Ruia Fund Baseline Evaluation

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Project Background

The RUIA fund is a youth initiative that was created to support rangatahi wellbeing, intergenerational leadership, succession planning and cultural development. RUIA is the outcome of a relationship between a Whānau Ora Commissioning agency - Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu ; a philanthropic organisation, the Rātā Foundation ; and government, Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi – The Ministry for Youth Development.

Between October 2020 and April 2021, 16 initiatives were resourced through the RUIA Fund. In this six month period approximately 700 rangatahi participated in initiatives. Activities included wānanga, hui, exhibitions, noho marae, field trips, gym and boxing sessions and a Kapa Haka festival. This work was supported by approximately 50 kaimahi as well as a large number of volunteers.

Evaluation Report

 

Outcomes of Ruia Fund

What we did

Between February and April 2021 whānau funded through RUIA were interviewed by Ihi Research.  Interviews provided an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of initiatives, the outcomes achieved, factors that supported or inhibited success and opportunities for the future.

RUIA is a youth initiative designed to build capability; the research methodology employed a youth participatory approach.  Two youth researchers worked in partnership with two experienced researchers to conduct this evaluation.  The youth researchers were involved in all aspects of the research including, ethical procedures, interviews, analysis, writing and presentation.

 

Outcome

There is significant evidence that rangatahi engaged in the RUIA fund initiatives:

  • participated in activities that supported the seven pou outcomes;

  • built cultural capability and strengthened their cultural identity;

  • had opportunities to express leadership and self-determination and

  • Participated and connected with each other and with their culture.

The evaluation found the RUIA fund is an exciting addition to the funding and philanthropic landscape. It is innovative in its partnership approach; involving three organisations with varying but complementary approaches, goals and philosophies. RUIA achieves its outcomes as described by the seven pou. It provides a vehicle to achieve positive youth outcomes through te ao Māori.

RUIA provides an opportunity for rangatahi, their whānau and their tuakana to identify and achieve their own aspirations.

Find more information about Te Pūtahitanga and their innovative work at here

 

 “Our shared commitment to RUIA is driven, fundamentally, by the whakataukī : “E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea – I will never be lost, for I am a seed sown by Rangiātea.”  While the whakataukī of course refers to the tribal homeland of Rangiātea, it also represents a "clear spiritual realm," or "a state of enlightenment."   I love the fact that originally four funders - Ministry of Youth Development – Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi; Rātā Foundation; Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu – came together to foster the growth and wellbeing of our young leaders.”

 

-Pouārahi Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu

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We’ll work with you to find out what’s working, where investment could be put to best use or how to improve anything not going to plan. We can help you define success and set tangible, measurable goals. And we talk in real language so you can understand and engage with the findings. We engage with the community to conduct community research and consultations for private companies, trusts, government agencies, NGOs and more. But we have a special interest in research that has a purpose - to better society and teach lessons. We aim to help those we work with build capacity to enact positive change.

Whānau Ora, homeCatherine Savage