Youth centre development

Kāpiti Coast District Council has unanimously agreed to select Zeal Education Trust (Zeal) as the provider of Kāpiti’s Youth Development Centre and associated services.

The Youth Development Centre is one of the major projects in council’s FutureKāpiti - Long term plan 2015-2035 and was endorsed by the community during consultation on the plan.

The resounding seal of approval from Council at its meeting on Tuesday 11 August is the result of an exhaustive and detailed process undertaken earlier in the year in the selection of a business delivery model for the Youth Development Centre.

Zeal’s proposal was comprehensively evaluated by the Youth Development Centre Advisory Group, Kāpiti Coast Youth Council, and council.

“It is evident that Zeal has the business, governance and strategic experience to deliver youth development services in the context of real community partnership”, said Mayor Ross Church.

“A key aspect of Zeal’s success in the delivery of effective youth development services elsewhere has been the fostering of a partnership approach with the local authority within the locality in which they operate”.

Kāpiti Coast Youth Council member, Krystal Wright, together with two fellow youth council members attended today’s council meeting. Councillors commended them for attending and congratulated the Youth Development Advisory Group, chaired by Kapiti College’s principal Tony Kane, and the Youth Council on helping to get the youth centre off the ground.

Council intends to enter into a service contract with Zeal for an initial three year term with two three year rights of renewal. Under the contract, Zeal will establish a Youth Development Centre offering district wide services. Zeal will partner with other community providers and invite other youth-related organisations to collaborate with it in the delivery of tailored local services.