Name: Mana Taiohi - in Wellington
Start: 2025-12-09T06:00:00+13:00
Location: 251 Karori Rd, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

Mana Taiohi Workshop
Mana Taiohi is a principle based framework that informs the way people who work with young people work in Aotearoa. Mana Taiohi has evolved from the principles of youth development previously expressed in the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa (2002). It is informed by the voice of young people and people who work with young people, Aotearoa based literature into positive youth development, and a Te Ao Māori worldview.
Matt was born and raised in Te Awakairangi, Wellington and his ancestors are Ngāti Porou - Tikapa, Ngāti Kahungunu - Wairoa, Ngāti Ruapani - Waikaremoana, Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi - Pungarehu and Gujurat. He has been married to his wife Rachel since 2016 - she’s Ngā Puhi, Japanese, and English and their son, Mana Tuku Iho, was born in April 2024 after a 7-year fertility journey.
Matt has been involved in youth and community work since 2005 and co-founded the 'Te Awakairangi Youth Development Network' with a team of superstars. Matt is currently the Pouwhakamana for Zeal Youth Aotearoa, Āpiha Kaiwhakahaere for Ngā Kaihoe, and the Kaiāwhina of World Vision New Zealand.
In 2019, the whānau moved to Tāmaki Makaurau to study a Bachelor's in Indigenous Theology (Māori/Pasifika), a Diploma in Māori Leadership and a Diploma in Te Reo Māori, completing these qualifications in 2022. These studies have been transformational for both their personal growth and their work in youth and community development, changing the way they engage with the world. Through storytelling, making connections, and wānanga, they share these insights with the people they meet.
Now, with the arrival of Mana, they are back in Wellington, closer to friends and whānau. They are excited to continue their mission to see Aotearoa lifted up and our people thriving to their full potential.