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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. Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to and support youth workers and organisations across the motu. Our job is to advocate for the work you do, and make sure you have the resources you need to bring your best. Who We Are Looking for something specific? Quick access to some of the most visited areas of our website. Mana Taiohi A guiding framework for positive youth development in Aotearoa. Resources + Tools Guides, frameworks, and latest research from the sector. Code of Ethics Ethical guidance to support safe, accountable youth work. Supervision Find a supervisor to support your reflective practice and professional growth. Training + Wānanga Practical learning for practitioners at all stages. Membership Join our membership communities - Ngā Kaihoe, Korowai Tupu, and Ara Taiohi. Join a community of youth workers and organisations. Becoming a member is the best way to be part of what we do; if it's not for you, you can still stay connected by joining our mailing list. Membership Subscribe What's happening in the youth development sector? The Digital Youth Sector Hub is now live! Log In

< Back Jennifer Shepheard My Approach Qualifications BASS Bachelor in social services Post grad in Kaitiakitanga/ Bicultural Supervision Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly jennifershepheard4@gmail.com Previous Next

MOSAIC Practice Note Download

Your Week Your Way Youth Week is a time to celebrate the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi and to champion a society that genuinely supports young people to thrive. It's a moment for communities, whānau, and organisations to recognise what young people bring to the table: your creativity, your energy, your courage to imagine things differently, and the very real ways you shape the world around you every single day. More than a calendar event, Youth Week is a collective commitment to a society that supports young people to thrive. Hyping Each Other Up For rangatahi, Youth Week is something a little different. It's not about being handed a trophy for being young - it's an invitation to take up space, make noise, and celebrate the world you and your friends are already creating. It's a chance to amplify the things you care about, showcase what you're building, and connect with others who are doing the same. This week belongs to you - own it! Youth Week is your moment to use your voice to celebrate where you and your crew are at, and everything it took to get here. Look around at the people beside you and think about what they've achieved, what they've built, and the ways they show up every day. This is a week to hype your friends, acknowledge your peers, and shout out the people in your world who deserve to be seen. The friendships, the growth, the moments where you all showed up for each other, that's the stuff worth making noise about. And while you're at it, let yourself be celebrated too because every win you've claimed, every skill you've picked up, every time you backed yourself and it paid off, is worth recognising. So this week, celebrate each other loudly and proudly. Our Voice Matters - Ways to Celebrate Go support your mates - turn up to their game, comp, or training and cheer them on Try something new together - whether it's a random sport, a walk, a swim or just moving your body in a fun way Share your sporting story - you never know if might inspire someone else to start their Sport Shout out to your people - the friends who hype you up, the communities that welcomed you or the creators who inspire you! Create a highlight reel - dig out photos and clips that capture you and your mates' journey so far. Host a Youth Week gaming tournament - whatever the game and whatever the skill level. Online Celebrate your creative friends - ask about their work. go to their exhibitions and show them some aroha Plan a creative hangout - paint, draw, design, or make something together Share your mates' work (with permission) to help their voice and creativity reach more people Art Tell your story in public - write a post, record a video or speak at an event about something you've experienced or believe in. Submit your work somewhere new - send your ideas to a publication, a competition or a platform you've never tried before. Speak at something - volunteer to present, perform, or MC Spoken Word Go to your local Youth Week event and join in the performances and open mic nights Back your talented mates - stream their music, attend their shows and hype them up online Create something together - dance, freestyle or jam, Express yourself! Music & Dance Cook & share a meal - gather your friends and whānau for some kai Document the week - appoint yourself the unofficial archivist of your Youth Week and capture everything through photos, journalling or sketching Do something for your community - organise a clean up, create a mural or plant something! Other Resources for Celebrating Youth Week Logo Download Youth Week Image 2026 Download Download Youth Week Posters Download Download Customisable Youth Week Posters - Add your own details Edit Edit Edit Edit Customisable Email Signature Edit Customisable Social Media Tiles Edit Edit Edit Edit

< Back Mere Thompson Kia ora koutou Ko Puketapu te maunga Ko Ngaruroro te awa Ko Tākitimu te waka Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi Ko Ngāti Hinemanu me Ngāi Te Upokoiri ngā hapu Ko Ōmahu te marae Ko Mere Thompson tōku ingoa I am a wahine Māori and a solo māmā to my 16‑year‑old daughter, who is my greatest motivation and the reason I strive to create a safe, stable, and fulfilling future for us both. My passion for supporting others, combined with my personal and professional experiences, has shaped my journey into social work and into the Kaitiakitanga movement as a bicultural professional supervisor. Through my own path of self‑discovery, I have reconnected deeply with my cultural identity and proudly stand in my role as a wahine Māori. My career has enabled me to work within a Kaupapa Māori organisation alongside rangatahi who are under the care and protection of Oranga Tamariki, advocating for their wellbeing and supporting them to either return to their whānau or transition into adulthood as confident, self‑determining individuals. I have also had the privilege of working within a Kaupapa Māori organisation, where I led a team delivering a Kaupapa Māori Alcohol and Other Drug programme at Wiri Women’s Prison. In my role as a Mental Health Practitioner and AOD Clinician, I supported incarcerated wāhine to explore their addictions and address the challenges that contributed to their circumstances. I remain a committed advocate for wāhine and tamariki, and I continue to seek opportunities to create meaningful change and uplift the wellbeing of our people. My Approach My model of practice, Hononga, is an extension of who I am as mana wahine — shaped by mātauranga, lived experience, and the personal, professional, and cultural journeys that have informed my identity. Hononga reflects the way I engage with others and the way I form mana‑enhancing, reciprocal relationships grounded in authenticity and respect. At the centre of my practice is te ngākau. Everything I do, every decision I make, and every connection I build is guided by the heart. This principle anchors my approach and ensures that my practice remains relational, culturally aligned, and deeply human. Qualifications Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences majoring in Alcohol and Other Drugs. Kaitiakitanga Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Supervision. Bachelor of Applied Social Work. Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly mere@wairere.org.nz Previous Next

< Back Madeleine Taylor Tena koutou katoa, welcome to looking for a supervisor. I grew up in the Wairarapa on a farm, I went to boarding school before university, since then have worked in a range or health, mental health and community organizations. For the last 25 years have been working in private practice, teaching, facilitating and providing supervision and coaching. I am married and we have three offspring, who have taught us many things. My Approach Client lead, holistic, systems thinking, eclectic, practical and supportive. With a strong sense of accountability to the history of Aotearoa and the ability to support you through difficult times. Conflict management is my thing. Qualifications BSW, Cert Org TA (New Zealand), Reg Social Worker, Cert Parent Coach, Cert Leadership Coach ICEL, Cert Mediation. Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Resolution Institute Connect with the Supervisor Directly Madeleine@peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz Previous Next

< Back Daisy Halafihi-Ta'ufo'ou Mālō e lelei. My name is Daisy, and I am a proud Tongan, born and raised in South Auckland, NZ. I am a mother of three children, a devoted wife, and I live with my parents, who are in their 80s. These are my blessings. They shape not only who I am, but also my values, work ethic, and perspectives. My Approach I bring over 20 years’ experience in the social services sector, working with children, young people, and adults. My passion lies in supporting young people, particularly those who are disengaged or experiencing challenges and in developing leadership among Pasifika youth. In supervision, I focus on building trusting relationships and creating a safe, supportive space for reflection and growth. My approach is practical, encouraging, and grounded in real-world experience. My Christian values underpin my practice and guide how I engage with others, with empathy, respect, and purpose. Qualifications BA arts Maj Social Sciences Cert in conflict resolution Post grad cert in cultural supervision Profesional Association Korowai Tupu Connect with the Supervisor Directly dtsupervision@gmail.com Previous Next

< Back Belinda Urquhart As an experienced coach, supervisor and project lead, I work with professionals across a range of sectors. I enjoy supporting new graduates, emerging leaders and experienced professionals alike, and value the depth and diversity that a variety of roles bring to Supervision. My Approach I have a strong interest in helping people consolidate their practice, build confidence in evolving roles, and navigate the pressures of modern society. My background spans clinical nursing, practice management, coaching, quality and risk management, service redesign, and strategic project leadership – giving me a grounded understanding of both frontline realities and organisational complexity. Across all my work, my focus is on strengthening capability, supporting wellbeing, and helping individuals and teams thrive in sustainable, meaningful ways. Qualifications Certified Health Coach Bachelor of Nursing PGDipHSc (Leadership & Management) PGCertHSc Profesional Association HCANZA - Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Connect with the Supervisor Directly Belle@essentialchoices.co.nz Previous Next

< Back Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Health & Sport The Kindness Institute Charitable Trust. Target Age: 12-18 Address: 100 Coronation Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 5:00 pm adam@thekindnessinstitute.com Join us for a free Youth Week wellness yoga drop in at New Lynn Community Centre. This event will offer a welcoming space for young people to slow down, move their bodies, and support their wellbeing through guided yoga sessions led by two instructors. Healthy kai will be provided, and the event will be promoted through local schools and the community centre to encourage rangatahi to connect, recharge, and take part in Youth Week. Previous Next

< Back Youth Circus Festival Cultural, Art, Other Circability Target Age: 12-17 Address: 203-271 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 12:00 pm https://events.humanitix.com/youth-circus-festival-2026 office@circability.org Circability is proud to present another fun-filled Youth Circus Festival, taking place this May 2026 at Circability Central in Auckland—a youth-led event celebrating people of all ages, abilities, and cultures. Previous Next

< Back Troy Wathey Hi, my name is Troy Wathey. I have over 20 years of experience working across government, NGOs, and private services, supporting individuals and couples through a range of challenges, including stress, relationships, mental health, and addiction. I hold a Master of Social Work and work as a CBT therapist, while remaining open to a range of other methods and therapeutic approaches. This provides a strong clinical foundation alongside practical, real-world experience. I would describe myself as grounded, client-centred, and solution-focused, with a strong understanding of the conflicts and stressors that come with the times we are living in. I aim to create a space that is both professional and easy to engage in, where you can feel comfortable being open and honest. I offer supervision and talk-based services across Hawke’s Bay and throughout New Zealand. My Approach I came into supervision after recognizing how important it is when it is done well. As you will learn the longer you are in field more support or guidance you will need at times. Effective social work supervision, with someone who genuinely wants to support others, can make a real difference in helping people stay in your employment and continue to grow and develop. I value supervision as a space for reflection, honesty, and ongoing learning. It supports the development of both professional skills and personal insight, helping you become not only a better social worker, but also a more grounded person. I aim to provide supervision that is supportive, practical, and meaningful, with a focus on real conversations that make a difference. Qualifications Qualifications Master of Social Work – including papers in Mental Health, Addictions, and Supervision Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT) Trained in Brainspotting – alongside other evidence-based therapeutic approaches Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly troywathey@hotmail.com Previous Next

Youth Week Aotearoa is a better place because of young people! Youth Week is a nationwide campaign, running from 18th - 24th May 2026, 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. 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! YOUTH - LED EVENTS Check out all the events that took place in 2026! Read More YOUTH WEEK, YOUR WAY Are you a rangatahi looking for ideas of how to celebrate? View More STANDING WITH RANGATAHI Ideas for how to celebrate the young people in your life. View More Why celebrate? One in six kiwis are aged between 12-24 - they are our emerging workforce, creators, innovators and leaders 2026 Youth Week Image This year's amazing image has been designed by Sao May Nguyen, a young multidisciplinary designer and content creator from Vietnam, now based in Auckland. For this year's image, she drew inspiration from a blend of modern design and pop art to reflect how young people express themselves in today’s world: bold, creative, and full of energy! More details 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 Revolution : The 2026 Youth Week Waiata A group of emerging artists from Te Karanga Trust have written, performed and produced a powerful new waiata, Revolution , to mark Youth Week 2026. Listen, add it to your playlists, and play it at all your Youth Week events! Listen and Learn More