Whakamanawa 2025: Part 2

Diary of a CE: Day 2 at Whakamanawa - the National Social Services Conference

Skylight's CE, Kathryn Ross, attended the Whakamanawa Conference in Rotorua last week. Run by Social Service Providers Aotearoa, 

Here's the scoop on Day 2:

George Ngatai

Two perspectives on sustainable funding were shared: one from Holly Snape on rebuilding an organisation, and another from George Ngatai on the Whānau Ora Community Clinic's journey from a community health hub to multiple clinics and thriving businesses, including banks. Although their stories differ greatly, both highlight a strong focus on what is crucial for achieving financial sustainability.

After that, I attended the session on Kia ora Ake, which was an excellent presentation led by outstanding kaimahi who were clearly dedicated to the kaupapa and inspiring in their passion. It made me realise that every school and kura should have the advantages of Awhi Mai Awhi Atu and Mana Ake / Kia ora Ake.

Emma Powell

Following that, the Chief Executive of The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention, Emma Powell, discussed the Challenges and Barriers to System Changes, the New Action Plan, and its 7 strategic priorities. Their current focus is on Ensuring Safety and Preventing Violence.

Such fantastic mahi!

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Panel – Dr Claire Achmad and rangatahi: Maya Blackman, Tyler Paul, Justin Murphy

It was a great discussion (possibly my favourite talk!) about the significance of incorporating young people's voices in decision-making, the challenge of representing a vast number of youths, and the limited opportunities available. It resonated with me that all decisions made by central and local government are decisions for the younger generation – they are the ones who must live with these decisions. Instead of misapplying youth input, empower young people to realise their aspirations. Today's youth are vastly different from those 20 years ago. My major takeaways;

• Invest in future leaders now – they are already leaders today.

• Avoid miscommunication.

• Include young people at the decision-making tables.

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The conversations about Te Tiriti, Te Reo, and cultural diversity were super engaging. There was a demand for increased education on Te Tiriti in schools, reflections on the significance of Māori as the indigenous people and their culture for Rotorua and the nation, a wish to progress rather than regress, and the importance of opportunities to speak Māori and learn in te reo Māori. This message aligns with us here at Skylight!

Finally, I quickly jotted down some of the most impactful messages from the end of the conference. Starting with youth engagement:

• Important to directly engage with young people.

• Relationships and connections engage young people.

• Have young people on governance, particularly if the mahi is about young people. 

• Young people want to be seen, valued and heard.

• Promote yourself in places where rangatahi are.

• Make yourself known. Remove the stigma.

• Emphasise the genuine care you bring to the role.

• Authenticity matters.

Wow...

Wero (challenge) – take one lesson away and implement it.

What they seek from us – what would provide them and other rangatahi with hope.

• Policy makers and advisors should connect with young people

• Make mokopuna decisions – focus on the long term

• Be courageous – share your knowledge, engage with young people, trust them, and have faith in them – they are capable, they are the leaders of today and tomorrow

What would enable rangatahi to flourish: a message for us and other youth-focused organisations

• Structural change that ensures the meaningful involvement of rangatahi – not just token gestures.

• A stable education system free of obstacles

• Community support, relationships, and active engagement

• Mental health support readily accessible

What an uplifting end to the conference, and the haka performed by Mana Mokupuna was equally moving. I'll be eagerly waiting for next year!