Maori in common with other indigenous people face considerable problems with their youth.  While there have been many attempts to address these issues, there has been limited involvement from Maori youth and their communities.

 This workshop led by youth and adults will examine how Iwi/Maori providers have nominated hapu/Maori young leaders to be trained and lead research into the health and well being of Maori rangatahi.  The rangatahi have played an integral role in developing the research methods utilised and in the process have become role models for the rangatahi that are participants in the research.  This approach has contributed to a change of attitude from young people around the positive potential of research in hearing their voice around social issues important to them.  Rangatahi will play an active role in presenting the lessons learnt in this research project which they believe contribute to a positive approach in working with young people.