Ara Rau helps rangatahi redefine their paths to success by offering guidance as well as practical support to remove any barriers to further education or employment.

Nicole Ake says her interest in the beauty industry stems from a young age. Through Ara Rau, she achieved a personal goal of enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Level 3) at Toi Ohomai.

“Ara Rau has been very helpful, providing transport, booking driving lessons so I feel confident getting my restricted, and helping me the whole way so I could get into this course – especially with all the paperwork,” says Nicole.

Learning new skills has been a highlight for Nicole, who says she feels a sense of pride that she’s returned to learning. She also appreciates “just getting out and having some where to go every day”.

This is just the beginning of Nicole’s new direction. “This course will help my future because this isn’t the last step in my pathway. I have other things, like lashes and nails, that I want to be certified in, so I can one day work from home.”