Manaakitanga is the act of making rangatahi feel welcomed, valued, accepted, and included. This includes showing kindness and respect towards them.  

What this can look like in practice:  

• Provide options to engage: Give young people ongoing flexible options to participate in ways that work for them and their lives.  
• Make it easy to participate: Reduce financial barriers to be involved by providing kai and covering associated costs such as travel and phone usage.  
• Meet them in their environments: Rangatahi do not always feel comfortable in formal/corporate spaces. Ask what would be most convenient to them, such as safe spaces they normally would go to e.g. a park, school, community hall, or beach. 
• Keep it casual and fun: Create an informal atmosphere, keep clothing casual and avoid jargon or acronyms. Use fun activities to make the experience enjoyable! 
• Use their preferred communication channels: Ask young people what social media platforms or communication channels they are already comfortable using and use these to communicate with them throughout a projects. 

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