At just 12 years old, Saskia Kihi is already showing the power of leadership and determination. Joining Kuraconnect at just 11, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute—quickly proving her maturity and drive to succeed.

Building Strong Foundations

Saskia recently completed Quadrant One: Personal Development, a key stage of the Igniting Potential in Rangatahi (IPIR) Programme designed to equip young people with essential life skills. This stage goes beyond theory, providing rangatahi with the tools and confidence to thrive both personally and in their communities.

Through this quadrant, Saskia has:

• Developed confidence in financial literacy and managing her money.

• Gained skills in conflict resolution and healthy communication.

• Completed alcohol and drug awareness workshops to strengthen her decision-making.

• Learnt about safeguarding, giving her tools to protect herself and others.

Practical Steps Towards Independence

With guidance from the programme, Saskia has also taken practical steps towards independence, including:

• Opening her first bank account.

• Applying for an IRD number and creating a RealMe login.

• Developing her first CV, preparing her for future study and employment.

Each milestone marks a significant step forward, laying the foundations for Saskia’s future as a confident and capable young leader.

Leading by Example

Saskia’s leadership is already shining through in her community. She is making her mark as a top official at Kuraconnect activations, stepping up with confidence and inspiring those around her. Her role as an official has not only built her skills but also demonstrated her ability to lead and support others in a positive way.

On top of this, Saskia has gained valuable hands-on experience by helping to deliver Kuraconnect events, strengthening her teamwork, communication, and organisational skills.

Looking Ahead

Saskia’s ambition reminds us how much our rangatahi can achieve when given the opportunity to shine. As the youngest member of the IPIR Programme, she has shown incredible growth, resilience, and dedication to her journey.

We are proud to stand alongside Saskia as she continues to unlock her potential and grow into the leader she’s destined to be. Her story is proof that leadership doesn’t wait for age—it begins the moment a young person is given the tools, encouragement, and platform to rise.

Article added: Thursday 18 September 2025