Youth Development
Tuia
The Tuia programme is a nationwide initiative to nurture young Māori leaders through mentorship with local mayors.
Each mayor selects a young Māori member of their community to mentor over a year, meeting regularly to discuss leadership, cultural values, and local issues. This partnership promotes mutual learning and intergenerational understanding.
Rangatahi take on a 100-hour community service project to apply their skills and gain real-world experience. They also participate in four leadership wānanga each year, building connections with peers and past graduates who offer support and guidance. To be eligible, rangatahi must be aged 18-25, actively involved in their community, commit to part-time involvement for at least 12 months, and have support from their whānau or community.
Outward Bound
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs partners with Outward Bound to give young people the opportunity to unlock their potential through challenge, resilience, and personal growth.
Each year, our partnership with Outward Bound offers some opportunities for mayors to nominate rangatahi from their communities to receive a scholarship valued at $5,434 with a remaining course fee of $1,000 per person enabling them to attend a 21-day Outward Bound Classic course in Anakiwa, Marlborough Sounds. The courses, designed for 18–26 year olds, combine outdoor challenges, teamwork, and reflection to build confidence, self-awareness, and leadership skills.
Rangatahi are expected to contribute some funds through fundraising, strengthening their connection to community support. Travel arrangements are managed by the participant, ensuring they take ownership of the experience. This partnership is especially focused on young people who will use their Outward Bound experience to further contribute to their communities, developing the soft skills needed to thrive in both personal and working life. Nominations are advised to member mayors year-round as they become available, and MTFJ works with mayors and nominees to match them with available course places.
Industry training graduations
MTFJ aims to raise the profile of trades and service careers, which offer young people accessible 'earn-and-learn' pathways.
These careers are especially important right now, as New Zealand faces a shortage of tradespeople.
To recognise the achievements of new graduates, MTFJ has partnered with a number of Work Based Learning Oganisations to enable Mayors to host Industry Training Graduations, where trainees and apprentices can celebrate their success with family, friends, and employers. These ceremonies are attended by graduates who’ve completed a National Certificate through an Industry Training Organisation (ITO), along with local mayors, councillors, and the ITOs.
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