Walking With Rangatahi: Te Tahi Youth Joins New Attendance Service Partnership.

BJ, Te Tahi Youth’s Attendance Navigator, supporting rangatahi through connection, guidance, and relationship-based mahi.

School attendance plays a vital role in young people’s lives, it shapes their learning, confidence, and opportunities.

When rangatahi aren’t attending school regularly, it doesn’t just affect their education; it can impact their sense of connection, wellbeing, and future pathways. That’s why we’re proud to be part of an important new initiative designed to make a difference where it matters most.

Te Tahi Youth has joined with Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, ACTIS (Aranui Community Trust), and Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, to deliver the Christchurch East and Central Attendance Service (ECAS), a collaborative, community‑based service supporting rangatahi, tamariki, and their whānau to overcome barriers to regular school attendance.

This service is part of the Ministry of Education’s national attendance support model, which focuses on personalised, case‑managed support for young people who are chronically absent or not enrolled. Rather than viewing attendance issues through the lens of truancy, ECAS looks at the whole picture, listening to rangatahi and whānau, understanding the barriers they face, and walking alongside them to find meaningful solutions.

The Attendance Service reaches rangatahi who are struggling to stay engaged with education, whether they’re enrolled but frequently absent, or have disengaged entirely. ECAS works closely with schools, families, and community partners to build trusted relationships and find culturally grounded, kaiārahi‑led support that fits each young person’s needs.

As part of this contract, Te Tahi Youth has expanded our Youth Development Team with two dedicated Attendance Navigators:

BJ, who transitioned into this role after his work as a Youth Coach, brings deep experience supporting rangatahi through personalised guidance and trusted relationships;

Jessica, who will be joining the team, bringing fresh perspective and commitment to helping rangatahi find their way back into education and training.

Together, they will work alongside whānau, schools, and other agencies to identify barriers, from wellbeing challenges to personal circumstances, and support rangatahi to re‑engage with learning in ways that empower and uplift.

Being part of ECAS means Te Tahi Youth can reach more rangatahi and whānau than ever before. It broadens the ways we can support young people, offering connection, advocacy, and real pathways forward. More than attendance numbers, this mahi is about belonging, resilience, and opportunity: helping rangatahi feel seen, supported, and able to step confidently into their next chapter of life.

Together with our partners, Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, ACTIS and Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, we’re committed to building strong, strengths‑based support systems for our community.