Supporting communities  |  5h ago

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Christchurch’s Māhinarangi Henry-Campbell (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Waihao, Puketeraki) is well on her way to becoming a people leader after taking part in a year-long programme aimed at developing young Māori.

The Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub Operations Leader took part in this year’s Tuia Programme, giving participants the opportunity to connect into a national forum of rangatahi Māori leaders, enhance leadership skills, learn about local government and receive mentorship from the mayor.

“I was interested in joining the kaupapa after a friend had gone through it. Being able to connect to a nation-wide network of rangatahi Māori leaders and learn more about myself as a leader was an opportunity I was very interested in,” Māhina, 23, says.

Tuia is based around three pou (pillars) – community service, mentorship and wānanga. Participants carry out a community service project, can connect with their local mayor and learn more about local government and attend five wānanga with different themes across the country at local marae.

“This has provided me with some incredible connections for life with other rangatahi Māori across the country. I was able to learn so much about myself and ground me to my values and whakapapa. I was able to learn more about other communities, the differences and similarities, and how I can continue to contribute to my own.”

She has enjoyed connecting with Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger as part of the programme.

“I was impressed with the considerations Phil has for our taiao (environment). There is so much technological development helping with things like utilising waste products, as well as thinking of innovative ways to lower spending and resource use for Council, which has made me think outside the box with my own work.”

And she has had the opportunity to help him with pronunciation of te Reo.

“We have been practicing the pronunciation of our brand-new facility Parakiore, as we reach closer to opening.”

Māhina encourages people thinking about applying for next year’s programme to “absolutely do it”.

“It doesn’t matter about your age, your background, or how connected you are to your Māoritanga. You are supported by some amazing people and will come out the other end feeling truly inspired about what opportunities may arise for you next.”

Applications for the 2026 Tuia Programme are now open to rangatahi Māori aged between 18 to 25 years old living in the Christchurch City Council district and wanting to contribute to the well-being of their hapori (community).