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Organisational SROI Evaluations The following reports were created as part of a pilot phase of our mahi to better understand the impact of Youth Work delivered through community organisations and to establish a methodological foundation for a sector-wide social value project. Tararua Community Youth Services TCYS, a Dannevirke-based organisation focusing on the well-being of local taiohi, provided an example of youth work in a rural setting. The report assessed the value created for taiohi aged 15+ who engaged in TCYS in 2024/25. Flipbook Full Report

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. You will be notified by April 12th on the outcome of your application. 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. Applications from a branch of a national organisations that has multiple branches will be treated as an individual organisation (for example the Wellington branch and the Christchurch branch of a national organisation can each apply for $1,000 +GST). 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.

Professionalisation Consultation Youth Work is currently a voluntary, self-regulated profession. The voice of youth workers must inform any changes to the registration system, Background While youth workers remain accountable to their organisations, membership with Korowai Tupu provides professional accountability, a community of practice, and a way to champion high-quality Youth Work. Korowai Tupu is committed to the holistic safety of rangatahi across Aotearoa, and to setting strong, consistent standards for Youth Work across the motu. Our members’ practice is guided by our Code of Ethics, which provides guidance to ensure Youth Work is carried out in a safe, skilled, and ethical manner. Korowai Tupu is underpinned by 10 core competencies, reflecting the Mana Taiohi principles, commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and how a youth development approach can whakamana rangatahi in Aotearoa. Korowai Tupu is engaging with youth workers across the country to build awareness and engagement on professional Youth Work, how our existing structures are working for youth workers and for young people. Current realities to navigate Prioritisation: Less than 10% of youth workers are members of Korowai Tupu. Dire funding environment: Managers and organisations identify limited resources as the key reason they are unable to cover professional costs, including membership of a professional association, training and supervision. Stretched and stressed sector: While youth workers are working with increasingly complex needs, the highest stressors for youth workers relate to funding and resource limitations (renumeration, time etc.). Pay: The majority of youth workers are paid below the NZ median wage. Our goal is to see every young person in Aotearoa have access to safe, caring Youth Work practice to support their positive youth development. Under the guidance of the Korowai Tupu advisers, the sector has started to review our position on professional accountability, including exploring the option of more formal registration. Recent Developments The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith Care contains recommendations relating to staff and care workers, including youth workers. This includes a recommendation that the government should consult on the scope and nature of the professional ‘registration’ system. This works sits with the Crown Response Unit and will be informed in part by the recommendations of Korowai Tupu. The CRU will prioritise this work throughout 2026. Next Steps Survey Tāhano Roadshow Professionalisation Policy Directive The purpose of this multifaceted consultation is to build on our existing understanding of professionalisation to inform policy direction leading into the next election that clearly articulates the best system and structure to ensure young people’s safety within youth work relationships A survey seeking members' views on the potential changes to the regulation of youth workers will be shared with members' shortly In the coming months, members of the Ara Taiohi team will travel the country meeting with members to discuss their views on registration and what Korowai Tupu should include in the Professionalisation Policy Directive that we will publish in advance of this year's election. More info coming soon. In the lead-up to the 2026 Election we will release a Professionalisation Policy Directive that articulates what is need to create a system that ensures young people's safety within Youth Work relationships.

Sharing the impact of Youth Work Every youth worker can tell you how their work has helped shape the lives of ngā rangatahi they work with; who was able to get their driver's license, who developed the confidence that helped them get a part-time job or who would have ended up in the youth justice system with their help. They know the courage and determination it takes each young person to confront their personal challenges. Too often, this impact goes unseen or isn’t recognised in the way it should be. Our 'Youth Work Impact Project' mahi with Hands for Impact is all about telling the story of Youth Work's collective impact in Aotearoa. Together, we are creating an SROI analysis and ratio that will demonstrate the impact of our sector, the 'social value' we are bringing to communities across the motu, and to support youth organisations to better tell their own story. This mahi builds on our recent Mahi Tūturu research report on the landscape of Youth Work in Aotearoa, expanding the evidence base for the amazing Youth Work happening in Aotearoa. Stages of the project Testing our approach in a Youth Work context In partnership with two youth organisations we created in-depth SROI forecasts. This allowed us to test our tools, refine our approach, and ground the project in the realities of youth work practice. Click image for more details. Published Q1 2026 Exploring the sector's experience A Working Group of frontline and leadership Youth Work practitioners are helping to map key outcomes and explore how change happens. A broader review network, including funders, government officials and researchers will reflect on the findings to ensure they are aligned with sector experience. Q1-Q3 2026 Publication our findings and learnings Publication of our sector wide impact measurements, telling the story of the impact of Youth Work in Aotearoa, and sharing practical recommendations for the sector. Together with our Mahi Tūturu mahi, this analysis will strengthen the sector's ability to measure, communicate, and grow their social impact. Expected Q3 2026

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 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 Why celebrate? One in six kiwis are aged between 12-24 - they are our emerging workforce, creators, innovators and leaders Our 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

Mana Mana is the authority we inherit at birth, which can be affected by our choices and actions. It emphasises the rights of a young person to know about this and the decisions that impact them. Honouring the mana of young people involves celebrating their identities and acknowledging their realities. It supports them in finding their voice, working to their strengths, and stepping into leadership. Mana with Matt Mana Taiohi with Charmaine and Jane In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Charmaine Tuhaka and Jane Zintl explores how Mana Taiohi shapes the way we understand, engage with, and stand alongside rangatahi - highlighting its relevance in a rapidly changing social landscape and its potential to transform systems that impact young people. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Mana, Mauri & Matekino Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

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

About Us Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to over 4,000 people who work with young people across Aotearoa every day. We are a Tiriti-based, membership organisation which resources and advocates for the youth development sector. Vision An empowered ecosystem of youth development, where rangatahi thrive Mission Ara Taiohi exists to champion youth development and young people, advocating for those who work with rangatahi, and nurturing their capacity and capability. Tūruapō He taiao whakapūmau whakawhanake taiohi, e pūāwai mai ai a rangatahi. Whakatakanga Ka noho a Ara Taiohi hei kawau mārō i te mahi whakawhanake taiohi, i te hunga taiohi hoki, hei waha kōrero mō rātou e taunaki nei i te rangatahi ā ka poipoia hoki ō rātou raukaha me ō rātou āheinga. Youth Work is the development of a relationship that honours the mana of a young person, where young people actively participate, discover their power, and choose to engage for as long as agreed; and that supports their holistic, positive development as young people that contribute to themselves, their whānau, community and world. Our Values Uphold Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) As guardians of youth development, we nurture the sector with best practices and innovative solutions. Guided by kaitiakitanga, we are stewards of the futures of both our youth and our sector, caring for their wellbeing and development with respect and responsibility. We pledge to protect, preserve, and enhance the resources and potential of our rangatahi, ensuring a legacy of empowerment and growth for generations to come. Pursue Mana Taurite (Equity and Inclusivity) We envision a world where every voice is heard, every culture is celebrated, and every young person has an equal chance to shine. Ara Taiohi is dedicated to fostering equity, ensuring that every young person receives the opportunity and support to thrive. We champion fairness and actively work to resolve systemic issues, creating an inclusive environment where rangatahi potential is recognised and nurtured. Practise Manaakitanga (Care and Respect) Our approach is grounded in aroha, care, and respect for all. Whether collaborating with youth workers or advocating for change, we lead with kindness and generosity. Manaakitanga is our commitment to nurturing and uplifting the mana of everyone we interact with. It is about fostering an environment of respect, generosity, and support, ensuring that every interaction acknowledges and empowers the inherent dignity and potential within each person. Weave Kotahitanga (Unity) Like the intertwined threads of woven harakeke, we bring people together, uniting our strengths to support the collective wellbeing of our rangatahi. Ara Taiohi champions unity and collective action, weaving together diverse voices and strengths to create a harmonious and supportive environment. Our commitment to collaboration and shared purpose ensures that together, we build a stronger, more inclusive community. Our Whakapapa Since the 1960s we have had a rich history of large national youth organisations establishing umbrella organisations as a way to ‘provide a national voice on youth organisation interests’. Ara Taiohi grew out of a merger between the New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa (NYWNA), who come together to form a new national youth sector organisation. Ara Taiohi was launched at the INVOLVE national youth sector conference in November 2010 and became fully operational at the inaugural AGM in February 2011. Our Name Our name, Ara Taiohi was chosen in consultation by Māori members and our kaumatua, Tamati Cairns and Ruru Hona. ‘Ara’ means ‘pathway, lane, passageway to/from’ and ‘taiohi’ means ‘young person’ in Aotearoa. Therefore, Ara Taiohi is the pathway to and from young people. As a peak body we are committed to developing projects and sharing resources, tools and information to enhance practice. We bring together the power of our diverse sector to champion and advocate on issues that affects young people, and those who work with them. Together, we create a nationwide movement of people who work with young people. Our collective skills, knowledge and passion will help shape an Aotearoa where young people are valued, included and will thrive. We are the proud kaitiaki of

Eligibility criteria to become a Korowai Tupu member. Find out more about the process and fees. 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.

Our Board Meet the Ara Taiohi Board – a group of passionate, experienced leaders from across Aotearoa who help guide and support our mahi. They bring a wide range of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences, all with a shared commitment to the wellbeing of rangatahi. The Board keeps us focused on what matters most: supporting the youth development sector and staying connected to the needs of young people. RANIERA PENE KAIHAUTŪ About Raniera ATARAU HAMILTON BOARD MEMBER About Atarau CHILLION SANERIVI BOARD CO-CHAIR About Chillion ANYA SATYANAND BOARD MEMBER About Anya KEITH SHAW FARC CHAIR About Keith MOANA MATAUTIA-TEPANIA BOARD MEMBER About Mo ZOE FINDLAY BOARD MEMBER About Zoe

Hononga Taiohi With young people we understand hononga, identify and strengthen connections. Hononga is about joining and connection.  Linked to whakapapa, it is about connection to people, land/whenua, resources, spirituality, the digital world and the environment. When we understand hononga we recognise all the connected relationships in a young person’s world (whānau, peers, school, the community), and the places and spaces that support these. Young people are supported to identify and strengthen these connections. Strengthening hononga also means recognising the connection between the wellbeing of young people and the wellbeing of their social and natural environment. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohanui Hononga: Identify and Strengthen Connections In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Fati Tagoai explores the concept of Hononga. Read Here Kōrero Cafe: Hononga Hononga and the Code of Ethics 8. Tūhonotanga | Connectedness 9. Mahitahi | Collaboration Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.