fee. This is dependent on the number of people in your organisation working with rangatahi: -Tiny: (1-2 FTE working directly with young people) $100 +GST -Small: (3-7 FTE working directly with young people) $165 +GST -Medium: (8-17 FTE working directly with young people) $385 +GST -Large: (18+ FTE working directly with young people) $550 +GST Note: Annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. Members who join during the year pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until they are aligned with the renewal date. How can I connect if I don't want to be a Member? If you aren’t ready or aren’t interested in joining Ara Taiohi as a Member, then we’d still love to connect with you! The best way to do this is to join our mailing list so you can keep updated with our news. Join Mailing List Personal Members Joining Ara Taiohi as a Personal Member connects you with a national network of youth workers and provides access to professional development, resources, and collective advocacy. Apply Group Members Becoming a Group Member of Ara Taiohi strengthens your organisation’s connection to the youth development sector and offers tailored support, sector updates, and opportunities to influence positive change together. Apply Korowai Tupu Korowai Tupu is the Professional Association for Youth Work in Aotearoa. It is dedicated to supporting you in your professional identity whilst setting standards of best practice and accountability. Korowai Tupu also advocates for the profession of Youth Work and its workforce. Apply

Our Current Members Our members are the backbone of our sector, working with young people on a daily basis. This tool allows you to explore our current membership. Search Database Siaosi Ulugia Auckland Juliet Leeming Wellington Mat Badger Wellington Paul Thompson Wellington Joanna Scott Waikato Cheryl Campbell Otago Nikki Hurst Wellington Henio Koloi Wellington Laura Hatwell Wellington Georgia Faofua Auckland Vincent Nathan Northland Philomena Sinisa Auckland Maleina Gray Canterbury Chillion Sanerivi Auckland Richard Chambers Canterbury Miranda Palmer Auckland Lauren Thorley Wellington Maxine Sweeney Marlborough Rhiannon Gibbs Auckland Jacob Gerken Southland Jo Sherwood Canterbury Lorna Gray Wellington Sharon Davis Northland Briarley Birch Northland Eleanor Pōtaka Auckland Sarah Finlay-Robinson Auckland Steph Brook Auckland Hariata Makiha Auckland Amber Hearn Auckland Eddy Davis-Rae Wellington Tania Liuagamatagi Auckland Jeanne O'Brien Manawatu-Whanganui Samuel Hansen Bay of Plenty Lisa Hann Wellington Tess Parker Auckland Rob Luisi Auckland William Mark-Brown Auckland Davy Walters Wellington Jennifer Huddlestone Otago Imogen Stone Auckland Abigail Clark Wellington Keith Robertson Waikato Emma Drake Auckland Shannon Clarke Waikato Victoria Carson Auckland Jelena Ahokava Auckland Kerryn Carson Auckland Brian Johnson Canterbury Sammi Petersen Auckland Abraham Kunin Auckland Joanne Nowak Wellington Shane Ah-You Auckland Matthew Rongo Auckland Emily Skogstad Wellington Shannan Wong Wellington Kelli Bennett Auckland Annie Phillipson Overseas Dylan Perfect-Tait Waikato Amanda Murray Canterbury Matt Renata Wellington Stephen Palmer Wellington Vicki Hawkins Auckland Matt Grey Auckland Del Crummer Auckland Debbie Houston-Tupou Wellington Tayla Taylor Canterbury Helen Perkins Auckland Diane Jerry Southland Lloyd Martin Hawke's Bay Kahu Ritchie Wellington Josephine Maireroa Auckland Brittany Webber Auckland Jeyantha Jeyseelan Auckland Saskia Walsh Nelson-Tasman Emelita Luisi Auckland Sam Te Kira Wellington Cherrill Rave Auckland Lee Huggins Wellington Grace Gillard Wellington Isabel Lemanutau Wellington Richard Bell Wellington Raelene Hoogeveen Waikato Alana Goldsack Otago Akenehe Pereira Wellington Rod Baxter Wellington Adam John Brown-Rigg Auckland Joanah Phillips Taranaki Mandy Hay Wellington Beth Gibbes Auckland Soni Kula Marlborough Reagan Kupa Waikato Stewart Irwin Wellington Karen Howieson Nelson-Tasman Jo Lane Marlborough Lisa Gatward Auckland Chloe Bisley-Wright Wellington Morgan Goodwin Auckland Emma Peek Canterbury Rosie Whaitiri Manawatu-Whanganui Charmaine Tuhaka Hawke's Bay Fiona Beals Wellington Chris Martin Canterbury Maureen Samuel Wellington Heather Blissett Wellington Briana Fleming Wellington Lauren O’Sullivan Taranaki Trystan Swain Canterbury Trey Subritzky Northland Wendy Savieti N/A Henry Pouniu Auckland Chris Efford West Coast Jessica Hedge Wellington Wesley Finau Wellington Katilin Kirk Wellington

Becoming a Korowai Tupu Member Interested in Joining? We’d love to kōrero! Please email the team at korowaitupu@arataiohi.org.nz who can connect with you by email, phone or online as required. Who can apply to Korowai Tupu? Korowai Tupu is for youth workers who are already working alongside young people and who view Youth Work as their professional identity. Korowai Tupu is not an education pathway, so it is not the avenue for starting a Youth Work career: individuals entering the field are encouraged to gain some experience or undergo a formal qualification before applying to Korowai Tupu. What do you need to apply to Korowai Tupu? To apply to Korowai Tupu, you need to be able to pass certain criteria and show evidence of your Youth Work understanding and practice. We encourage anyone with previous Youth Work experience or qualifications in youth development or Youth Work to apply. A complete application to Korowai Tupu includes: Undergoing a police vet*, including suppling two forms of ID Provision of references from a supervisor/ manager AND a young person you have worked with, who can speak to how you practice Youth Work An up-to-date CV Copies of any qualifications, professional development or training you have completed that is relevant to your Youth Work practice Responses to each of the Core Competencies for Youth Work which outline your understanding and application of Youth Work; these can be provided in writing or as video/ audio uploads. There are prompts and key questions to help you give comprehensive responses. Once your application has been confirmed as complete, it is assessed by the Korowai Tupu team to determine if you meet the standards of entry to the professional association. *Please note that outcomes of the check don’t necessarily determine eligibility. Where there are any concerns regarding the results of your police check we will contact you to discuss this and what options there are moving forward. If you are aware your police check will reveal convictions and would like to provide additional information about your police check and/or your journey since any conviction received please note it in your application. Who will assess my application? Decisions are made by a Korowai Tupu assessor, who are individuals with strong Youth Work experience and leadership in cultural competency particularly te ao Māori. Assessors are members of Korowai Tupu who work to ensure an inclusive, fair and efficient membership process for Korowai Tupu. Assessors cross-check their application decisions annually to ensure there is consistency in our decision-making. What about qualifications? If you can provide evidence that you have completed one of the following courses after 2018, then we can fast track your application! The Weltec-Whitireia Bachelor or Youth Development The Praxis Diploma of Youth Work Applying outside Aotearoa? No, as a New Zealand-based professional association, we can only accept applications from youth workers living in Aotearoa. If a person becomes a Korowai Tupu Member whilst living in Aotearoa but then moves overseas, they can choose whether to maintain their membership whilst living abroad. What are the fees? There is a one-off application fee of $90 (plus GST). This is charged at the beginning of your application process. If you do not complete your application and later wish to reapply, a new application fee will be charged. Korowai Tupu Members are charged an annual fee, based on their employment status: Full-time (30+ hours): $150 (plus GST) Part-time (less than 30 hours): $90 (plus GST) Volunteer or Student: $75 (plus GST) The annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. If you sign up during the year, you pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until you are aligned with the renewal date. Who pays my fees? This is for you to determine alongside any organisations where you serve as a youth worker – whether paid or voluntarily. Currently, approximately half of active Korowai Tupu Members have their fees paid by their workplace, with the remaining half paying their fees directly. If your paid mahi is Youth Work (or closely aligned) we encourage you to chat with your employer to determine if they will cover the application and annual fees. If Korowai Tupu membership is an expectation of your employer, then it would be expected that the organisation cover these costs.