The programme
Situated on the outskirts of Poneke (Wellington), Te Kāhu Tiu will cater for young men who are at a crossroads – rangatahi aged 15-19 on the trajectory to incarceration and a pathway to a life of engagement with the adult justice system.
A holistic programme with a high staff to rangatahi ratio, we will work with a select number of participants, all of whom will be referred directly through Oranga Tamariki’s Youth Justice Arm.
“I've seen programmes like this totally change people's lives, like I'm only sitting here right now because of a kaumātua who came into my life and nurtured me and showed me love and zero judgement.”
– Jai Te Ahunga
Over a period of 12-24 months (as individual need requires) Te Kāhu Tiu will work together with the young men, their families and the community to rehabilitate and successfully reintegrate our rangatahi into fulfilling futures.
Given the disproportionate number of Māori in the Youth Justice system, the kaupapa of Te Kāhu Tiu was informed in consultation with various Māori advisors to ensure that it will be embracing, inclusive and appreciative of Māori culture and tikanga.
The Treaty, our founding document and a commitment to partnership, respect, participation, and protection – core values and disciplines we should all practice each day. They are disciplines of Te Kāhu Tiu and we embrace these principles in our programme design.
Our young men are individuals, and we'll treat them accordingly, strengthening their connections with whānau and the community, assist in healing their past, help grow them toward the future, and get their hands deep in the soil along the way.
