New Zealand youth sector champions come together for a better future

Thursday 2 November, saw over 100 attendees from across the youth development sector convene at Government House for the leader symposium entitled Continuing the Conversation: Service Collaboration for Better Youth Outcomes.

The aim of the day was to bring together stakeholders from the youth development and allied sectors to discuss collective impact, service collaboration, as well as innovation, philanthropy and commissioning for better youth outcomes.

The day was opened by Michael Webster, Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council. This was followed by a powerful and sobering address by Judge Andrew Becroft, New Zealand Children’s Commissioner, about the disadvantages and difficulties facing many of our young people in Aotearoa.

The remainder of the day consisted of breakout groups listening to stories of collaboration as well as interactive workshop sessions where attendees were involved in extended discussions about the big questions facing the youth development sector today, namely; commissioning, innovation & social enterprise, data collection & evaluation, philanthropy in New Zealand and youth in governance.

“It was fantastic to see such a diverse audience discussing issues and exchanging ideas on subjects that matter deeply to the mahi we all do, says Josh Tabor, Chief Executive SCOUTS New Zealand.

“We hope that the outcomes from today will be carried forward and lead to further collaboration within our sector and with others who support our sector.”

The day was concluded with a feedback session including Anya Satyanand, Executive Director of Ara Taiohi - peak body of the youth development sector. Ara Taiohi will be taking the workshopped actions from the day forward, building on the collaboration conversation, and what is on the horizon for the sector.

About SCOUTS New Zealand

As New Zealand’s best-known youth organisation, SCOUTS New Zealand offers 15,000 plus young people a programme full of new adventures, outdoor experiences, personal challenge and leadership opportunities that will set them on a pathway of lifelong success. Supporting both girls and boys in almost 400 communities across New Zealand, SCOUTS’ national programme focuses on the outdoors, community, personal development and new experiences, equipping 6 to 26-year olds with life skills such as problem-solving, team work, leadership and citizenship, supported by over 5,000 trained and accredited volunteers.

www.scouts.org.nz 0800 SCOUTS (0800 726887)

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