Learner partnerships · Wellington
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.
Discuss a learner partnershipA referral starts a conversation. Places are offered following a suitability process.
Next cohort begins Monday 19 October 2026 · Six places available
Inspire to work, work to inspire.
📅 Next intake
19 October 2026
◷ Duration
12 weeks
👤 Learner age
15–24
📍 Location
Wellington
From conversation to a place
The pathway at a glance
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.
Practical building and trades foundation learning.
Learning by doing
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.
Start with the person
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
Practical, hands-on building activities are central to the programme.
Willing to take part in 12 weeks
A conversation about commitment to the full programme duration.
Open to discussing support needs
Explore what would help the learner participate fully.
The Mahi Whakaara team confirms other eligibility and participation requirements directly with each learner, respecting the agency and mana of rangatahi.
Readiness and support
The right start matters
The readiness conversation helps the learner, referrer and programme team understand the learner’s interest, practical circumstances, support needs, safe participation and whether this intake is an appropriate fit.
↗
Referral conversation
✓
Learner readiness assessment
→
Agreed next step
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.
Discuss a learner partnershipWorking together
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 an enquiry does not sign the MOU. Terms are agreed separately following your partnership conversation.
Plan the support
Plan the support around each place
Course cost per offered learner place
NZ$1,300
Payment is a later step, following suitability assessment and a place offer.
NZ$130 · 10% deposit
NZ$1,170 · Balance payable before programme commencement
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.
Discuss funding arrangements, payment timing and terms with the team as part of the partnership conversation.
Proposed payment options: Stripe or bank transfer.
[APPROVAL REQUIRED: exact balance due date, withdrawal policy and refund terms]
Discuss a learner partnershipPlan ahead
Practical details
Location · Wellington
Duration · 12 weeks
Next intake · Monday 19 October 2026
Places · Six
Learner age · 15–24
Course cost · NZ$1,300 per offered place
[CONFIRM DELIVERY ADDRESS]
[CONFIRM DAILY HOURS]
[CONFIRM EXACT BCATS WORDING]
Before you enquire
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 and the team follows up to discuss the potential referral.
› 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.
Follow the journey
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.
Discuss a learner partnership
Start a conversation
Let’s talk about the rangatahi you support
Register your interest and book a conversation before Monday 19 October.
Become a Mahi Whakaara Learner Partner
[MONDAY WORKFORM EMBED REQUIRED]
Organisation · Contact name and role · Email and phone · Area served · Partnership interest · Potential referral in mind? · Likely funding route · Permission to be contacted
Please do not include a learner’s sensitive personal details in this public enquiry.
Book a partnership conversation
[MEETING BOOKING URL REQUIRED] — Book before 19 October
[APPROVED CONTACT EMAIL OR PHONE REQUIRED]
Visit our contact pageA conversation is the first step. No payment is taken when you enquire.