Mātātahi Mataora provides services to young people to help keep them engaged in education or on the path to improving their future. They work directly with rangatahi, schools, and other organisations to provide pastoral care, education, and support.
Mātātahi Mataora was formed in 2012 when Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was successful in gaining a Ministry of Social Development Youth Services contract in the Waikato. Youth service delivery began in August 2012 in Waikato and has since continued with the development of several other rangatahi initiatives.
Read on to learn more about the services provided by Mātātahi Mataora.
Taikākā Alternative Education provides additional learning support to rangatahi between the ages of 13 and 15 with the goal of transitioning back into secondary school, further education, training, or employment. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa delivers Alternative Education in Te Awamutu and Hamilton and referrals are via participating schools.
Mātātahi Mataora delivers Secondary-Tertiary Partnerships (STPs) courses for rangatahi in Years 11-13. These year-long courses allow students to grow their knowledge and skills in a range of topics in a hands-on environment while earning NCEA credits. STAR Short Courses are also available which provide introductory taster opportunities to secondary school students.
The Education to Employment Service connects employers and industry to secondary school tauira through workshops and interactive events, giving rangatahi the opportunity to learn about potential pathways and plan for future education, training, or employment. Thousands of rangatahi participate in the Education to Employment Service each year through Mātātahi Mataora and in collaboration with industry partners, education providers, and employers across Waikato.
Schools that are interested in partnering with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for Taikākā Alternative Education, Secondary-Tertiary Partnerships, or Education to Employment Brokerage Service can contact 0800 824 644 for more information.
Mātātahi Mataora facilitates financial assistance for rangatahi receiving the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment. Youth Services kaimahi are available to assist rangatahi receiving these payments to manage their money responsibly, and to plan their future education, training, or employment goals.
Youth Services at Mātātahi Mataora also includes support for rangatahi who are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET). This service works with 16- and 17-year-olds to help them re-engage in education or employment and get the skills they need to achieve their goals for the future.
Rangatahi are referred to Youth Services through Work and Income, social and health agencies, schools, and self-referrals.
Learn more about Youth Services here: Youth Services
The Transition to Adulthood Service supports rangatahi between the ages of 15 and 21 as they transition out of the care of Oranga Tamariki and into the next stages of their lives.
Our Transition to Adulthood Service Coaches help rangatahi to plan for their independence and encourage the development of knowledge, skills, and resources they need for a bright future.
Eligible rangatahi are referred to Mātātahi Mataora for the Transition to Adulthood Service by Oranga Tamariki.