Source: New Zealand Government
Youth Minister James Meager says the Government has helped more than 400 young Kiwis turn tragedy into triumph through support for hands-on youth development programmes in areas impacted by recent severe weather events.
“Over the past year, several serious storms have occurred across multiple regions, which has had a devasting impact on many communities,” Mr Meager says.
“This has created significant hardship, disruption, and adversity for many local young people, who are particularly vulnerable to long-term effects when their schools, homes, and communities are impacted.
“That is why we stepped in to support six local organisations to deliver programmes tailored to their communities’ specific needs, which enable young people to re-engage in education, prepare for employment, and embark on positive pathways.”
The $315,000 investment includes:
- Ngātiwai Trust Board ($80,000 – Northland)
- Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Incorporated ($45,000 – Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel)
- Whitianga Community Services ($45,000 – Whitianga)
- Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust ($60,000 – Ruapehu and Northern Whanganui)
- Ignite Sport Trust ($60,000 – Lower Hutt)
- Whenua Iti Trust ($25,000 – Nelson/Tasman)
“We have seen some incredible outcomes because of these programmes. Participants developed new skills in areas such as forest restoration, weather impact management, and outdoor survival,” Mr Meager says.
“They have also learned about health and safety, chainsaw operation, first aid, and other employment-focused topics.”
“Young people have developed these practical skills while giving back to their communities. Importantly, they have also had access to safe, youth-focused spaces where youth workers can help them process the emotional impact of these events.
“As we celebrate International Youth Day this week, it is a timely reminder to acknowledge the perseverance and contributions these young people have made to their communities, as they recover from these devastating, and in some cases life-changing, events.
“This Government is determined to set young people up with the necessary skills they need to thrive. This investment helps those in need get back on their feet and realise their highest potential.”
Notes to editor:
Detailed information on the six youth development programmes is as follows:
- Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust ($60,000) was contracted to provide a minimum of 60 young people in Ruapehu and Northern Whanganui Districts with opportunities focused on digital inclusion, driver licensing, ATV, quad bike and chainsaw safety, and recovery-related community activities such as clean-up and food distribution.
- Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Incorporated ($45,000) was contracted to operate the Te Weiti Youth Hub and Wellbeing Initiatives across the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel District to a minimum of 45 young people. The programme was focused on providing practical assistance to help maintain connection and support and return to everyday life e.g., transport, clothing, digital devices, school resources, as well as support their general wellbeing. Additionally, the programme supported the Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel to undertake youth engagements in isolated and rural areas, designed to connect young people and communities to discuss the impacts of severe weather events, community resilience, and emergency preparedness.
- Whitianga Community Services ($45,000) was contracted to provide a minimum of 45 young people in Whitianga with access to the Mercury Bay Youth Centre where they have been able to engage in practical learning focused on life skills such as budgeting, cooking, employment-readiness, legal literacy, and driver licensing, and been supported to navigate the emotional impacts of the severe weather events.
- A minimum of 80 young people in the East Coast of the Northland region are being supported through a programme delivered by Ngātiwai Trust Board ($80,000) offering workshops and one-to-one mentoring designed to reconnect them to local pathways and opportunities within their communities, education support, and emergency preparedness training.
- Ignite Sport Trust ($60,000) is providing a minimum of 110 young people in Lower Hutt with workshops centred on achieving educational goals, opportunities to develop leadership and life skills, individualised goal-setting and mentoring, and Activity-Based Learning designed to build self-discipline, identify and strengthen their talents, understand teamwork and accountability, and build resilience and perseverance.
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Whenua Iti ($25,000) was contracted to provide a series of one-day active wellbeing programmes in Nelson/Tasman that supported 88 young people in flood-affected areas to reconnect with the waterways alongside which they live. The programmes were designed to help young people rebuild confidence and strengthen water-safety skills.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/young-kiwis-turn-weather-tragedies-into-triumph/