Nothing to lose

The secret KFC chicken seasoning recipe could be revealed for one North Canterbury youngster before the year is out.

Jamie McMahon, 18, has reached the six month mark of his year with the Tuia Programme 2022.

It was as a member of Hurunui District Council’s Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) that Jamie began working alongside Mayor Marie Black last year, and earlier this year was accepted to be part of the Programme, which supports young Maori aged 18-25 in leadership development.

The aim of the long term, intergenerational approach is to develop the leadership capacity of young Maori in communities throughout New Zealand, with Mayors mentoring on a one-to-one basis.

“It’s always good to catch up with Mayor Black, we chat about things and I learn some life stuff as well,” said Jamie.

The pair catch up about once a month, and Jamie also works around 30 hours per week at KFC in Rangiora, currently in Front of House, and soon hopes to join the cooking team.

“I learned a lot about the workforce with MTFJ, and at this job my goal is to learn and do as much as I can.””

Jamie is saving to buy a car.

As one of 40 rangatahi around New Zealand on the Programme, he is in for a fulfilling weekend when they gather together for the third time this year, to attend a Tuia I Wananga in Rotorua.

The first wananga was in Hamilton, the second was in Nelson.

Jamie said it’s a chance to rekindle with familiar faces and make new friends too, admitting the first hui was rather daunting,. He knows what to expect now and is looking forward to hearing some good guest speakers, and learning more about his culture through workshops and interaction.

“My whakapapa is Ngāti Tūwharetoa, near Taupo, and it’s an enjoyable and big process attending the wananga and learning as much as I can.”

He could see the benefits of being surrounded by likeminded people who wanted to learn and develop like he did when he joined the Programme, and Jamie’s goals for the next six months is to improve his Te Reo Maori, and keep in touch with the rest of the group.

“A real highlight has been the challenge of pushing myself, because I used to get really nervous at a wananga because it was something new which I’d never done before.”

When Jaime’s not working or focussing on his leadership skills, he enjoys producing low fly style music with his brother, he plays the keys and piano too.

“My mum’s always on the phone to me asking how it’s going, and my auntie found out about it when she saw the article in the newspaper, she was really happy.”

Mayor Black is so proud of Jamie’s development and progress this year, and she’s thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mentor such a great young man. She’s felt privileged to be able to share some of her own life skills advice.

“As a mum myself I understand life’s pressures, and it’s an honour to have this interaction with Jamie, and be able to help him develop a network of friends he may have for life.”

Jamie’s message to other rangatahi thinking of being part of the Tuia Programme is a simple one - that you have nothing to lose.

“The start may seem nerve wracking, but the end result is very welcoming.”

The next six months for Mayor Black will be about continuing to support Jamie to be the person he wants to be.

“I think it’s a great opportunity, and I’ve enjoyed the experience and the learning I’ve gained too.”