The Mana Rangatahi programme has been developed by Heidi Renata, co-founder and CEO of Dunedin-based INNOV8HQ.
After two years, even with the challenge of Covid, there is now a waka of over 150 18–24-year-olds who have used the framework to find their pathway. They may have decided to become their own boss and set up a business, or upskill and enrol in further education, or get a job. Many become a youth leader or ambassador, which means they go and speak, host at events, at places like Youth Leadership, University and council meetings.