Ara Rau is a Priority One initiative co-funded by MBIE to support the community and local workforce to fulfill its talent needs. Because of this we don’t charge for any services we provide for those seeking career and employment support.

We may require contribution for certain offerings such as Employer Capability workshops or events at the employers’ expense, which helps to cover training and facilitator fees if any external support is involved.

We’re open to support anyone who needs help with finding meaningful employment, regardless of age, ethnicity, background or experience. We have a particular focus on working with rangatahi (youth) between 18-24, but we’ve worked with a wide range of people through our events, workshops and one-to-one sessions. 

We also work across any industry sectors, education providers, community organisations and government agencies to collaborate and create positive employment and training outcomes.

Ara Rau is open and flexible with its engagement, to make it as easy as possible for you to connect with us.

We offer a range of ways for people to engage including e-mail and a Facebook page where you can message us directly. You’re also welcome to drop-in during our normal office hours and we’ll make a plan based on your individual needs.

You can check out this information on our Contact Us page.

Ara Rau mainly services Tauranga Moana, but also works with neighbouring communities such as Katikati and Te Puke. We sometimes operate across the wider Bay of plenty region to promote development opportunities and deliver events, in collaboration with various businesses and providers.

If you’re a support service or education/training provider looking for more help in guiding your people towards career and employment opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to call or e-mail us so we can discuss your person’s needs. We’ll maintain contact to ensure there is a clear, consistent line of support established, and that your student or client understands and is confident in how we’re working to support them between our services. 

That’s up to you! Ara Rau is not a formal course or programme, so does not expect any set commitments from anyone who utilises our services.

Some may connect once for help with a CV or job search support, others may engage several times to attend workshops or for help to create a comprehensive work and career plan for themselves.

We work alongside various agencies to source quality training and employment opportunities, but Ara Rau doesn’t formally recruit talent to fill jobs.

What this means is that we don’t hold a private talent pool, charge businesses for finding workers, or operate exclusively with specific employers.

Our priority is to support anyone actively seeking work, regardless of their skills and experience; and promote any job or support opportunities that create a suitable match between Pathfinders and employers.