Ngā Tikanga Whānaketanga He Arotake Tuhinga: A Review of Aotearoa New Zealand Youth Development Research

Abstract

• The Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa (YDSA) has been pivotal for the youth development sector since its launch in 2002. It has provided the foundation for youth development practice and qualifications. It has also been prominent in youth research but it is in need of an update to better align with the needs of contemporary young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. • This Aotearoa-based youth development arotake tuhinga (literature review) attempts to address critiques of the YDSA and its accompanying literature review, Building Strengths, (2002) particularly with respect to their Western orientation. To ensure kaupapa Māori was integral to this work, we created a framework based on concepts discussed in Māori models of youth development. The scope, structure, and focus of this arotake (review) was guided by research-engaged “critical friends” who were consulted in the process. • This arotake is only one component of the activities that form a broader review of the YDSA. It encompassed Te Ao Māori (Māori world) through the use of te reo Māori and Māori frameworks; Kaimahi (workers) through an online survey and regional consultations with young people and people who work with young people across the country with additional hui for Māori practitioners; Taiohi (young people) through two focus groups; one for young people and one for Pacific Island youth practitioners and young people; and a survey on young people’s perceptions of wellbeing; and Mātauranga through this arotake and an evidence review of the youth development landscape. • Six Māori concepts provide the organising frames for the youth development literature we reviewed. Each is described in relation to the six existing principles of the YDSA although they do not directly correlate in each case. They are Whakapapa (interconnectedness through time and space); Mauri (one’s inherent potential and life spark); Mana (one’s inherent authority and integrity); Manaakitanga (generosity and care for collective wellbeing); Whanaungatanga (relationship building and connection); and Mātauranga (knowledges). • We have come a long way in the past 17 years with respect to producing youth development research. Research about and with young people in Aotearoa New Zealand has burgeoned. It is rich, diverse, and exciting. We have benefitted from large-scale quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods projects, theoretical and conceptual articles, books, and numerous theses from multiple disciplines, all forms of which were considered in this arotake. Given such a range, we limited the scope of this arotake to Aotearoa research published from 2002 onwards that was focused on young people aged 12–24 years and their development or wellbeing. A “living” bibliography of research we identified will be housed on Ara Taiohi’s website and additional research can be added.