As part of our ongoing commitment to better understand the aspirations of our hapori Māori, we have been on a journey of māramatanga (understanding). We wanted a platform to share what we've learnt, so we created a podcast series with Tahu FM. In episode four Jas from @Tahu FM sits down with Rātā Foundation's Māori Engagement Advisor Steve Merito and RUIA Co-ordinator Hora Nichols to discuss one of the most exciting partnerships Rātā have funded in recent years - the RUIA Partnership. This podcast discusses how rangatahi-led initiatives have come to life through RUIA funding and the importance of giving this group an active voice in planning their own future.

Looking ahead, RUIA have just closed their last round of applications, with 20 whānau initiatives for rangatahi Māori to support over the next six months. Of these exciting new initiatives, the focus has been heavy on digitalising Te Reo and creating an online platform to rebuild structures and learnings through a Māori framework. Additionally, whānau want to grow cultural confidence within their hapū and korā through teaching kapa haka.

Kia ora RUIA - love your work and can't wait to see some of these great stories come online!!