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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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Oxford Community Trust

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

Papanui Youth Development Trust

Papanui Youth Development Trust

Papanui Youth Development Trust is a youth centre focused on supporting young people and families through programmes and events that encourage personal growth, confidence, and skill development. It has delivered a range of services including holiday programmes for Years 1-8, leadership training, after-school hangouts, and creative programmes such as music and event technology. Highly skilled youth workers provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can connect, build life skills, and realise their potential, both within the centre and in community settings.

No referral required

Papuni Boxing �Ōtautahi

Papuni Boxing Ōtautahi

Papuni Boxing Ōtautahi is a community-focused charitable trust in Christchurch that empowers tamariki and rangatahi through boxing in a safe and supportive environment. Guided by the Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, its programmes support physical, mental, spiritual, and whānau wellbeing. The organisation focuses on building discipline, resilience, teamwork, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-confidence, while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

No referral required

Pathways

Pathways

Pathways is part of the Wise Group whānau, providing community-based mental health, alcohol, and other drug support services across Aotearoa. The organisation supports tāngata whai ora and taiohi to live full lives that are hopeful and connected to what matters to them. Youth services are delivered by Real and are specifically designed to meet the needs of taiohi and their whānau, with mental health and addiction as a core priority.

Specialist referral only

Pegasus Health

Pegasus Health

Pegasus Health is a trusted primary care partner supporting general practice, patients, and communities across Waitaha Canterbury and Te Waipounamu. It connects services, people, and Information to strengthen primary care and improve system-wide health outcomes. Pegasus Health provides child, whānau, and youth-focused services including Tautoko Hauora (Child & Whānau Support), Te Whiri Ora - Right Service Right Time, B4 School Checks, and free youth sexual health consultations.

Specialist referral only

Phillipstown Community Hub

Phillipstown Community Hub

The Phillipstown Community Hub is a welcoming, community-focused space located in the heart of Phillipstown, offering a wide range of services, activities and programmes for local residents and the wider Ōtautahi community. The Hub includes a Community Garden run by a full-time gardener and volunteers, where harvested produce is shared with the community.

No referral required

Positive Directions Trust

Positive Directions Trust

Positive Directions Trust focuses on assisting the development of communities, particularly Māori, Pasifika peoples, and disadvantaged or disenfranchised community groups. The Trust works to improve social and personal outcomes in key areas including health, employment, housing, and Education. It provides and facilitates initiatives that enhance social and economic development across Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Waitaha/Canterbury and beyond. These initiatives are developed in partnership with communities to improve life outcomes for individuals, whānau and families.

No referral required

Praxis

Praxis

Praxis is a network of educators and youth development practitioners passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of leaders in Aotearoa to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Praxis is a registered Private Training Establishment (PTE) with charitable purposes, and delivers the Praxis Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4) and Praxis Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6). Praxis also offers short youth development workshops tailored to organisations and youth worker networks.

No referral required

Presbyterian Support: Upper South Island

Presbyterian Support: Upper South Island

Presbyterian Support has been providing social services in the Upper South Island for over 115 years and is part of a national federation of seven regional Presbyterian Support organisations. They are one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest not-for-profit health and social service providers. Their mission is to enhance the mana of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and kaumātua so they can be safe, resilient and connected.

Referral may apply

Purapura Whetū

Purapura Whetū

Purapura Whetū Trust is a kaupapa Māori health, wellbeing and social service provider based in Waitaha (Canterbury), supporting whānau of all ages to get well, stay well and live well. The service combines clinical, cultural and community support grounded in a Māori view of wellbeing, and is provided at no cost. Referrals can be made by anyone, including self, whānau, friends or professionals. Purapura Whetū also operates the free 0800 4 Whetu helpline, offering mental health advice, assessment, counselling, and connections to health, social and cultural supports.

Referral may apply

Qtopia NZ

Qtopia NZ

Qtopia is an advocacy, social change, and social support service for the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow community, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and working across Waitaha Canterbury and Te Waipounamu. Qtopia supports individuals to navigate the healthcare system, provides peer support for trans and non-binary people of all ages, and fosters community connection through social groups and events.

No referral required

R13 Youth Development Trust

R13 Youth Development Trust

R13 Youth Development Trust works to ensure every tamariki and rangatahi has the love, protection and opportunity for development that is their right and can achieve excellence through participation and seek purpose for life. The Trust enhances the dignity and quality of life for rangatahi, their families and whanau, and their community by eliminating barriers to opportunity through partnership. R13 has youth workers and counsellors who provide mentoring and support around wellbeing and mental health, education, employment, personal goals, and connecting with the community.

Self-referral

Rangiora Baptist Church

Rangiora Baptist Church

Rangiora Baptist Church is a faith-based community hub offering children's programmes, youth groups, and support activities within the Waimakariri community. The church is centred on following Jesus, with prayer and the Gospel shaping how the community gathers and lives. Children and young people are supported through Sunday services, holiday programmes, Boys' Brigade, youth groups, and camps.

No referral required

Rangiora Youth Community Trust

Rangiora Youth Community Trust

Rangiora Youth Community Trust is a community trust established to support and develop local young people to reach their full potential. The Trust partners with local churches and schools and currently has youth workers based at Rangiora High School and Rangiora New Life School. Through 24-7 YouthWork, the Trust strengthens connections between schools, churches, and the wider community to help young people thrive.

No referral required

Real

Real

Real is proudly part of the Pathways and Wise Group whānau, providing community-based mental health and alcohol and other drug support services. They support taiohi to live full lives, hopeful and connected to what matters to them. Their services have been developed with and for taiohi aged 12-24 years to reflect what matters to them and their whānau, and they continue to expand services across the motu to meet the ongoing needs of young people.

Referral may apply

Recreate NZ

Recreate NZ

Recreate NZ is a Charitable Trust that empowers young people living with disabilities and supports their whānau. The organisation is committed to enhancing the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development, independence, and confidence of young people with mild to moderate intellectual, physical, and sensory disabilities. Recreate NZ delivers adventure, recreation, social, Education, and work-skills programmes across regions including Christchurch.

Self-referral

Refocus

Refocus

Refocus supports people living with persistent pain by helping them understand how the brain and body respond to stress, threat, and injury. Using neuroscience-based approaches, Refocus focuses on retraining the brain to move from protection mode into safety, adaptability, and confidence.

Referral may apply

Rerenga Awa | Canterbury Youth Workers Collective

Rerenga Awa | Canterbury Youth Workers Collective

Rerenga Awa strengthens the youth development sector through professional development, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships for those who support young people. The organisation equips youth workers with the skills and knowledge they need for personal and professional growth, while creating opportunities for connection and resource sharing across the sector. Rerenga Awa builds a strong support network for youth development workers and advocates for their professional development, along with the positive development of young people at the local, regional, and national levels.

No referral required

Re:Vision - Rerenga Awa

Re:Vision - Rerenga Awa

The Re:Vision Initiative supports young people to have a meaningful voice in shaping the places and spaces they use in their communities. It provides tools to audit and assess spaces using Youth Relevant Design, ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly. Trained Youth Audit Team Leaders (aged 15-24) lead local young people in auditing spaces they use and report back to decision-makers with scores and recommendations. This approach helps planners, designers, and managers create spaces that better reflect young people's needs and experiences.

Self-referral

Riccarton Community Church

Riccarton Community Church

Riccarton Community Church is a contemporary, every-generation church passionate about sharing Jesus' message in ways that connect with today's world. With a strong outward focus, the church is committed to supporting the Riccarton community, Christchurch, and beyond. Riccarton Youth Community (RYC) offers programmes for intermediate-aged young people through to young adults, providing friendship, support, fun, and faith.

No referral required

Safer Mid Canterbury

Safer Mid Canterbury

Safer Mid Canterbury is a non-profit charitable trust providing free, confidential community services in the Ashburton District for over 30 years. It delivers locally driven programmes focused on building a healthier, stronger and safer community. Services include Safe Communities planning, Cactus for rangatahi aged 10-14 to build fitness, confidence and discipline, and community Youth programmes offering positive alternatives for young people at risk of offending. Safer Mid Canterbury also delivers youth justice initiatives such as Supervision with Activity and Supported Bail to reduce reoffending and support young people to remain safely in their communities.

No referral required

Salvation Army

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides practical support such as food assistance, clothing, financial mentoring, housing support, and community services through centres across the country. The Salvation Army also delivers specialised children and youth programmes focused on wellbeing, leadership, employment pathways, and building strong foundations for life.

Referral may apply

Scouts Aotearoa

Scouts Aotearoa

Scouts Aotearoa is all about positive youth development, empowering young people through adventure and challenge to be ready for life. The programme focuses on personal development, adventure, and community engagement, fostering physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental growth. Scouts Aotearoa provides a safe, nurturing environment where rangatahi and tamariki aged 5 to 26 are encouraged to be their best selves.

No referral required

Selwyn Wairewa Youth Trust

Selwyn Wairewa Youth Trust

Selwyn Wairewa Youth Trust is committed to creating a healthy and vibrant youth culture in Selwyn and Wairewa by supporting young people, developing leaders, and creating safe spaces. The Trust manages Te Kohatu, a youth space in Lincoln for youth groups and events, and provides presence-based youth work through 24-7 Youth Work at Lincoln High School and youth worker support at Lincoln Primary School.

No referral required

Selwyn Youth Council

Selwyn Youth Council

Selwyn Youth Council consists of young people aged between 12 and 24 who live in the Selwyn District and provides a voice for youth in their communities. They deliver project throughout the year aimed at strengthening the wellbeing of Selwyn young people. Members also deliver consultations and advice the Selwyn District Council on issues relating to youth to increase understanding of young people's perspectives and needs.

No referral required

SEWN - Social Equity & Wellbeing Network

SEWN - Social Equity & Wellbeing Network

Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN) is dedicated to supporting a vibrant and thriving community sector in Ōtautahi and works towards a just society by supporting local community organisations through advocacy, connection to resources and strategic partnerships. SEWN contributes through information sharing, connecting organisations with resources and training, and offering free or low-cost capacity-building and organisational development support.

Self-referral

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa is New Zealand’s largest and only national provider of sexual and reproductive health services. We have nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors working in clinics across the country offering free and confidential services to people under 22 years. We can help with contraception (all types--including emergency contraception), testing and treatment for sexually transmissible infections, pregnancy testing, help with problem periods and so much more. We’re also a specialist provider of clinical training and the country’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health promotion and education services. Our health promotion team work with youth services and organisations to support more confident and informed conversations with rangatahi about sexual and reproductive health.

No referral needed

Shirley Community Trust

Shirley Community Trust

Shirley Community Trust builds community in Shirley through projects and events that give opportunities for people to interact, form relationships, share experiences and develop capacity and resilience. It is for everyone in Shirley, providing spaces to connect, contribute, have fun and belong through Community Centres and a Community Garden.

No referral required

Shirley Village Project

Shirley Village Project

The Shirley Village Project works to achieve a shared local vision to make Shirley a caring, colourful, connected community where residents thrive. Programmes include employment & Service Support, Family Violence Prevention, and Kapa Haka.

No referral required

South West Youth Communities - Spreydon Youth Community Trust

South West Youth Communities - Spreydon Youth Community Trust

South West Youth Communities - Spreydon Youth Community Trust gathers as one church to worship together, learn from the Bible, and celebrate what God is doing, while supporting children, youth and young adults. It offers Sunday School for pre-school to intermediate-aged children, youth programmes for Years 7-13, and young adult groups for ages 17-25. Programmes include faith-based learning, camps, social events, mentoring and opportunities to serve.

Self-referral

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Youth Organisation Listings

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