Taipa Area School Students Secure Top Honours in Far North Youth Leadership Challenge

Students from Te Kura Takiwā o Taipa – Taipa Area School have been named the winners of the inaugural E Tū Rangatahi – Stand Up Young Leaders competition. Jordayne Spaander, Keita Harrison, and Tamyra Mahanga took the top spot after presenting their "Nothing About Us, Without Us" proposal to a panel of judges at the Mahinga Innovation Centre. The initiative, delivered through a partnership between the Far North District Council and the Ministry of Education, challenged rangatahi aged 15 to 24 to identify local issues and pitch innovative solutions. The Taipa team focused on the importance of young people having a seat at the decision-making table for policies that directly affect their future. Jordayne Spaander and Keita Harrison noted that while the experience was nerve-wracking, it was exciting to gain knowledge from their peers and local leaders. As the winning prize, the team has been invited to present their ideas directly to the Mayor’s Office. Taipa Area School principal Lisa White expressed pride in the students’ achievement, acknowledging the guidance of business teacher Whaea Raninikura Kapa. White stated that the event provided a vital platform for tauira to demonstrate leadership potential and engage with local politics. The competition also recognised other young leaders, with second place awarded to Kaitāia College interns from Te Hiku Hauora for a vaping cessation app, and third place going to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe for a project aimed at increasing youth voter participation. The Far North District Council reported that the pitches covered a wide range of topics, including mental health, housing, and marine conservation. The E Tū Rangatahi competition serves as a springboard for further engagement through the Far North Youth Action Council, which continues to seek involvement from young people dedicated to community service.