Supporting rangatahi to create positive social change in their communities

Te Ara Tīrama: Youth Impact Network is a rangatahi-led initiative designed to connect and empower young changemakers across Aotearoa.

Created by and for young people, the project aims to make leadership and community impact more accessible for students aged 12-16, particularly for those who may not see themselves as traditional leaders, but who have the passion and potential to create change.

Te Ara Tīrama have developed a suite of digital resources that form the foundation of an interactive online learning platform. The platform supports young people to upskill in social change, connect with others across the motu, and feel confident to take action on the issues that matter to them.

The project began with a small pilot programme in Otago, co-designed and delivered alongside a group of local secondary students. The pilot enabled Te Ara Tīrama to test the platform, trial workshop content, and gather real-time feedback to strengthen the learning journey before launching more widely.

The pilot captured powerful stories from young people about what it means to lead with authenticity, many of which have been filmed and will feature across our social media and within the platform itself.

Our support meant that Te Ara Tīrama were able to centre youth voice in every aspect of the project and ensure the tools they are building are meaningful, engaging, and easy to access.

The project was launched nationally in July 2025.