The Story of Tāiki e! Next Gen so far…

At the heart of Tāiki e! Next Gen lies a profound commitment to nurturing the potential of our rangatahi. We believe that through immersive, experiential learning opportunities, our young people can unleash their innate strengths, cultivate essential life skills, and emerge as trailblazers in shaping a better future for Te Tairāwhiti, Aotearoa and the World. Tāiki e! champions a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, where theory meets practice.

We are dedicated to building the future capability and leadership of our rangatahi, equipping them with the tools, mindset, and resilience to navigate an ever-changing world.

From rangatahi night markets, to our escape room social enterprise, to our rangatahi-led digital platforms, we nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, hone their critical thinking abilities, and empower them to become confident and impactful leaders. Tāiki e! Next Gen champions social innovation and entrepreneurship as catalysts for positive change. We provide a nurturing environment where rangatahi can explore their innovative ideas, develop sustainable business models, and contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

With around 40% of the population being under 25 in Te Tairāwhiti, rangatahi are powerful agents of change. Yet as a community we under-invest in our rangatahi and their growth and development. Too much of the investment into youth spaces are deficit-based.

Through our whānau based approach, Tāiki e! Next Gen creates a transformative journey for rangatahi, empowering them to unlock their full potential, ignite their passion for positive change, and become the architects of a brighter, more inclusive future for all.