Developing Indigenous Women Leaders

Wahine Taiea

Wahine Taiea is a kaupapa dedicated to supporting young women aged 18-25 in uncovering their inherent qualities of leadership. Through the power of whakapapa and pūrakau, our year-long programme offers a transformative journey, providing opportunities for young wahine to embrace the qualities of leadership handed down over generations.

Programme Information

Wahine Taiea is a year long leadership programme which consists of four wānanga, a research project and cross-cultural exhange.

Through the series of four wānanga, participants will learn and develop essential leadership skills through the following topics:

  • Wānanga 1 - Ngāti Toa History and the Legacy of Wāhine Toa

  • Wānanga 2 - Exploring Indigenous Leadership

  • Wānanga 3 - Mindset of a Leader

  • Wānanga 4 - Theory Fusion: Plan the work, Work the plan (Mar 2024)

The wānanga will feature;

  • Engaging and interactive sessions combining presentations, group discussions and experiential activities

  • Guest speakers and mentors who are successful Indigenous women leaders

  • Opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow participants

  • Cultural activities and ceremonies that honor Indigenous traditions

  • Ongoing support and mentoring beyond the programme’s completion

  • Follow-up evaluations to assess the long-term impact and success of the participants

Application Process

Applications are open to Ngāti Toa wahine aged 18-25. The process will open with Expressions of Interest, from there our Paewhiri (panel) will evaluate and select a group of successful applicants to attend interviews.

Once interviews have concluded the Paewhiri will then select our final Tira (group).

Some things to consider;

  • Spaces for this cohort are limited - to ensure each participant receives the one-on-one mentoring and support with their research project we have limited numbers for this first series of Wahine Taiea.

  • Some travel may be required - there may be some travel involved in the programme, participants must be available to travel during the period of April-August 2024 (dates tbc) and able to travel overseas so will need a clean NZ Passport.

  • In-person wānanga attendance - this programme will require in-person attendance at the wānanga. While participants can live anywhere across Aotearoa, you will be required to attend wānanga in-person in Porirua. Some assistance may be available to support travel & accommodation costs.

Expression of Interest

Applications are now closed

Expressions of Interest open Monday 24 July and will be open for two weeks closing 5pm Monday, 7 August.

You will need;

  • Iwi Registration number (if known)

  • Two examples of female leaders who resonate with you

  • Paragraph outlining your future aspirations

Interviews

Step Two

Selection

Step Three

Our paewhiri will go through each expression of interest and if shortlisted you will be contacted to attend an online or in-person interview during the week of 14-18 August 2023.

Our successful applicants will be contacted directly by the end of August. If you are successful you will be invited to a kick-off hui in September where we will go over the programme of work for the next 12months.

This project/event has been made possible thanks to funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as part of its work to leverage the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ to create a lasting legacy for Aotearoa New Zealand and our communities

If you have any queries or pātai please reach out to us at wahinetaiea@ngatitoa.iwi.nz