As term 3 gets under way in Aotearoa New Zealand, we hope everyone who was on holiday had a well-deserved break. And, we hope you're keeping safe during the wild extremes of global weather. Yet another reminder (which we shouldn’t need) of why we all need to act and support rangatahi (young people) to design solutions for a better future.
1. Celebrating We would like to acknowledge Huia Lambie for everything she brings to Kia Kotahi Ako. Huia’s superpowers are her wisdom, guidance and magical weaving of people and opportunities, which have been integral to us over the past year. With her move north, Huia has now decided to focus more on her work in Taranaki and we congratulate her on her new role with the Toi Foundation.
We are delighted that she will continue as a strategic advisor and champion for Kia Kotahi Ako. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, Huia. While we’re talking about amazing people, we are thrilled to announce that we have a new Kaituitui (project coordinator) joining us later this month. They will be leading our next We Share Solar pilot at a kura kaupapa Māori and we are so excited to welcome them to the whānau. There will be lots more to share soon… watch this space!
We Share Solar: Learning from Industry We love working with our industry partners and want to celebrate Orion NZ and Ao Tawhiti school in Ōtautahi Christchurch. There are great learnings and exciting outcomes from this first energy and solar project together, including:Students measuring their school roof to submit a proposal for solar at schoolExpanding the project to other schools and whānau with the Climate Action Campus. Read more about the project on our blog here and Watch our 3 min video.
2. Learning We are having wonderful and challenging conversations about leadership for a dynamic Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) honouring organisation and what it means to be a good Treaty Partner. In particular, we are very grateful for everything we are learning from Huia and we feel very privileged to have her continued support and guidance.
A few resources that we have found particularly useful:
Podcast worth a listen: He Kōrero from Community Research. Great perspectives and conversations about how Te Tiriti o Waitangi informs different people’s practices.
3. Asking 1. Meeting in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) next week? We are around on 9th and 10th August and would love to say kia ora if you are free for a coffee or if there is anyone you think we should meet?
2. Become a supporter- it's been a highly successful year to date for Kia Kotahi Ako - and we have lots happening to share next time! If you, or someone you know, is interested in supporting our mahi (work), we'd love to connect. We also welcome financial support-you can contribute as a one-off, monthly or yearly donation via Open Collective or contact Sarah directly to discuss how we could work together.
Ngā mihi maioha, Sarah, Jojo and Huia on behalf of all the wonderful Kia Kotahi Ako whānau.
