Services & funding > Youth Development Partnership Fund > Round one projects > Be who you're born to be

Be who you're born to be

A project funded by the Ministry of Youth Development Youth Development Partnership Fund to expand the employment expectations of young people and motivate them towards achieving their goals, has been a great success.

The Road Show Project was a partnership between the He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust and the Far North District Council  with the support of other community youth agencies in the Far North region.

Feedback from the school shows has been absolutely awesome, says Awe Koni, the Be Who You’re Born To Be Project Co-ordinator for the He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust.

“Rangatahi at most schools performed haka in response to the performance that was spontaneous and passionate – we could really feel the wairua and mana of these people.”

Based on an initiative developed by mentors and young people working with the He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust in 2005, the aim was to deliver a positive and powerful message to young people in the far North, particularly in towns where lack of employment, youth opportunities and distance from major towns and facilities cause barriers to good youth development.

“The goal was to inspire and encourage our youth to believe in themselves and to live their dreams (live their passions). The message was that we are all born with a gift and sometimes life's challenges can make us lose sight of our dreams and what is really important to us. We can end up settling for second best because we have listened to negative messages from other influences.”

What did the project involve?
Following an audition, a team was selected to develop and perform the roadshow. The team lived at Ngati Manu Marae for a week where they composed dramas, lyrics, skits,  and learned new waiata and haka.  

The following two weeks saw the roadshow on tour, delivering over 15 performances around the Far North at high schools, area schools, marae and communities.

“This was very hard work, full on every day 24/7”, says Awe.

“It meant learning to go to bed at 10pm, waking up early, cleaning up after oneself, working together, looking after each other and supporting each other, finding the inner strength and willpower to carry on when you feel too tired to, meeting the challenges, eg being smoke free and succeeding .... and realizing they do have talent, they do have an opportunity – and to go for it.”

Measuring the success
A comments sheet for audience feedback was made available at each community show and reviews carried out of each school show.

“Some of our rangatahi took the opportunity to compete in the recent Stage Challenge in Whangarei and won their section. That is also a measure of their success, because had they not been involved in the roadshow, they may not have had the confidence to enter into the competition,” says Awe.

What now?
A DVD that captures the essence of the roadshow is being sent out to high schools, as well as to the young people involved. In addition, a website is being launched shortly.

The website (www.tutu.co.nz)  will show what the roadshow was about, and provide a database of training providers in the performing arts field and an avenue for rangatahi to explore opportunities, eg sell their own music, graphics, t-shirts etc online –  to develop their passions.

What’s the role of the council?    
Far North District Council Community Development Advisor, Tania McInnes, says this project has supported council's work in youth development by reinforcing the need to support youth providers and young people.

“It highlights the amazing impact such a project can have on a community, particularly the participants. Two of our council cadets were involved in the roadshow and provided leadership and fantastic performances.

“We are currently providing support to our local rangatahi who were involved in the roadshow by mentoring and offering opportunities whether in employment, further training, community projects or just general support in their development.

“Awesome to see rangatahi involved with this type of show and presenting a message that they truly believe in.

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