Introducing our newest team – Te Taiwhanga Rangatahi

In 2021, CSI partnered with Manurewa High to create an “earn as you learn” experience for school leavers which focused on connection to others, culture and place. The team trained a group of rangatahi in participatory design with an Ao Maori worldview. They then applied their new skills to a real-life project – the regeneration of the Puhinui stream. 

Through this mahi, we noticed many public sector agencies were interested in the thoughts and ideas of young people from south Auckland and decided to set up Taiwhanga Rangatahi – a youth design lab so where south Auckland youth can be paid to learn and practice communication, collaboration skills and creative problem-solving while helping their community.

Former students of Manurewa High, Matalena, Jen, Lyquan and J’vaan were hired during lockdown in November 2021. Benny and Ryan from Manurewa High also form part of the team.  Since then, they have been learning more about design, matauranga, systems thinking, evaluation, communications strategy, inclusive practice for the rainbow community, the economy, employment and education.  

In addition to working with Council family, mana whenua and community on the Puhinui, the rangatahi are working on how we might increase the number of Māori and Pasifika rangatahi in high value green career pathways.  They will be interviewing a range of people from central government, local government, business, youth organisations and most importantly other young people so they can design possible solutions together.  The team will also involve other young people so they can also access earn as you learn opportunities in design.