Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Over the last decade, Renee Davies’ vision, commitment and connection to kaupapa Māori has been a lifeline for thousands of rangatahi in Wainuiomata and the Hutt Valley.
As Kaiwhakahaere of Tihei Rangatahi, the kaupapa Māori youth development and hauora programme run by Hutt Valley’s Kōkiri Marae, Renee’s leadership has been central to the success of this outstanding programme. She was honoured for this dedicated mahi as a finalist in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Awards held at Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026.
“Through her leadership, Renee Davies continues to uplift rangatahi to stand strong in who they are, lead with confidence, and shape positive futures – making her and Tihei Rangatahi highly deserving of the Ann Dysart Kahukura Award.”
Tria Tamaka, E Tū Whānau Kaimahi
Renee Davies – Growing confident rangatahi
Tihei Rangatahi supports rangatahi aged between 10 and 17 from two premises – one in Wainuiomata’s community centre and another in a new gym facility in Naenae.
Its after school programmes are inclusive and culturally grounded spaces where tikanga Māori is lived and practised. They’re also lively, joy-filled places, rich in whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. These are safe, supportive and encouraging environments where rangatahi can build resilience, develop a strong sense of identity and discover their own potential.
The programme has become so highly regarded that younger siblings often look forward to being old enough to follow their tuakana into Tihei Rangatahi.
Building identity, leadership and belonging
Under Renee Davies’ guidance, the programme has strengthened its focus on identity, wellbeing and leadership. This approach builds confidence, ownership and leadership capability, enabling young people to emerge as advocates and change-makers within their communities.
“We build confidence and help them find strength within. We even help them identify possible careers. We don’t want to be structured like a school but we are unashamedly ambitious for our rangatahi.”
Renee Davies, Tihei Rangatahi
A defining strength is the commitment of Tihei Rangatahi to rangatiratanga and co-design. Rangatahi are encouraged to actively contribute ideas, shape programmes, design solutions and lead initiatives that reflect their aspirations.
There’s growing evidence that the ‘Tihei Rangatahi Way’ is having significant positive outcomes.
The positive impact of the Tihei Rangatahi approach can be seen in both formal recognition and feedback from rangatahi themselves. The programme has received regional awards, achieved success in sport, and most importantly, helped young people grow in confidence, strengthen their cultural identity and improve their understanding of health and wellbeing. Peer support is central to this success. Leadership capabilities are encouraged and many rangatahi act as positive influences among their peers, whānau and wider networks.
By strengthening rangatahi, the programme contributes to stronger whānau and more resilient communities. It supports the development of future leaders grounded in tikanga Māori who can address inequities and are motivated to help shape positive outcomes for their generation. Renee and her team of skilled facilitators and mentors are ambitious for their rangatahi.
