Referral & support partnerships · Wellington
Partner with Mahi Whakaara
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.
A referral starts a conversation. Places are offered following a suitability process.
Next intake
19 October 2026
Duration
12 weeks
Learner age
15–24
Location
Wellington City
Limited spaces
Only 6
OUR SUPPORT NETWORK
Connected organisations
From conversation to a place
The Pathway At A Glance
Five clear steps from first conversation to an offered place.
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.
A referral begins the process; places follow readiness and suitability checks.
Learning by doing.
Learning by doing
Learning Grounded In Te Ao Maori
Mahi Whakaara is grounded in te ao Māori. We open and close each day with karakia and weave Māori values and practices through the programme to support connection, belonging and identity.
Kinaesthetic learning is a key driver. Tauira learn through movement, making and doing, with practical building and trades activities and BCATS Level 1 and Level 2 learning and assessment.
By acknowledging whakapapa and whenua, we help tauira strengthen their connection to who they are and where they come from, while supporting their next steps toward further training or work.
Start with the person
Who May Be a Good Fit
Use these prompts to decide whether a conversation is worthwhile.
Confidence grows through hands-on practice.
Aged 15–24, Seeking practical skill development
The programme is designed for rangatahi in this age range.
Interested in learning by doing & building projects
Practical, hands-on building activities are central to the programme.
Willing to take part in 12 weeks & Early rising
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
We discuss interest, practical circumstances, support needs and whether this intake is the right fit.
Referral conversation
Learner readiness assessment
Agreed next step
A referral or assessment does not guarantee enrolment. The team will agree the most suitable next step.
What the readiness assessment looks like
A quick look at the questions and an example outcome.
Working together
How a Referral and Support Partnership Works
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
• Keep partner organisations informed and involved throughout the learner’s journey
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
• Remain actively involved and supportive throughout the learner’s journey
A Shared Commitment
We believe strong partnerships begin with a shared understanding. Our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines our shared goals, roles, and responsibilities, guiding how we work together and support each other.
Plan the support
Plan The Support Around Each Place
Guidance for each learner’s next step.
What Each Tauira Receives
Full PPE for workshop and onsite activities
Breakfast, kai and refreshments
Travel support, including Snapper card top-ups and arranged pick-ups from the train station
Practical building and trades learning, including BCATS Level 1 and Level 2 learning and assessment
Personal support and guidance throughout the 12 weeks
Support to plan the next step into further training or work
Course cost per offered learner place
NZ$1,300 inc GST
Payment is a later step, following suitability assessment and a place offer.
Partner funds or assists in fund application
Your organisation covers the course cost directly or can assist in fund applications
Work and Income support
The partner helps the learner apply for individual assistance. Approval depends on eligibility criteria. Mahi Whakaara Supplier ID number: CUR003538433
- Work and Income assistance is not guaranteed and may not cover the full cost.
- Individual circumstances determine eligibility.
- Funding and payment arrangements are discussed after suitability has been confirmed.
Plan ahead
Practical Details
Location · Wellington City (Te Aro)
Duration · 12 weeks
Next intake · Monday 19 October 2026
Daily Duration · 9am - 3pm
Training Days · Mon - Thur
Places · Six only (Workshop size)
Learner age · 15–24
Pick Up · Wellington Train Station (8.30 -9am)
Eligibility · Readiness assessment and suitability
Course cost · NZ$1,300 per offered place
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
A quick look at the latest mahi, followed by links to stay connected.
Programme updates and community
Mahi Whakaara
(opens in a new tab)Mahi Whakaara is a trade foundation learning facility that encourages and guides students towards gaining a better future – “Inspire to work, work to enspire"
Start a conversation
Let’s Talk About The Rangatahi You Support
Register your interest and book a conversation before Monday 19 October.
Book a partnership conversation
If you were referred to this page, please respond directly to your initial contact.