Ara Taiohi

At the base of the professional association are core competencies which were developed as benchmarks for best practice in March 2008. The previous core competencies were based on the principles of youth development previously contained in the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa, and describe the strengths based and rights based professional practice of youth workers.   

As Mana Taiohi holds a crucial part of youth development today, we have adjusted the process to reflect Mana Taiohi principles throughout the application process.

We now have 10 Core Competencies: 

1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Practices Tiriti based partnerships 

2. Mana: Works in a strengths-based approach 

3. Mauri: Understand the context of young people 

4. Whakapapa: Supports the development of identity 

5. Te Ao: Critically reflects on the context of youth work in Aotearoa New Zealand 

6. Hononga: Identifying and strengthening connectedness 

7. Whanaungatanga: Building quality relationships 

8. Manaakitanga: Caring for young people, ensuring their holistic safety 

9. Whai Wāhitanga: Creating space for youth participation 

10. Matauranga: Youth workers are reflective practitioners, informed by rich and diverse matauranga  

We know by implementing this change, we will continue to whakamana youth work, all taiohi in Aotearoa, and the wider youth development sector. 

We need you to join Korowai Tupu and commit to the ongoing ethical support to young people, their whānau and communities. If you would like more information about the Korowai Tupu application process, please feel free to contact us.