Mana Taiohi is a principle-based framework that informs the practice of those who work with young people in Aotearoa. It has evolved from the principles of youth development previously expressed in the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa, or YDSA (Ministry of Youth Affairs 2002).

In order to encompass the range of contributions for the Arotake (review) of the YDSA, and to reflect calls for a kaupapa Māori and Tiriti-based concept, a Māori framework was developed. 

The Kete Kupenga framework features a loose diamond weave that starts simply and develops into an intricate knot, where double strands meet. The four double strands feeding into the knot represent components of intersectional youth development: 

• Te Ao Māori (Māori world) 

• Taiohi (young people) 

• Kaimahi (workers: people who work with young people  

• Mātauranga (knowledge, research). 

The knots themselves represent key points of whakapapa in those intersections, such as events or publications. The space between the weave represents wairua, time and place. 

A review of the YDSA resulted in the release of the Mana Taiohi principles in October 2020. Their release became the catalyst for the third edition of the Code of Ethics, as the previous edition was now out of date. 

Mana Taiohi is not a model of youth development. These principles are interconnected, holistic, and exist in relation to one another. Without any one of them, the others are weak. 

Find out more about the principles at our Mana Taiohi pages.