Description

Tau Iho I Te Po Trust identify that concern and anxiety remain for the tamariki (children) and rangatahi living in isolated settlements along the eastern coast of Northland in the Whaingāroa rohe, which registered the highest rate of youth suicide in Aotearoa in 2013. In addition to the isolation of these tamariki and rangatahi, there are also concerns about how best to help them with frustration, boredom, distrust and confusion; and their desire to see and learn about the world, and how to help rangatahi who do not have the resources and knowledge to keep themselves safe.

Te Tau Iho I Te Po Trust’s project was designed to build resilience in whānau rangatahi by introducing them to new and unique experiences, people and challenges outside their province. These experiences were also to strengthen cultural identity and resilience while building confidence and knowledge of themselves. Critical to the project was the inclusion of rangatahi leaders and the Trust’s ability to engage with high-risk rangatahi where others have failed. The Kīwai Rangahau, Te Rau Matatini research and evaluation team was commissioned to undertake a review of the Waka Hourua Fund. The focus of this specific review is to assess and determine how the Tau Iho I Te Po Trust’s programme implementation aligns to the overall intent, and design of the Waka Hourua programme and what actually happened during its implementation (how much, how well, and is anybody better off).