Te 20 o Hakihea 2018 | 20 December 2018

Pae Aronui: A new initiative that supports rangatahi to thrive

“We are seeking innovative approaches to enhance learning and earning outcomes for rangatahi Māori aged 15-24 through a new initiative, Pae Aronui,” Te Puni Kōkiri spokesperson Nicky Birch announced today.

Pae Aronui will provide $15 million over four years aimed at rangatahi Māori that are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or are at risk of falling into those situations.

Te Puni Kōkiri are now seeking innovative approaches from providers or employers that have the capability and experience to support Māori rangatahi to achieve their learning and employment outcomes.

Pae Aronui will focus on Auckland (South and West), Hamilton and Wellington (Porirua and the Hutt Valley), as these areas have the highest number of young people, as well as the highest projected employment growth.

“Too many of our rangatahi have exited the education system without the qualifications they need to get good jobs. Helping these rangatahi and their whānau figure out what options they have to achieve and pursue their aspirations is critical,” Nicky Birch says.

“We want our rangatahi to take advantage of the significant employment opportunities forecast in the next 3-10 years. We also want them to realise their own aspirations, and not be stuck in a job for the sake of having a job,” she says.

“Pae Aronui offers us an opportunity to improve the profile of Māori in the labour market. Rather than being over-represented in low-skilled occupations and industries vulnerable to economic changes, we want more Māori in higher-skilled roles in growth industries,” she says.

A Request for Proposals will be advertised on the Government’s Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) on Thursday 20 December 2018. Potential providers will have until Monday 4 February 2019 to submit a proposal.

“I look forward to seeing a mix of approaches, and hearing about the improved outcomes rangatahi are achieving, and the impacts of these for rangatahi and their whānau”, says Nicky Birch.

ENDS

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