A Western Bay of Plenty programme is helping young people unlock their potential by building confidence, strengthening identity and creating pathways to future opportunities.

Kia Mau Talent works with rangatahi aged 13-24 through kaupapa Māori workshops, summits, events and tailored programmes designed to meet the needs of each group.

Its work includes leadership development, confidence building, career exploration, practical life skills and mentoring, while also connecting young people with support when needed, a media release said.

The organisation works alongside whānau, schools, iwi, councils and community groups to ensure rangatahi can easily access the support available to them.

Kia Mau chair Kiri Diamond said the organisation’s approach started with recognising the strengths young people already had.

“Instead of starting with labels or outcomes, the team starts with the young person, with their identity, their strengths and the support they need to grow,” she said.

“We’re giving them permission to be who they are and they usually haven’t had that before.”

Sessions are practical and relationship-based, with facilitators taking time to understand the support already around each young person and what they needed moving forward.

Lead facilitator Jay Tihema said local rangatahi didn’t need fixing, they needed the right conditions to thrive.

“Their potential is already there, what’s missing are the right conditions to draw it out,” he said.

“When we stop boxing rangatahi into one narrow idea of success, their strengths show up in ways that often surprise the adults in the room.”

Tihema said changes could happen quickly when rangatahi were encouraged to step forward.

At a recent summit, young people nervous about speaking in front of a room full of community and government representatives became some of the most engaging speakers in the room.

Kia Mau’s work is supported by Tect Community Trust, which backs initiatives aimed at creating positive outcomes for young people and their communities.

Tect trustee Peter Blackwell said the value of Kia Mau’s work extended well beyond one programme or one young person itself.

“It strengthens their whānau, grows confidence and helps build a stronger future for our whole community,” he said.

“Kia Mau are helping our young people find their spark, back themselves and grow into the people they are capable of becoming.”

Over the past seven years, Kia Mau has connected with more than 500 rangatahi across the Western Bay of Plenty.

More information is available on the Kia Mau Talent website: www.kiamautalent.org.nz.