In December 2006, Te Puni Kōkiri and Whariki Trust co-hosted the Mana Rangatahi Conference in Napier for more than 40 young Māori leaders.

The participants were senior Māori students attending secondary schools from Napier to south Wairarapa. All participants held leadership roles in their schools and communities.

The conference provided them with opportunities to interact with their peers as well as with Māori leaders such as Ngahiwi Tomoana, Matt Te Pou, Dr Farah Palmer, Ruiha Stirling and Maakarita Paku. Matai Smith provided cohesion to the conference in his role as Kaiwhakahaere.