Poara Allen

Rangatahi Development | Education Re-engagement | Māori Outcomes

Talent

AucklandMember since October 6, 2026

Rangatahi mentoring and engagementAttendance and education re-engagementWhānau engagement and relationship buildingCase coordination and support planningSchool and community relationshipsKaupapa Māori and culturally responsive practiceTikanga Māori, kawa and whakapapaProgramme development and facilitationLeadership and team supportStakeholder relationship managementMonitoring progress and outcomesCommunication and collaborationConflict resolution and problem solvingCommunity engagementFull New Zealand Driver LicenceEmpathetic and understandingStrong communicatorPatient and approachableNatural relationship builderStrong leadership skillsOpen-minded and adaptablePositive and encouragingResilientTeam focusedCulturally groundedCommitted to achieving positive outcomes for rangatahi

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Rangatahi mentoring and engagementAttendance and education re-engagementWhānau engagement and relationship buildingCase coordination and support planningSchool and community relationships

About

Culturally grounded rangatahi development professional with proven experience helping tamariki and rangatahi reconnect with education, strengthen their identity and build positive pathways forward. Experienced in working alongside whānau, schools, community organisations and service providers to understand individual needs, coordinate support and monitor progress. Brings hands-on experience designing and leading kaupapa Māori programmes focused specifically on attendance, education re-engagement, confidence and long-term positive outcomes, supported by a strong foundation in tikanga Māori, kawa, whakapapa and relationship-based practice.

Experience

Youth Mentor - TE WHĀNAU O WAIPAREIRA

(2024-03)

Support rangatahi who are at risk of disengaging from education and/or entering the justice system through prevention-focused, culturally grounded mentoring.

Build positive and trusting relationships with rangatahi, whānau, schools and community services to provide coordinated, wraparound support.
Support rangatahi experiencing barriers to education to reconnect with school and develop positive pathways for their future.
Develop and deliver kaupapa Māori-based programmes focused on education re-engagement, identity, confidence and long-term positive outcomes.
Work alongside whānau and partner organisations to understand individual needs and identify appropriate support.
Monitor rangatahi engagement and progress and adapt support to meet individual needs.

Te Ara Hau – Programme Development - TE WHĀNAU O WAIPAREIRA

Designed and facilitated Te Ara Hau, a 10-week programme for young wāhine who were not currently engaged in education.
Used the stories and legacy of Māori leaders, including Whina Cooper, to build cultural pride, confidence, identity and motivation to reconnect with education.
Created a supportive environment where participants could identify strengths, establish goals and develop positive pathways forward.

Ngā Kākano o Te Kaihanga – Attendance Programme - TE WHĀNAU O WAIPAREIRA

Led Ngā Kākano o Te Kaihanga, a tikanga-based attendance programme for tāne aged 10–13.
Integrated karakia, tikanga, kawa Māori and structured mentoring to strengthen identity and reconnect rangatahi with education.
Worked with rangatahi to encourage consistent attendance, positive behaviour and engagement with their learning environment.

CrossFit Rangatahi Development Programme - TE WHĀNAU O WAIPAREIRA

(2026 - 2026)

Selected and mentored a group of six rangatahi aged 12–15 in government care through a structured CrossFit training programme.
Planned and delivered training to prepare the rangatahi for the CrossFit College Games.
Used sport to develop discipline, resilience, confidence, teamwork, goal-setting and positive relationships.
Supported the rangatahi throughout their preparation and competition journey.
Achieved 7th place out of 35 teams at the CrossFit College Games.

Māori Outcomes Lead - SPORT WAITĀKERE

(2023-02 - 2024-03)

Fostered relationships with mana whenua and supported a bicultural approach across the Community Sport and Recreation team.
Contributed to strategic decision-making with a focus on improving Māori outcomes across the wider community.
Developed and maintained relationships with community stakeholders and partners.
Supported community sport development through relationship management, capability building and delivery of key contracts and activations.
Identified opportunities to strengthen Māori participation, engagement and outcomes.

Head Youth Mentor – Mahuru Remand Services - NGĀPUHI IWI SOCIAL SERVICES

(2021-02 - 2023-02)

Led 8–12-week mentoring programmes focused on reconnecting rangatahi with whakapapa through tikanga and kawa.
Supported young people to build confidence, strengthen identity and develop positive connections with their community.
Used culturally grounded approaches to enhance the mana of tamariki and rangatahi.
Worked collaboratively with young people, whānau and community networks to support positive outcomes.
Provided consistent mentoring, encouragement and guidance to young people experiencing challenging circumstances.

Hei Huarahi Wānanga Facilitator - NGĀPUHI IWI SOCIAL SERVICES

Developed and facilitated marae-based wānanga for Ngāpuhi tamariki in government care.
Created programmes focused on confidence building, cultural identity, whakapapa and connection to whenua and whānau.
Used tikanga and kawa to create safe, culturally appropriate environments for tamariki.
Supported tamariki to strengthen their connection to their Ngāpuhi identity and their communities.