Walking alongside rangatahi with heart and purpose

She was 18 and had booked in with a counsellor, but when she arrived at the agreed time the receptionist said someone had forgotten her appointment and they would get in touch to reschedule.

“I never heard back. That moment stuck with me, I was a young person reaching out for help, and the door was literally and figuratively closed on me.”

Choosing a career in social work Maraea hopes to prevent other young people encountering similar challenges and barriers. Studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is like a calling rooted in her own life experiences and values.

Despite her passion, she began her studies unsure of her abilities.

“I lacked confidence in my ability to complete the degree when I started, unsure whether I had what it took to succeed. As I started classes, I found that I was so passionate about what I was learning, that writing assignments became interesting rather than daunting.”

Finding connection through kaupapa

Maraea’s placement at Highbury Whānau Centre Palmerston North strengthened her love for working with rangatahi and the importance of kaupapa Māori spaces that connection.

“Being in a Kaupapa Māori organisation has allowed me to practice in a non-judgemental space where I can be myself. I am able to naturally integrate te ao Māori into my practice and work alongside kaimahi who share the same values and pride in being Māori. It has been empowering to be part of that environment, and I have learned so much from it.”

Maraea says she’s constantly learning from the rangatahi she works with.

Every day on placement offered fresh learning and growth.

“It is a pivotal and sometimes turbulent time as they learn to become more independent, discover who they are and figure out what they want for their futures. I admire the openness many rangatahi have toward seeking support when they need it. When I was younger, conversations about mental health were not as common or accepted, and now there is a growing willingness to talk about these things, which is powerful and inspiring.”

Maraea says she has found that rangatahi are learning to show pride in who they are, which she tries to nurture in her practice by encouraging them to stand tall in their identity, recognise their achievements and believe in their ability to reach their goals and moemoeā [dreams].

“Sometimes all they need is someone in their corner, offering gentle encouragement and reminding them of the potential they already hold. I want to be the kind of social worker who is consistent, believes in them (even on the days they struggle to believe in themselves), and cheers them on from the sidelines.”

Mana-enhancing approach to care 

Working in social services can be emotionally demanding, and for Maraea, maintaining balance is essential. Her approach is grounded in care, reflection, and clear boundaries – both for the betterment of rangatahi and herself.

“I try to approach everything from a holistic perspective. Reflection, open-ended questions, and critical thinking across all aspects of a young person’s life provide a clearer picture and allow for more meaningful, therapeutic work rather than just putting a band-aid on a situation.

A key part of my approach is meeting each young person where they’re at. Referrals come with information about a person’s past, but I try to begin each engagement with unconditional positive regard, no judgment, and space to listen to who they are right now. I want the people I work with to feel that I am not just another professional, but someone who genuinely cares and is walking alongside them, as they are the experts in their own lives.”

Her wellbeing practices are equally considered. Before each placement, she actively incorporates te ao Māori models such as Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā.

“Before each placement, I created a wellbeing plan using the Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Exercise, good sleep, mindfulness practices like spending time in the ngāhere [forest], and a strong support network keep my energy up and support my wellbeing. I lean on my whānau and friends for encouragement and perspective.”

Maraea says a key learning objective from her Bachelor of Social Work is supporting yourself first so you can better support others.

“I try to listen to my body. If I feel uneasy, I pause and check in with myself. Sometimes that means taking a break, stepping outside, having water and recentring myself.

I have felt the negative impact of booking appointments without breaks. Having space to reflect, shift focus, and be present for the next engagement is important to ensure you are giving people the best support possible.”

Call for diversity in the profession

Now preparing to enter the workforce, Maraea hopes the social work profession continues to evolve with stronger collaboration, greater diversity, and more support for community-based services.

Reflecting on the future of the field, she says:

“One of the biggest things is stronger collaboration between support services — teamwork really does make the dream work. There is rarely just one support person or service around someone; it takes a village. Through networking, I have often come across services I never knew existed, and being able to connect rangatahi to them has been so beneficial.”

She believes this kind of connection helps the sector step outside of ‘its own little bubble’ and better recognise what exists within the community.

“I also hope to see more diversity within the profession: social workers from different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, genders, and sexualities. Every perspective adds something valuable and helps the field evolve to better reflect the world we live in today.”

Maraea also emphasises the importance of strengthening frontline, community-based work.