Released by Ara Taiohi in 2019, Mana Taiohi is a principle based framework that evolved from the principles of youth development previously outlined in the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa [39].
Mana Taiohi principles are relevant in youth work practice and are inherent across the two outcomes and three approaches of the PYDA. The different ways they are implemented can be seen in the Ideas in Actions and Case Studies in this document.
The comprehensive review of the YDSA highlighted the need for the six principles of the YDSA to be updated to reflect youth development in 2019 and the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa. In order to encompass the range of contributions for the Arotake (review) of the YDSA, and to reflect calls for a kaupapa Māori and Treaty-based concept, a Māori framework (Kete Kupenga) was developed. The Kete Kupenga framework features a loose diamond weave which starts simply and develops into an intricate knot where double strands meet. The four double strands feeding into the knot represent components of intersectional youth development (described below).
Mana Taiohi is informed by the voices of young people and people who work with young people, Aotearoa based literature into positive youth development, and a Te Ao Māori worldview.
The principle of Mana is defined as “the authority we inherit at birth and we accrue over our lifetime. It determines the right of a young person to have agency in their lives and the decisions that affect them. Enhancing the mana of young people means recognising what is right with them, as well as the reality of their world. Young people are supported to have a voice, work to their strengths and step into leadership”
These principles, outlined in the diagram outlined in the diagram over the next page, exist in relation to one another and are stronger when connected together.
