OUR STORY
A Vision for Change
Te Ara Tīrama empowers young voices to create real change. We believe impact opportunities should be open to all rangatahi, not just a select few.
Where it all Began
The idea for Te Ara Tīrama began in 2018 when one of our co-founders noticed leadership opportunities were often reserved for the confident, outspoken, or well-connected. There were so many more young people out there eager to make a difference, but lacked a space to connect and amplify their impact.
Making Every Voice Count
Creating change isn’t about titles or being chosen by teachers. Every young person has valuable contributions to make. We provide the platform to transform their passions into action, regardless of their starting point.
Amplifying Youth Voices
We’re committed to giving rangatahi genuine power in decisions that affect them. From the start, Te Ara Tīrama has been shaped by young people, for young people.
Too often, young people find themselves in token roles, asked to speak up but not given the chance to drive decisions or create change. We’re closing the gap between tokenism and authentic youth involvement.
Turning Ideas into Action
In 2024, we partnered with students across Otago to create a platform where young changemakers can connect and collaborate and take action. Our journey is just beginning as we grow alongside the changemakers of Aotearoa, working toward a future where young people are empowered to shape and drive meaningful change.
The story of our name
The name Te Ara Tīrama ‘Path of Light’ emerged from collaboration with rangatahi across four high schools and guidance from local kaumātua, creating a name that embodies our vision to illuminate opportunities and empower young people to create meaningful change.
As we explored who we are, how we want to be understood, and the impact we strive to create, the ideas of pathways and light stood out—symbols of possibility, growth, and potential. We arrived at Te Ara Tīrama ‘Path of Light’. This name reflects our vision: to illuminate opportunities for rangatahi, empowering them to create meaningful change and sparking positive social impact.
Te Ara Tīrama is more than a name; it is a commitment to an ongoing journey where every action, big or small, contributes to a brighter future.
