Te Kura Takiwā o Taipa – Taipa Area School wins top prize at E Tū Rangatahi

"Nothing about us, without us" was the winning message at this year's E Tū Rangatahi - Stand Up Young Leaders, where Te Kura Takiwā o Taipa - Taipa Area School took first place for a pitch calling for young people to have a stronger voice in local decision-making.

Delivered through a partnership between Far North District Council and the Ministry of Education, the pilot event brought together rangatahi aged 15 to 24 from across the Far North District. Over several weeks, participants identified issues affecting their communities, developed innovative solutions and prepared pitches to share their ideas at the Mahinga Innovation Centre.

Te Kura Takiwā o Taipa - Taipa Area School's winning pitch focused on a simple but powerful idea: decisions affecting young people should include young people. The team highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for rangatahi to contribute to local decision-making and help shape the future of their communities.

As part of their prize, the team will have the opportunity to present their idea to the Mayor's Office, giving them a chance to share their proposal directly with local leaders.

Second place went to a team of Kaitaia College interns from Te Hiku Hauora for Pure Shift, an interactive app designed to support rangatahi on their journey to quit vaping through education, wellbeing tools and access to support services.

They received a scholarship from The Moko Foundation toward leadership programmes which aims to provide future pathways for leadership, employment and education for rangatahi in Far North.

Third place was awarded to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe, whose pitch encouraged greater youth participation in voting, highlighting the role rangatahi can play in shaping the future of their communities.

The range of ideas presented at E Tū Rangatahi reflected the issues that matter to young people across the Far North, including mental health, housing, financial wellbeing, marine conservation and employment opportunities. Together, the pitches showcased the creativity, insight and determination of rangatahi to find solutions and make a positive difference in their communities.

E Tū Rangatahi was delivered through a collaboration between Far North District Council and the Ministry of Education, with organisers hoping the event will become an annual opportunity for rangatahi to develop leadership skills, explore future pathways and put forward innovative solutions that can help shape the future of the Far North.

Far North District Council extends its thanks to the students, whānau, educators and supporters who helped bring the event to life. The council also acknowledges its collaborators at the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Commission, The Moko Foundation, ĀKAU, Healthy Families Far North, NGEN Room and Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust for their valued partnership and mentorship of rangatahi throughout the event.

Rangatahi can continue to make their voices heard through the Far North Youth Action Council. Applications are now open for young people aged 15 to 24 who want to share ideas, help design solutions to local challenges and make a positive difference in their communities. Applications close Friday 28 August at 5pm. Find out more on the Youth Action Council webpage.

Pictured below are the teams behind the top three winning pitches at this year's E Tū Rangatahi - Stand Up Young Leaders programme.

First place – Te Kura Takiwā o Taipa - Taipa Area School

Second Place - Kaitaia College interns from Te Hiku Hauora

Third Place - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe