Youth Advisory Panel | Pillars Ka Pou Whaka

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Seeds of Change - Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō

Seeds of Change - Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō

Leaders for Tomorrow

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō - Leaders for Tomorrow (Youth Advisory Panel), was established in early 2022. The goal is to communicate rangatahi’s ideas far and wide. Creating change for other young people with whānau in prison and to ultimately contribute to the wider transformative justice conversation.

Learn about the latest mahi Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is Accomplishing!

Growing up with whānau in prison offers a unique lens on the world, in particular the justice system and surrounding supports. Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō are sharing their voices as representatives of their communities. Engaging with lived experience and ideas in an effective and authentic way, allows us to learn from young people and apply this knowledge to improve Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou service delivery.

Learn the latest on their mahi

Dr Claire Achmad with Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō

Dr Claire Achmad with Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō host a Youth Week Webinar with Mana Mokopuna

This Youth Week, rangatahi of Ngā Rangatira Mō Apōpō are leading a powerful, youth‑led webinar in partnership with Mana Mokopuna | the Children’s Commissioner. Focusing on their Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration, rangatahi will explore how rights move from words on a wall into lived reality, and what needs to change in policy and practice to support future generations.

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou

2 min read

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō presenting to Parliament

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō presenting to Parliament

Seeds of Change: Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō Present to Parliament

On the steps of Parliament, something remarkable happened. For the first time ever, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō took their kōrero to Parliament, shared their lived experiences and presented bold youth-led solutions to improve outcomes for tamariki with a parent in prison. They called for a new role, the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau Navigator to help families navigate the criminal District Court. With powerful stories and unwavering mana, they planted seeds of change for generations to com

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou

3 min read

Youth Advisory Panelist advocating at the Youth-led Transformative Justice Conference

Youth Advisory Panelist advocating at the Youth-led Transformative Justice Conference

How Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is Reshaping Whānau Support in the Justice System

When a parent goes to prison, there is no dedicated role to support the children left behind. But through their vision, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is reshaping what whānau support looks like in the justice system. Through the lived experience and advocacy of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō, we are calling for a bold and compassionate solution.

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou

3 min read

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The Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration

"The Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration" is a groundbreaking resource. Developed by Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Leaders for Tomorrow – Youth Advisory Panel), this document reflects their voices, their realities, and their vision for the future.

We invite you to explore, share, and implement this document in your mahi. By embedding these principles into your work, you can be part of a community where every child has the support they need to a create positive future.

Meet Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō - the Leaders for Tomorrow

Nau mai haere mai to the 2026 Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel)! We're looking forward to 2026, continuing to elevate lived-experience voices for transformative justice and grow our seeds of real, tangible change happening.

“Being part of NRMA has changed how I see myself and how I see the world actually. Like I’m more confident in myself and what I have to say." - Youth Advisory Panellist

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Rose-Marie Ah Siu

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Tayshon Yates

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Courtney Abernethy

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Juliann Purea-Desai

Tyreace K.

Tyreace Karanga

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Cheevanah Kingi

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JJ Ah Siu

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Hunter Wilkins

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Trent Wilkins

The taukana members of the Ngā Rangatahi Mō Āpōpō play a vital role in this kaupapa: Troy Phillips, Sharn Te Whiu, Orla Angi, Jarhey Angi, Amethyst Edwards, and Kingston Hancy.

We acknowledge their lived experience, courage and insights that have contributed to a future where the voices of tamariki and whānau are heard and valued. We are honoured to walk alongside the taukana members as they paved the way forward for the next generation.

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