PurSuit

What Sets Them Apart

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PurSuit blends digital innovation with cultural and pastoral frameworks. Their award-winning wellness platform, NOHI, not only supports rangatahi well-being but also generates sustainable income and employment. Their 6-week programmes culminate in community presentations, fostering confidence, connection, and real-world impact. Pastoral care is extended for 12 months post-training, ensuring long-term support.

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Tauārai – Barriers

• Many rangatahi lack foundational work habits and stability to enter the tech workforce.
  
• Housing insecurity severely impacts learning outcomes.
  
• Tech industry standards exclude those without formal qualifications.
  
• Short-term job placements do not always align with long-term career aspirations.
  
• Misalignment between micro-credential systems and the realities of disengaged learners.

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Recommendations

• Create transitional pathways like internships and apprenticeships in tech.
  
• Emphasise foundational soft skills like accountability and teamwork.
  
• Extend wraparound support and build housing partnerships.
  
• Embed Māori cultural frameworks like te whare tapa whā in training.
  
• Develop internal income streams through digital products.
  
• Foster flexible credentialing systems that work for akonga Māori.
  
• Redefine success by tracking long-term education and employment outcomes.
  
• Advocate for inclusive tech hiring practices recognising non-traditional learning.
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Why It Matters

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PurSuit shows how digital training programmes grounded in kaupapa Māori can address systemic inequities and empower rangatahi to thrive. Their model offers a replicable blueprint for sustainable, culturally aligned tech pathways that prioritise holistic well-being and long-term success over short-term outputs.

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Photo © Anaru Ratapu & © Moira McGarva-Ratapu