Imagine strong, inclusive, connected, resilient, supportive communities in which all young people are nurtured, valued, encouraged, mentored and included.

Imagine that every whānau has everything they need to raise their children and young people, and to create the kind of environments that support the healthy growth of tamariki through into the world of adulthood.

Imagine that communities have the ability to foster genuine, unconditional, positive relationships, instil a sense of identity and belonging, and provide space, time and support for the healthy development of children and young people.’- PYDA 2021

Positive Youth Development provides a framework for creating this vision, however, a shift in the way we perceive, treat and believe in young people is imperative in truly bringing this vision to life. This shift in mindset is based on:

• ‘A positive vision in which young people are seen as valuable members of, and contributors to society.

• A strengths-based perspective that places value on all young people, regardless of their circumstances.

• An approach that emphasises the importance of ongoing support and opportunities for young people to succeed, rather than seeing them as ‘problems to be fixed’.

• An understanding that all young people have the capacity for positive growth.

• Seeing young people as active participants in their own journeys which are embedded in their wider whānau and community systems.’

This mindset highlights the importance of decision making and of resources and activities being translated into real, tangible and meaningful outcomes for rangatahi, whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori. This requires that the voices, priorities, and needs of rangatahi, whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori are central to our programmes and activities; working together to grow the strengths of the ‘village’.