Tahuri Atu Mentoring Programme

Abstract

The term mentor has a long history dating back to 800 b.c. it was derived from the character "Mentor" in Homer's epic tale the Odyssey. Mentor was a trusted friend of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. When Odysseus went to fight in the Trojan War, Mentor served as friend and council to Odysseus' son Telemachus.

These days a mentor is usually someone who is older and with more life experience than their mentee and mentoring is delivered through organisations. Tahri Atu is a Maori mentoring programme run by Awarua Social and Health Services. It is respected and successful in the Invercargill community. This research seeks to find the answer to two questions. What are the essential elements of the Tahuri Atu mentoring programme. And what are the distincitive qualities of a Maori mentoring programme.

The research uses Appreciative Inquiry in interviews with Rangatahi, parent/cargiver's, professionals and mentors. Focus groups were held with Tahuri Atu mentors and mainstream Mentors from About Face the YMCA mentors.

The research identifies the skills and attributes that are essential for a suitable mentor. That programmes should strengthen cultural identity, linking youth to their heritage and traditional knowledge, that the programmes need targeted activities and plans and that mentors should be well trained and supported.

The data captures the uniqueness of a Kaupapa Maori delivered mentoring programme that aim to educate Rangatahi in Maori customs and practices and turnout young people that are not only crime free, good citizens but have a sense of belonging, knowing who they are and being healthy in mind, body and soul.