

Waitaha Youth Services Directory
Rerenga Awa (the youth workers collective of Waitaha) is proud to host this directory of organisations that support young people in a whole range of ways.
This directory is for young people, parents, care givers and organisations who are keen to find out what organisations are out there supporting young people across Waitaha – Canterbury.
We would love to build on this list and make it even more comprehensive so if your organisations details need updating, or you would like to add an organisation to the directory please get in touch.
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La Vida Youth Trust
La Vida Youth Trust is a Christian faith-based organisation dedicated to empowering the potential of young people through long-term relational support. he Trust works across schools, communities and tertiary spaces to ensure tamariki and rangatahi have positive role models who advocate for them and encourage healthy decision-making. La Vida provides programmes such as Breakfast Club, After School support, 24-7 Youth Work, and Drop-In Centres in QE2 and Lincoln - offering safe environments, mentoring, connection, and opportunities for youth to thrive and discover their identity.
Referral may apply
Legacy Community Church
Legacy Community Church is a Christian community committed to worship, prayer, service, and transforming lives through the love and presence of God. It offers contemporary, welcoming services alongside community and youth prgrammes, including small groups, prayer gatherings, Bible teaching, and a Friday night Youth Centre drop-in.
Self-referral
Lincoln University
Lincoln University is a globally ranked university in Aotearoa New Zealand's South Island, with a proud history as a leading land-based centre of education. Their teaching and research now extend beyond agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, offering programmes in environmental management, food, wine and beer production, business, accountancy, marketing (especially agribusiness), science, landscape architecture, property, tourism, sport and recreation. Although their portfolio is broad, they remain focused on cultivating and nourishing an environmentally sustainable future for communities and generations to come.
No referral required
Linwood Avenue Corner Community Trust
Linwood Avenue Community Corner Trust is a registered charitable trust providing services and activities for all ages. LACCT offers a welcoming space for people from the local communities of Linwood, Bromley and Woolston to gather for fellowship and recreation. Through low-cost outreach programmes, group activities, community lunches, a food bank and wellness support, the Trust aims to improve quality of life and strengthen community connection. LACCT is also part of the Lin-Ward Collective, working alongside other organisations to support vulnerable members of the local community.
No referral required
Living Waters Christian Centre
Living Waters Christian Centre is a New Life church based in the Halswell area since 1979, made up of people who have discovered wholeness, purpose, hope and peace through Jesus Christ. The church exists to love and serve God by serving the community, building relationships with God and each other, and helping people reach their full potential. The centre emphasises prayer, prophetic ministry, healing and sharing the good news in New Zealand and globally.
No referral required
Mackenzie College
Mackenzie College is a coeducational rural school in Fairlie catering to students from Year 7 to 13, with a strong focus on care, support, and student wellbeing. The college values close relationships with whānau, iwi, and the wider community, positioning the school at the heart of local life. Students are encouraged to aim high and are supported to achieve personal and academic success through active engagement in sport, performing arts, and cultural programmes, including kapa haka. Mackenzie College fosters an inclusive environment where students develop confidence, resilience, life skills, and a strong sense of identity to support success beyond school.
No referral required
Mana Ake
Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow provides mental health and wellbeing support for children in Years 1-8 across Canterbury and Kaikōura. The service supports children both at school and at home, and offers advice, guidance, and workshops for parents, wh?nau, and teachers. Mana Ake kaimahi are employed by 13 Ngo providers and work alongside schools and families when children are experiencing challenges such as managing emotions, friendships, self-esteem, or coping with change. Kaimahi include social workers, counsellors, teachers, and youth workers, with access typically arranged through the child's school.
Specialist referral only
Mana Tipua
Mana Tipua is a kaupapa Māori organisation led by takatāpui and is the only organisation in Waitaha focused specifically on supporting rangatahi takatāpui. Mana Tipua supports the hauora and mana of Māori aged 12-25 with diverse genders, sexualities, and sex characteristics through culturally grounded programmes that centre mātauranga and tikanga Māori. The organisation provides social connection, informal Education, wellbeing pathways, and advocacy, with a strong emphasis on kanohi ki te kanohi wānanga. Mana Tipua delivers programmes such as Te Kōurunui, Te Whare Wheriko, Te Whare Kōrero, noho marae, and creative online spaces to help rangatahi takatāpui flourish in the fullness of their identity.
No referral required
Manu Ka Rere
Manu Ka Rere was established as a wellbeing-focused service that supports young people aged 13-24 and offers a wider range of services and practitioners. The service provides 6-8 one-on-one sessions with a Manu Ka Rere team member, Education, active, and creative group activities, and family support and whānau through parent groups and collaborative work alongside caregivers.
Self-referral
Mayors Taskforce For Jobs
Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs supports young people nationwide by opening pathways into employment and helping them build strong foundations for their future. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development through the Community Employment Programme, it supports young people who are not in Education, employment, or training, and others facing barriers to work. Key initiatives include youth employment support and the Tuia programme, which mentors young Māori leaders through partnerships with local mayors, leadership wānanga, and community service projects to build skills, confidence, and employability.
Specialist referral only
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples connects government with Pacific communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and is the Crown's principal advisor on policies and interventions to improve outcomes for Pacific peoples. It works across government to coordinate investment in Pacific priorities, provide policy advice, deliver targeted interventions, strengthen data and insights, build partnerships with Pacific communities, and support the protection and promotion of Pacific languages, cultures, and identities.
No referral required
Ministry of Social Development
The Ministry of Social Development works to build successful individuals, strong families, and healthy communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. MSD provides employment and income support, superannuation, student allowances and loans, social housing assistance, and funding to community service providers. It also delivers social policy advice to government and works closely with other agencies, iwi, NGOs, and communities to address issues such as family violence, child wellbeing, and poverty reduction, aiming to make a positive and lasting difference for New Zealanders.
Referral may apply
Ministry of Youth Development
The Ministry of Youth Development - Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi supports young people aged 12-24 to develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to participate confidently in their communities. It leads the Youth Plan, which focuses on improving wellbeing outcomes for all young people, with particular attention to priority groups who face higher risks to wellbeing.
No referral required
Mixit Charitable Trust
Mixit is a creative youth project that empowers young people through performing arts, using creativity to build confidence, self-expression, and communication skills. It is a multicultural platform where young people from refugee backgrounds mix with local and migrant youth to gain positive skills and experiences. Mixit brings diverse young people together to collaborate on creative projects, build networks, and form new opportunities for life beyond school.
No referral required
Motivationz
Motivationz is a Christchurch-based organisation delivering innovative coaching programmes in netball, swimming, and rugby, alongside high-performance academies, coaching workshops, and mentoring programmes for young people. The organisation uses a holistic, high-performance approach, combining world-class sporting experience with mental wellbeing, life skills, and education support. Motivationz also delivers the Youth Service (NEET) programme, funded by the Ministry of Social Development, supporting young people in the Christchurch region to engage in education, training, or employment and achieve sustainable pathways beyond benefit dependence.
Referral may apply
National Trade Academy
The National Trade Academy offers a wide range of educational courses for both domestic and international students. NTA focuses on teaching practical skills and industry knowledge for careers in land-based industries, including agriculture, horticulture, equine studies, animal care, apiculture, welding, and more. Courses are available full-time, part-time, or through dual enrolment alongside school study. Programmes combine theory with hands-on practical training, supporting practical-minded students to gain skills for employment in their chosen sector.
No referral required
Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective
Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective (NTYWC) supports youth workers and organisations working with rangatahi across the Nelson Tasman region. Established in 1985, NTYWC strengthens the youth sector by providing quality training, professional development, sector-wide networking, and Information sharing. It offers low-cost or free, accessible services that help youth workers connect, build capability, and strengthen practice. Through hui, training, and shared learning, NTYWC helps build a confident, connected youth sector to support positive outcomes for rangatahi and their communities.
No referral required
New Zealand Care & Geneva Community Living
NZCL is a trusted disability support service supporting disabled people and their whānau to live good lives. NZCL provides a range of services including residential support, vocational assistance, respite care, and specialised support. The organisation works in partnership with disabled people, advocating for choice, rights, culture, dignity, and lifelong learning.
Specialist referral only
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force inspires young people to see their future in aviation and Stem by connecting science, engineering, technology and leadership to real-world careers. Through the School to Skies programme, students explore pathways into aviation, maritime and defence roles, including engineers, technicians, pilots and sailors. NZDF offers hands-on experiences such as the Navigate Your Sky student camp and naval camps for Year 12-13 students, providing insight into Defence careers and life skills.
Referral may apply
New Zealand Red Cross
New Zealand Red Cross supports vulnerable people across Aotearoa New Zealand through disaster and emergency response, refugee and former refugee resettlement, and community services such as Meals on Wheels. The organisation also offers First Aid training, operates Red Cross Shops, and runs programmes that strengthen community resilience. Volunteering is central to its mission of improving lives through the power of humanity.
No referral required
New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network
The New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network is the national hub for the youth mentoring sector in Aotearoa. It provides advice, support, access to resources and professional development in intentional youth mentoring. They strengthen networks by encouraging mentoring connections, growing the youth mentoring database and organising conferences.
No referral required
Noaia
Noaia Charitable Trust grows whānau wellbeing and prosperity by creating meaningful and sustainable employment and training pathways for rangatahi. Through programmes like E Tū Rangatira, it delivers practical building, farming, horticulture, and pest control training alongside life skills and cultural development to build future career opportunities.
Self-referral
North Canterbury RTLB
(RTLB) are specialist kaiako who work collaboratively with Ākonga, whānau, teachers, schools, and support agencies to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students in Years 1-10. The North Canterbury RTLB service is a team of specialist teachers based at Kaiapoi North School, supporting around 40 schools across North Canterbury.
Specialist referral only
NZDF - Youth Development Unit
Youth Development Unit is a program run by the NZDF. The Youth Development Unit (YDU), delivered in partnership with Cadet Forces, provides training and development courses for more than 6,000 young people each year across the North, Central and South regions. The programmes focus on building leadership, self-discipline, confidence, cooperation and respect through structured challenges and outdoor adventure.
Specialist referral only
Odyssey House
Odyssey House Christchurch supports mental health, addiction recovery, and wellbeing in Ōtautahi by working alongside individuals and whānau. Odyssey House delivers therapeutic support and Education for people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. Its youth services include Mana Ka Rere, Empower2Work, Kia Ahumani, Take Charge, Youth Day Programme, Tupuranga, and Tūturu.
Specialist referral only
Oranga Tamariki
Oranga Tamariki works to ensure tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand are safe, supported, and able to flourish, particularly where their wellbeing is at significant risk of harm. The organisation provides care and protection services, school-based social work, youth justice support, and residential and foster care, working closely with whānau, iwi, communities, and partner agencies.
Specialist referral only
OutLine Aotearoa
OutLine Aotearoa is an all-ages rainbow mental-health organisation that provides support throughout Aotearoa to takatāpui, MVPFAFF+, and rainbow communities, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. They offer a nationwide, free and confidential support line and online chat service every day, and provide peer support for trans and non-binary people.
Self-referral
Oxford Community Trust
Oxford Community Trust is a registered Charitable Trust established in 1994 and has operated independently since 2000. It has a Youth Worker based at the Community Trust who works on behalf of all youth in and around Oxford. The Youth Worker facilitates personal, social and educational development and enables young people to gain a voice, influence and place in the community and society as they make the transition from dependence to independence.
No referral required





























