Youth Development Centre a step closer

A youth development centre for Kāpiti is closer to becoming a reality after the Council signed a contract with the Zeal Education Trust this week. 

Zeal, an Incorporated Charitable Trust which runs youth centres in Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland, will provide a purpose-built, state-of the-art youth centre in Paraparaumu, as well as running associated youth support services.

Mayor Ross Church says the signing of the contract with Zeal marks the start of a very exciting chapter for Kāpiti.

“Our young people are our future and supporting them to develop their skills, talents and true potential through this facility is something that will benefit the whole community.

“We’ve been talking about a youth facility for Kāpiti for years. The previous council did some important groundwork and I am very proud to lead the council that will finally delivered this much-needed and wanted facility.”

Zeal Chief Executive Officer Brook Turner says he’s delighted to be partnering with the Council to bring Zeal services to Kāpiti.

“Zeal is incredibly excited about making the dream of a youth development centre a reality for Kāpiti youth. We believe every young person in the district has a creative spark and we can't wait to walk alongside them and support them in discovering, expressing and contributing their unique creativity.”

The new centre will provide a meeting place and rehearsal rooms as well as running programmes in creative disciplines such as photography, event management, film and video production, audio and lighting engineering, art screen printing, barista, social marketing and social enterprise. Mr Turner says programmes will be developed in response to young people’s interests.

The youth development centre is one of the major projects in the Council’s FutureKāpiti - long term plan 2015-2035 and was endorsed by the community during consultation on the plan.

Zeal, was chosen as the preferred provider after a comprehensive evaluation by the Youth Development Centre Advisory Group, chaired by Kapiti College Principal Tony Kane, Kāpiti Coast Youth Council, and Council.

Councillor Penny Gaylor, chair of the Environment and Community Development Committee and Council Representative on the Youth Council, says being at the signing of the contract with Zeal was a special moment.

“It was a real ‘Yay!’ moment for me to see all the thorough work we have done as an Advisory Group finally come to fruition,” says Councillor Gaylor. “And to know what a positive impact this facility will have on the lives of so many young people in Kāpiti.”

Mayor Church thanked Tony Kane and the Youth Development Advisory Group, the Youth Council and Council representatives on the Youth Council, Councillors Gaylor and Holborow, as well as council staff for all their work in helping the youth centre off the ground.

Council has entered into a service contract with Zeal for an initial three year term with two three year rights of renewal.