Originally intended to be a one-day series of rangatahi Ted Talk panels, planning was well underway to confirm a venue and catering requirements when COVID-19 struck.

 

“When COVID-19 came along we had to pause all our planning and turn to support tauira with things like kai vouchers and online engaging interactions,” says Areta Ranginui Charlton (Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāi Tuhoe), Pou Hekeretari of Te Waiora.

 

When the rōpū realised that COVID-19 would prevent a face-to-face event like the one they had originally intended, they had an urgent meeting to talk about what to do.

 

“The COVID situation was a challenge for the rōpū. We didn’t want to let down our rangatahi who had shown a strong interest in attending our Ted Talk kaupapa. So, we decided we had to still put something on,” says Areta.

 

Inspired by other online safe spaces (like Aotearoa Town Hall, and Te Kōkōmuka) for exchanging ideas, kōrero and wānanga the idea of the online webinar series was formed. 

 

Rachel Jones Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Regional Partnerships says, “our rangatahi have been outstanding in their resilience and open-mindedness during COVID-19, so it was not a surprise to me that the rōpū was able to pivot so quickly to come up with an alternative ‘event’ for rangatahi.”

 

The first session was a great success with over 100 people showing an interest in attending, and over 2000 views of the live stream - and counting. It featured three kaikōrero who spoke about Te Taiao - Papatuuaanuku, the natural world, the environment, and all things rangatahi.

 

The focus of the online series is to generate rangatahi mobilisation and each  kaikorero will use their own experiences to navigate topical issues that rangatahi face today.

 

To find out more see: https://m.facebook.com/Kauwhau-Whakaohooho-102031404853373/