Two new UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders announced for 2025

Mary is a young advocate and activist with specific interests in how the environment, creative practices and inter-generational engagement better inform our every move in our community and professional work and more.

She is working as a research and technical assistant in seeing indigenous Samoan design practices revitalised under Massey University. She also leads World Vision conferences on climate change and food insecurity throughout the Pacific and has previously initiated forums and debate chambers with multiple local governments around New Zealand to see a greater increase in cultural competency and youth engagement.

Mary is committed to seeing local needs and priorities met and catered for under global UNESCO's work. In 2025, she will complete her Bachelor in Textile and Fashion Design and owes her educational and vocational success to the fabric of faith and people that have woven her in and sent her out from Sapapalii, Aleipata, Saoluafata, Falealili, Isle of Raasay and Pietermaritzburg.

Growing up in Westport, Tara’s lived experiences as a disabled wāhine shaped her commitment to inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science, double majoring in Environmental Management and Politics from the University of Otago.

Tara’s leadership began at age five and has extended nationally as the former Co-President of the National Disabled Students’ Association, where she championed accessibility and equal opportunities for disabled youth across Aotearoa.

She sits on a variety of boards including Disabled Person's Assembly National Executive Committee, Te Poutāhū Disability Voices focusing on the curriculum refresh and Whakapuāwai for New Zealand Health Group. Tara has also represented youth perspectives on international platforms, including speaking on behalf of NGOs at the inaugural Conference for Pacific Education Ministers.

Tara works as an Infrastructure Assets Technical Support Officer at the Buller District Council, fuelling her passion for improving essential accessible infrastructure for underrepresented regions.

The group also has a new Special Advisor Youth with Isaac Morunga taking over from Adriana Bird. As Special Advisor Youth, Isaac will attend all National Commission meetings and provide advice to the National Commission on how to engage young people in UNESCO’s work programmes.

Rounding off our 2025 group of UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders are Madiha Ali, Saeyavan Sitsabesan and Wesley Tanuvasa.