Te Whānau o Waipereira & Zeducation: Supporting Employment Pathways for Rangatahi

Sep 7
2 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Te Whānau o Waipareira and Zeducation have partnered to support Māori and Pasifika rangatahi in Auckland to move confidently into further education or employment. Since January 2025 we’ve delivered 20+ short, practical workshops to 40+ rangatahi focused on work readiness and personal development: communication, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, digital literacy (including AI), and financial literacy.

Case Study Overview

Partners: Te Whānau o Waipareira & Zeducation

Programme: Wai Pitomata - Employment and Training Pathway for rangatahi

Timeframe: February 2025 – Present

Location: Auckland

People Trained: 40+ rangatahi

The Challenge

Many rangatahi engaging with the Employment Hub are currently not in employment, education, or training. Some are on a benefit and have experienced school disengagement, justice involvement, or environments where gang pressure and substance harm are present. The need is straightforward: direction, confidence, and real-world skills that translate into next steps—study, training, or a job.

Our Response

We deliver culturally grounded, skills-first learning that meets rangatahi where they are and moves them forward.

We anchor delivery in Māori and Pasifika values and recognised cultural frameworks (e.g., Te Whare Tapa Whā, Fonofale) so learners feel safe, respected, and ready to engage.
Workshops are short, active, and practical—participants practise the exact skills workplaces expect: clear communication, critical thinking under time pressure, collaborative problem solving, professional email and teamwork habits that build reliability.
Digital literacy includes ethical, safe use of AI for translation, drafting, planning, and research—reducing barriers for those with literacy or language challenges and lifting day-one productivity.
Financial literacy builds money confidence: budgeting, debt basics, savings goals, and first-pay-packet planning so early employment is sustainable.
Zeducation facilitators are qualified, police-vetted, culturally relatable, and experienced with adult and youth learners. Their credibility and practical coaching style drive engagement and completion.

Outcomes to Date

40+ rangatahi trained through 20+ workshops to help with employment outcomes.
Confidence and communication gains demonstrated in interviews, group tasks, and interaction with others.
Digital uplift through safe, practical use of AI for everyday tasks—helping rangatahi participate and perform sooner.
Money confidence that supports retention: simple budgets, savings goals, and plans.