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

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