Nōna Te Ao

What Sets Them Apart

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Nōna Te Ao builds the collaborative infrastructure that allows large-scale, multi-sector programmes to thrive. They bring together partners from education, tech, and business – including Microsoft and AWS – to co-design micro-credential pathways and support employment transitions. The kaupapa is highly adaptable, honest in its promises, and focused on long-term success for rangatahi Māori.

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Tauārai – Barriers

• Financial incentives can derail collaboration and shift focus from community to profit.
  
• Transitioning rangatahi into secure jobs post-training remains challenging.
  
• Qualified facilitators who are both skilled in industry and effective educators are rare.
  
• Managing large-scale Pacific collaborations requires robust financial buffer systems.
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Recommendations

• Build structured collaboration frameworks with trusted, diverse partners.
  
• Set clear, achievable outcomes to maintain participant trust.
  
• Provide ongoing, personalised support post-programme.
  
• Invest in facilitators with both industry knowledge and teaching ability.
  
• Use data to demonstrate impact and secure funding.
  
• Support grassroots programmes with infrastructure and scale-up funding.
  
• Address potential greed by staying grounded in shared kaupapa and values.
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Why It Matters

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Nōna Te Ao’s work proves that when Indigenous communities are given the tools, trust, and infrastructure to lead, the impact on education, employment, and whānau wellbeing is transformative. Sammy’s leadership offers a roadmap for designing culturally grounded, scalable solutions that truly serve rangatahi Māori.

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Photo © Atlantic Fellows