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Help a young person take their next step through practical learning
Mahi Whakaara is a by-Māori-for-Māori, 12-week Building and Trades Foundation Programme in Wellington for tauira aged 15–24.
Next cohort begins Monday 19 October 2026 · Six places available
A referral starts a conversation. Places are offered following a suitability process.
The pathway at a glance
From first conversation to confirmed place — here’s how a learner partnership works.
1
Learn about the programme
Understand what Mahi Whakaara offers and whether it might suit a rangatahi you support.
2
Discuss a potential referral
Book a conversation with the team to explore fit and ask questions.
3
Explore readiness and support
The learner takes part in a readiness assessment to understand their circumstances and needs.
4
Agree partner and funding arrangements
Organisations confirm roles, communication and how the place will be funded.
5
Offer and prepare for a place
If this intake is the right fit, a place is offered and the learner prepares to start.
The partner meeting precedes assessment. Payment is requested only after a place is offered.
Who we are and what tauira do
Mahi Whakaara works from the principle “Inspire to work, work to inspire.” Tauira learn through practical building and trades foundation activities, supported by personal guidance and clear pathways toward future work or training.
The programme includes BCATS Level 1 and Level 2 learning and assessment. Tauira develop hands-on skills while building confidence, routine and direction.
Not every tauira will progress to a qualification, apprenticeship or job — each journey is individual and supported as such.
[APPROVED WORKSHOP PHOTOGRAPH]
Alt text: Tauira woodworking
Who may be a good fit
These prompts help start a conversation — they are not automatic pass or fail criteria.
Aged 15–24
The programme is designed for rangatahi in this age range.
Interested in learning by doing
Tauira thrive through practical, hands-on building activities.
Willing to take part in 12 weeks
Commitment to the full programme duration.
Open to discussing support needs
Ready to explore what would help them participate fully.
The Mahi Whakaara team confirms other eligibility and participation requirements directly with each learner, respecting the agency and mana of rangatahi.
The right start matters
The readiness conversation helps the learner, referrer and programme team understand: the learner’s genuine interest, practical circumstances and commitments, support needs for full participation, safe engagement in workshop activities, and whether this intake is an appropriate fit.
Referral conversation
Learner readiness assessment
Agreed next step
Important: A referral or assessment does not guarantee enrolment. If this intake is not the right fit, the team discusses an appropriate next step with the learner and referrer.
What a learner partnership involves
Mahi Whakaara
Deliver the 12-week programme and assessment
Conduct learner readiness conversations
Provide practical learning and personal support
Coordinate with partners on referrals and progress
Your organisation
Discuss potential referrals with the team
Share relevant information with appropriate permission
Coordinate next steps with the learner
Agree how learner support and funding will work
Why we use an MOU
The memorandum of understanding records the roles and arrangements agreed between organisations: the referral process, communication expectations, and how funding and learner support will be coordinated.
[APPROVED MOU SUMMARY AND LINK REQUIRED]
Submitting the enquiry form does not sign the MOU. Terms are agreed separately following your partnership conversation.
Plan the support around each place
Course cost
NZ$1,300
per offered learner place
Partner funds the place
Your organisation covers the course cost directly.
Explore Work and Income support
The partner helps the learner apply for individual assistance. Approval depends on eligibility criteria.
Work and Income assistance is not guaranteed and may not cover the full cost. Individual circumstances determine eligibility.
Payment structure — after a place is offered
NZ$130
10% deposit
NZ$1,170
Balance
Proposed options: Stripe or bank transfer.
[APPROVAL REQUIRED: Balance due date, withdrawal policy, refund terms]
Practical details
Location
Wellington
Duration
12 weeks
Next intake
Mon 19 Oct 2026
Places
Six
Learner age
15–24
Course cost
NZ$1,300
[CONFIRM DELIVERY ADDRESS]
[CONFIRM DAILY HOURS]
[CONFIRM EXACT BCATS WORDING]
Common questions
Does a referral guarantee a place?
No. A readiness and suitability process follows every referral. The team assesses whether this intake is the right fit for the learner.
Can we enquire before funding is confirmed?
Yes. You are welcome to discuss the proposed funding route at your partnership meeting. The team can outline options without requiring immediate commitment.
Is payment required when we enquire?
No payment is taken at the enquiry stage. Payment is only discussed after a place has been offered and suitability confirmed.
What happens after we submit the form?
The partner can book a conversation with the team. Mahi Whakaara follows up to arrange a suitable time to discuss the potential referral before 19 October.
What is the MOU for?
The memorandum of understanding records the roles and arrangements agreed between organisations: how referrals work, communication expectations, and funding coordination.
Stay in tune with Mahi Whakaara
See the mahi, practical learning and programme updates as they happen. Follow Mahi Whakaara to stay connected with the journey and share relevant updates with rangatahi and whānau.
Know a rangatahi who might be interested? Let’s talk about whether Mahi Whakaara is the right next step.
Let's talk about the rangatahi you support
Complete the form below and book a conversation before Monday 19 October.
Monday WorkForm: "Become a Mahi Whakaara Learner Partner"
Embed existing monday.com form here. Intended fields:
• Organisation name
• Contact name and role
• Email and phone
• Area served
• Partnership interest
• Potential referral in mind?
• Likely funding route
• Permission to be contacted
[MONDAY WORKFORM EMBED REQUIRED]
[MEETING BOOKING URL REQUIRED] — Book before 19 October
[APPROVED CONTACT EMAIL OR PHONE REQUIRED]