Whakamana: Empowering Well-being for Rangatahi Takatāpui – Weaving a Whāriki for Mana-Enhancing Engagement

Intern

Shawnee Cunningham, University of Waikato

Supervisor

Morgan Tupaea, Te Atawhai o Te Ao: Independent Māori research institute for environment and health

Overview

Phase One of the project completed a scoping review of the mental health and support needs of rangatahi takatāpui in the region, along with a review of the Rainbow Organisations operating within this area. This work provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by both rangatahi takatāpui and the organisations that support them, while also offering direction for collective action to create positive change.

This internship marked the beginning of the project's second phase, which sought to engage directly with rangatahi takatāpui within Te Ranga Tupua rohe to platform their experiences with existing support services, explore unmet needs, and understand their aspirations for the future. The intern supported the project team in weaving a whāriki upon which a methodology of mana-enhancing engagement could be built.