We believe our children and young people are tino taonga—precious treasures. Psalm 139 reminds us that each child is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This truth reaffirms that our tamariki and rangatahi are deeply valued members of our whānau and central to our mission.

Tino Taonga is the next step in our all-of-Army movement to see, hear, and include the next generations. This isn’t a new idea—it’s a continuation of what you’ve already been doing. Your voice, your wisdom, and your heart have shaped this kaupapa—and as we move forward together, it's your leadership that will bring it fully to life.

Here’s how you can continue to be part of this movement:

• Adopt the language of Tino Taonga in your setting—affirming that children and young people are invaluable and precious treasures in your conversations, messaging, and gatherings.

• Share your stories with us—tell us about the moments where young people are being seen, heard, and valued in your context. We want to celebrate and amplify these across the motu.

• Engage your team or Salvation Army community—host a kōrero about what valuing children and young people looks like in your place. Could Tino Taonga be a guiding principle for your programmes or Sunday gatherings?

• Follow our Tino Taonga journey here on Facebook and Instagram.

• Pray with us—commit to regularly praying for the next generation, and for our leaders who walk alongside them.

We realise that last year we began using the language of Next Gen without fully explaining the heart behind it! So, you might be wondering why we’ve moved from separate Children’s and Youth teams to a unified Next Gen team.

We continue to deeply value both children’s and youth ministry, recognising the distinct focus and expertise each requires. At the same time, we’re committed to a more coordinated approach—one that creates smoother transitions and a stronger sense of continuity for young people as they grow.
By journeying with them from birth to adulthood as one connected team, we can build deeper relationships, provide more consistent support, and better celebrate their growth in faith and life.

Thank you for being champions of Tino Taonga. We love being on the team with you!

Let’s continue to treasure the next generations together.