Toi Kai Rawa

What Sets Them Apart
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Toi Kai Rawa, through Jay’s leadership, centres Te Ao Māori in all its programmes by embedding cultural identity, lived experience, and community-defined success into programme design and assessment. Jay champions rangatahi-led design, builds industry accountability, and strengthens capability over credentials.

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Tauārai – Barriers

• Lack of culturally grounded, real-world learning environments
  
• Weak cross-sector collaboration
  
• Disengaged or under-supported whānau
  
• Over-reliance on credentials instead of capabilities
  
• Limited visibility and infrastructure in rural communities
  
• Assessment standards that don't reflect Māori learner realities
  
• Extractive employer practices and racist workplace environments

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Recommendations

• Recognise and credit informal and self-directed learning
  
• Embed cultural identity and collective values into success criteria
  
• Empower youth-led programme design and governance
  
• Invest in NEETs and alternative pathways
  
• Develop future-ready skills through culturally grounded experiential learning
  
• Enable meaningful cross-sector collaboration
  
• Support nonlinear, portfolio-style career navigation
  
• Transform employment systems to work for Māori
  
• Build digital infrastructure that serves community needs
  
• Train educators and community mentors to identify Māori learner potential

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Why It Matters

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Jay’s work illustrates that real transformation in education and employment requires systems that reflect Māori realities, aspirations, and strengths. Equipping rangatahi with confidence, capability, and cultural grounding will ensure they’re not only part of the future – they’re leading it.

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Photo © Jay Tihema