Imagine resilient, inclusive, connected communities all across Aotearoa.

Communities in which all rangatahi are nurtured, mentored, and their values encouraged.

Welcome to the Youth Development Champions Project

We provide resources and training for anyone working with or making decisions that affect young people.

All of our work is informed by the Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa framework and designed to be flexible, meeting different needs depending on your unique context.

Read about our trainings

Explore the resource

The PYDA –

Evidence-based resources for youth-centred work

Our foundational resource, Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa: “Weaving Connections - Tūhonohono Rangatahi” (Known as the PYDA), presents an evidence-based set of outcomes and approaches that shine a light on how young people develop holistically, and how Positive Youth Development can apply to different contexts and needs within Aotearoa.

From the original book’s conception in 2009, launch in 2011, new edition in 2020 and redesign in 2024, its content has been supported and contributed to by some of Ōtautahi’s most dedicated youth workers, experts and researchers.

Now, you can download the most recent edition of the resource here, or explore the core concepts and Ideas in Action at your own pace here.

Explore the PYDA

Trainings –

Best practice; shared with your team, applied to your context

Our training sessions provide a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of Positive Youth Development, and bring those concepts into your way of working.

They are especially designed to help anyone working with young people or making decisions that impact them to learn how to apply these concepts to their own contexts and communities within Aotearoa.

Every session is run by one or more of our Youth Development Champions who take a practice-based lens to the material, bringing PYDA to life. They typically take a day to complete, and can be done either in person in Ōtautahi or online from elsewhere in the country.

More about our trainings

About the project

Drawing from the experience and knowledge of Ōtautahi’s dedicated youth workers, experts and researchers, the Youth Development Champions Project is all about:

More about who we are

Mātauranga

Knowledge

We collate and utilise mātauranga from Aotearoa and around the world to support and upskill those working with and for young people. Book a training with us, explore the PYDA or browse the Ideas in Action that support practice.

Kaihāpai

Champion

We are youth development champions. Our team is made up of experienced and passionate youth development practitioners who want to support our community, our city and our country to best serve and support young people.

Whakamana

Empower

We empower others to recognise their own good practice, and to always improve. We provide resources and training for our communities to feel confident to take the next step and continue their important mahi.

Ideas in Action –

What does this look like in action?

Our goal is to highlight a range of models, frameworks and other practice aids that are consistent with PYD, and we prioritise those that were developed in or near Aotearoa and those based on maturanga Māori and other indigenous knowledge.

To see examples, check out our library.

See the Ideas in Action

Blog –

Read our latest posts

What is a Community of Practice?

The Role of Whenua in Youth Development Practice

Applying the PYDA Framework at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the trainings?

We are so lucky to have a crack team of Champions who are experienced in Positive Youth Development. Each of them is well practised at bringing the concepts of PYDA to life and moulding the trainings to suit the needs of each group as required.

Meet the team

Who is it for?

This project is all about connecting those in positions that impact young people, either directly or indirectly with those who are practitioners in youth development.

There is no cookie cutter approach here, each training is adaptable, collaborative and practical.Unsure if you fit the target? Get in touch and have a chat.

Get in touch

What is the difference between PYD and PYDA?

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a general approach. Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa (PYDA) incorporates the same core principles but is uniquely tailored to the cultural and societal context of New Zealand. It includes a strong emphasis on Māori values and practices, recognizing the importance of cultural identity, community connection, and the collective well-being of young people.

In Aotearoa, PYD often involves collaboration with indigenous communities and integrates concepts like whānau (extended family) support and holistic development. By blending general PYD principles with the specific cultural and community contexts of Aotearoa, this approach aims to create more effective and relevant support systems for the youth in New Zealand.

Who can benefit from PYDA training?

PYDA training can benefit a wide range of individuals and organisations working with young people, including youth workers, educators, social workers, community leaders, and policymakers. It can also be valuable for parents, caregivers, mentors and coaches who play significant roles in young people's lives.

What are the benefits of PYDA training?

The benefits of PYD training include enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in working effectively with young people, improving their ability to create supportive and empowering environments, fostering positive youth outcomes, and contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

How can I implement PYD principles in my work or organisation?

Implementing PYD principles involves integrating them into policies, practices, and programs that support young people's development. It's also important to recognise what you are already doing!

Our trainings are specifically designed to help you apply these principles into your specific work, context and community and identify what you are already doing. . If you are excited about the potential of Positive Youth Development, but you’re not sure what the next steps are to deepen your practice, we are here to help.

Ways to implement the principles often include:

Adopting youth-centred approaches,
providing opportunities for youth voice and participation,
building partnerships with youth-serving organisations,
and creating inclusive and supportive environments.

What does it cost?

Currently, we are really lucky to have the support of the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust to subsidise training locally, but if you are outside of greater Christchurch, you may still be able to access our training at a discounted rate. Check out our pricing tool to find out what it might cost to have us host a PYDA Training at your workplace or organisation.

We are competitively priced with other training providers nationally and all money goes back into the development and rollout of more training. So it's a win win!

Learn more about the project

What is positive youth development (PYD)?

Positive youth development is an approach that focuses on nurturing young people's strengths and abilities, promoting their healthy development, and fostering their positive engagement with their communities. It emphasises building upon young people's assets rather than solely addressing their deficits.

Why is PYD important?

PYD is crucial because it equips young people with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive and contribute positively to society. It helps them develop a sense of competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring, which are essential for their overall well-being.

What topics are covered in this training?

All of our training sessions dive deep into the Outcomes and Approaches outlined in our key resource: the PYDA and then overlay this framework to your context. These topic areas are, briefly:

Outcomes:

Developing the Whole Person
Developing Connected Communities

Approaches:

Strengths-based
Respectful Relationships
Building Ownership and Empowerment

Is the PYDA training evidence-based?

Yes. The PYDA framework resource Weaving Connections - Tūhonohono Rangitahi is a research-backed and evidence-based document. In the creation of the current edition two research agencies, The Collaborative Trust and Ihi Research reviewed the text to ensure all statements are supported by research.

The PYDA Champions Project utilises local PYDA champions to train this resource and include much of their practice experience to assist participants in the practical application of the framework

Are there any resources available for further learning and support?

Yes, there are numerous resources available, including books, articles, toolkits, websites, and organisations dedicated to positive youth development. Additionally, many training providers offer ongoing support, consultation, and networking opportunities for individuals and organisations interested in advancing aspects of the PYDA.

Imagine resilient, inclusive, connected communities all across Aotearoa.

Welcome to the Youth Development Champions Project

Evidence-based resources for youth-centred work