

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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Trailblazers
Trailblazers exists to support underserved, underprivileged, and marginalised tamariki to find strength through connection, regulation through mindfulness and movement, and resilience through kindness and inclusion. Trailblazers offers sports designed for equity and healing, with a zero-exclusion policy that welcomes everyone and prioritises tamariki who face barriers to participation.
Self-referral
University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury's Youth and Community Leadership subject equips students with the skills to work effectively with young people by exploring national and global challenges that impact today's youth and communities and how to create meaningful change through leadership. It focuses on sustainability, social justice, policy and equity, with opportunities to focus on a specific community you want to make difference in.
Self-referral
Untouched World Foundation
Untouched World Foundation was established to educate young adults on key issues facing society, unlock their unique leadership potential, and inspire them to become active change-makers. The Foundation runs a 5-10-day, place-based leadership programmes for Year 12-13 students and tertiary learners, teaching environmental sustainability, collaborative problem solving, leadership skills, and the interdependence of natural systems through hands-on experiences, fieldwork, kōrero, restoration projects, and learning grounded in mātauranga Māori and western science.
Referral may apply
Vision College Limited
Vision College provides a wide range of educational opportunities across multiple campuses in New Zealand, offering programmes and services that change lives through learning. Their approach is holistic, developing the whole person to enable graduates to be effective leaders in employment and personal life. Vision College offers programmes from Level 1 Certificates through to Level 7 Degrees in areas including counselling, early childhood, Information technology, Christian ministry and trades, along with Esol and Quickstart. All programmes are NZQA-approved and eligible for loans and allowances where applicable.
Self-referral
Voyce Whakarongo Mai
Voyce - Whakarongo Mai believes every young person is a taonga and supports pīpi, tamariki and rangatahi who are in care, or have been in care, to live with aroha, safety and respect. Voyce helps young people to have their voices heard, their needs met, and their rights upheld. Through Kaiwhakamana (advocates), Voyce supports young people to understand what's happening in their lives and ensures adults listen to them. Voyce also runs connection events (Tūhono) so young people in care can meet others and feel connected.
Referral may apply
Waimakariri Youth Council
Waimakariri Youth Council provides a mechanism whereby the needs and aspirations of young people can be brought to the attention of the Council and community and be translated into action. The Youth Council identifies and communicates to the District Council the interests and preferences of Waimakariri young people in relation to strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws. They also advocate and advance the Waimakariri Youth Strategy and consult with young people and the community.
No referral required
Waipuna Youth Services
We provide the following services for youth aged between 10-24 years old – Young Parents Support – we offer one on one Social Work support and a range of parenting groups. Health and Wellbeing Service – we provide one on one counselling sessions. Community Development – we can offer support around drivers licenses and employment readiness programmes (criteria applies). We also have Little Owls Preschool onsite for Tamariki aged 0-6 years old.
Self referral
Wayne Francis Charitable Trust
WFCT is a whānau-led philanthropic organisation that works to create equitable opportunities for rangatahi, whānau and communities in Ōtautahi. Its focus includes housing, education, mental well-being, cancer research, guided by Te Titiriti o Waitangi, and youth sector development.
No referral required
Whakatipu Youth Trust
Whakatipu Youth Trust supports rangatahi aged 10-24 in the Queenstown and Central Lakes community to build skills. It provides opportunities, resources, skilled people and safe environments which help to foster confidence, strength, and challenge youth to reach their full potential.
Referral may apply
Whānau Whanake
Whānau Whanake is a community-based social enterprise that has supported whānau to thrive for over a decade by encouraging participation in meaningful activities that strengthen wellbeing and health. As navigators, wayfinders, and connectors, their tāhono walk alongside whānau to discover their pathway to hauora and living well especially for those impacted by chronic health conditions, disability, injury, or trauma.
Self-referral
What's Up (0800 WHAT'S UP)
0800 What's Up is a free, nationally available counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers. Their counsellors help callers find solutions to their problems and equip them with tools to deal with situations now and in the future. Young people call about mental health, family relationships, friendships, dating, and bullying. The service empowers children through child-centred practice tht listens to, respects, and focuses on the needs of each young person.
No referral required
Yellow Brick Road
Yellow Brick Road is a national organisation that provides support for whānau who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. They work to ensure families feel listened to, supported, equipped, and confident to overcome challenges, walking alongside whānau until wellbeing is restored. They support families and whānau through programmes including the Growth Programme for tamariki and rangatahi, Helping Children Cope, Understanding and Healing Depression, and mental health and wellbeing education programmes.
Referral may apply
Yoobee College of Creative Innovation
Yoobee College creates the future by developing New Zealand's creative and technical talent through practical, industry-connected training. It helps students build real skills by focusing on mentorship, small class sizes and strong industry relationships.
No referral required
Young Workers Resources Centre
The Young Workers Resource Centre is a non-profit organisation founded in 1993 that provides employment rights support for young workers in New Zealand. They offer free employment support to anyone under 35 and help rangatahi experiencing mistreatment at work by talking through options and enabling informed decisions. Support may include phone conversations, meetings, and practical guidance. YWRC also delivers employment education workshops and interactive sessions for young people entering or about to enter the workforce.
No referral required
Youth Alive Trust
Youth Alive Trust is a youth and community development agency that has been serving whanau on the east of Christchurch since 1989. They support hundreds of young people every week through a wide variety of programmes including weekly youth clubs; school support, Oscar, holiday programmes, Mana Ake wellbeing support, parenting seminars and courses, community events and Amplify School of Music. Their vision is to see tamariki, rangatahi and their whanau filled with hope.
No referral required
Youth and Cultural Development Society Incorporated
Youth and Cultural Development (YCD) is a Kaupapa Māori provider here in Ōtautahi that walks alongside rangatahi and their whānau to enable them to live whole lives. We provide intensive, wrap-around support through Youth Court-mandated programs, Supported Bail, and Supervision with Activity. Our broader services include practical life skills program, mentoring, and rangatahi leadership development. Grounded in our values of Accountability, Empowerment, Positivity, Inclusivity, and Aroha, we work in deep partnership with Oranga Tamariki, Police, and community networks.
Specialist referral only (via Oranga Tamariki, Youth Court, Police or partnered social/health agencies).
Youth Development & Opportunities Trust (YDOT)
YDOT facilitates a range of training courses that introduce young people to trades-based skills. Their experienced tutors help students improve their abilities, learn more about the industry, and explore new career pathways through hands-on practical experience. Training areas include welding and metalwork, carpentry through the Tiny Home Project, automotive, introduction to hospitality, and gym circuit training.
Self-referral
Youth Pathways
Youth Pathways is a non-profit organisation that provides a nurturing foundation for young people in Christchurch through individualised programmes, mentoring and transition-to-adulthood support. To achieve sustainable outcomes for young people and their families, it works closely with youth sector agencies and the community.
Self-referral
Youth Service
Youth Service supports taiohi to get the education they need for bright, independent futures by placing their mana and wellbeing at the centre of everything it does. Young people are supported with intensive, tailored guidance into education, training, and work-based learning through a national workforce of youth coaches.
Referral may apply
YouthLaw Aotearoa
YouthLaw Aotearoa is a free community law centre for children and young people nationwide, providing legal advice to anyone under 25 who cannot access legal help elsewhere. Their services include a free legal advice line (0800UTHLAW), legal Information, education sessions for young people and professionals, and advocacy for law reform to improve access to justice. They also offer volunteer opportunities for law students and graduates to support their advice line and legal research.
No referral required
Youthline Central South Island
Youthline is a with youth, for youth organisation that supports young people ages 12-24 across Aotearoa New Zealand. In the Central South Island, it provides a free helpline, peer support programmes for schools, online mentoring, and volunteer training.
No referral required
Youthtown
Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation that empowers young people to be the best they can be through youth-focused wellbeing, mentoring, entrepreneurial and employment programmes. Its programmes are guided by the Youthtown Curriculum and Positive Youth Development, helping tamariki and rangatahi build confidence and future-ready skills in whānau, schools and communities
No referral required
Zion Studios
Zion Dance Studios uses hip hop dance to support young people to express themselves creatively in a safe and welcoming environment. The studio invests in young people's social development, personal wellbeing, and dance skills while fostering a positive family/whānau culture where everyone feels valued. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, with performance opportunities offered through concerts and community engagements.
Self-referral

























