Ministry dedicated to the kaupapa of positive youth development over the last 26 years.
In response to the change of direction at the Ministry of Youth Development which was announced by Minister Kaye last
Tuesday, Anya Satyanand, Executive Officer at Ara Taiohi, had the following to say:
“Aotearoa NZ is seen internationally as a leader in positive youth development approaches and strengths-based practice.
The Ministry of Youth Development has been a big part of this perception, working as they have with the youth
development sector, for the benefit of our young people across New Zealand,” says Anya Satyanand. "We are hopeful that
whatever new shape the ministry takes will enable a primary focus on young people, and on making positive youth
development happen in NZ."
Thirteen years ago the Ministry of Youth Development made history with the launch of the Youth Development Strategy
Aotearoa, a set of guiding principles which have been taken up and remain in practice widely throughout the youth
sector.
“As the peak body for the sector, Ara Taiohi acknowledges the real benefits for young New Zealanders that have been
realised through having a dedicated youth development ministry. It’s also important to acknowledge the people at the
Ministry of Youth Development who have worked hard for young people and for the youth sector since 1989. These people
have championed youth development and young people across Government departments and policies. We realise changes of
this kind don’t just happen on paper. They affect people’s lives, and coming up to the end of the year it’s especially
tough. We are thinking of them,” says Satyanand.
Ara Taiohi strongly believes it is vital that a positive youth development focus remain in place in the new shape of the
ministry. The peak body for the youth development sector will be working hard to ensure that their member's voices
influence the shape of the Ministry of Youth Development, and the connected Partnership Fund, going forward. You can
check out their website for updates about developments here: www.arataiohi.org.nz
ENDS