New Tautoko Toolkit for aspiring Māori leaders in the food and fibre sector
The tool was developed specifically for the food and fibre sector, with funding from Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for the sector, and Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence, with expertise from Rural Leaders. The three organisations share a commitment to initiatives that will support more Māori leadership in the industries they work for.
Whilst Māori are big players in both the ownership and workforce in the food and fibre industries, anecdotal evidence suggests they are underrepresented in leadership and management roles at organisational, regional and national levels.
“We want to develop clear pathways where kaimahi Māori are enabled and empowered to progress from entry-level workers into team leadership, organisational leadership, regional and national leadership and beyond” says Muka Tangata Chief Executive Jeremy Baker.
The Tautoko Toolkit is freely available to use online where the participants will be guided through an online programme which encourages personal reflection and collective learning through a Māori lens.
It is backed up with a downloadable pocketbook and a guidebook for facilitators and mentors who may be supporting the learner.
Dairy farmer Ben Purua, who was last year’s Ahuwhenua Young Farmer of the Year, chaired the industry group that oversaw the development of the toolkit.
“It is the kind of resource that I would have loved to have access to a few years ago and I’ve really enjoyed being involved in its development.
“I love farming and I would love more Māori to see the awesome potential that a career in the different industries can offer. I hope the Tautoko Toolkit will encourage rangatahi who have entered the industry to reflect on what they can offer as a leader and give them the confidence to follow their dreams.”
The tool was developed by Scarlatti and HTK Group. Young leaders from multiple industries including dairy, sheep and beef farming, horticulture and conservation have contributed to the tool.
Explore the toolkit: Tautoko Toolkit.