Our Youth Approach
We are developing a Youth Approach to guide how we work alongside taiohi (young people aged 12 to 24).
The approach will help make sure young people’s needs, strengths and goals are considered in our planning, services and decisions.
It is informed by the Gathering Taiohi Voices Report 2026, which gathered the views of more than 1,000 young people from across Kāpiti Coast.
The Youth Approach will guide our work to support:
wellbeing
participation
connection
opportunities for young people
Youth Voice and Leadership
We work with rangatahi so their experiences, ideas and priorities can help shape our work.
Kāpiti Coast Youth Council
The Kāpiti Coast Youth Council is a volunteer group for young people aged 14–24 who live in Kāpiti.
Youth Council members provide advice about the needs, views and ideas of young people in our district.
The Youth Council:
advocates for young people’s voices
supports youth-led projects
helps young people connect with their communities
helps young people learn about local government and civic issues
Tuia Rangatahi Leadership Programme
The Tuia Rangatahi Leadership Programme is a national initiative delivered through Local Government New Zealand's Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs.
The programme supports young Māori to develop leadership skills, strengthen connections within their communities, and contribute to positive change across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The word Tuia means to weave. The programme brings together rangatahi Māori from across the country, weaving together their passions, aspirations and experiences. Through these connections, participants are empowered to make a positive contribution to their communities and to the future of Aotearoa.
Tuia takes an intentional, long-term and intergenerational approach to leadership development. It supports rangatahi to learn about local history, strengthen their understanding of their communities, and build relationships with other young Māori leaders from diverse backgrounds. The programme celebrates diversity and encourages young people to contribute their unique perspectives and strengths.
The Tuia experience is built around three key pou: mentoring, community contribution and wānanga.
Each year, participating rangatahi are paired with the Mayor, who provides guidance, support and mentorship throughout the programme. Participants also complete around 100 hours of community contribution within their rohe and attend a series of national wānanga, where they connect with other Tuia participants, develop leadership skills, and engage with a range of inspiring people and places.
Since 2012, we have supported and mentored 14 rangatahi through the Tuia Programme, helping Māori rangatahi develop the skills, confidence and connections to make a positive difference in their communities.
Employment, skills and training
Finding a pathway into work, education and training can be challenging. We work with local employers and organisations to help rangatahi build skills and confidence and connect with opportunities.
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) supports rangatahi aged 18 to 24 to move into employment, education, training, and other positive pathways.
The programme provides practical, wraparound support to help young people:
build confidence
develop work readiness
overcome barriers to employment
connect with local opportunities.
We also work with local employers to create sustainable employment opportunities for rangatahi. Employers can get support with recruitment, training subsidies, and short-course qualifications or licences.
Youth Spaces in Kapiti
We work in partnership with local organisations to support youth spaces across Kāpiti. These spaces give rangatahi places to connect with others, take part in activities and access support.
ZEAL Kāpiti - Paraparaumu
ZEAL Kāpiti provides a safe and inclusive environment for young people aged 13 to 18.
Through structured programmes and informal drop-in sessions, rangatahi can connect with others, take part in activities and access support from youth workers.
ZEAL’s programmes focus on building confidence, wellbeing and social connection, including after-school drop-in sessions, holiday activities, and partnerships with local schools. ZEAL also provides inclusive opportunities that support a wide range of young people.
Te Haemata Youth Space (Ōtaki)
Te Haemata Youth Space is delivered by Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki. It provides a youth-led and culturally grounded space for rangatahi in Ōtaki.
Developed in partnership with the local community, Te Haemata offers drop-in sessions, school holiday programmes and outreach activities in schools and community locations.
Guided by kaupapa Māori values, rangatahi play an important role in shaping the space through the Kārearea Leadership Group, helping design programmes, lead activities and guide the direction of the space. This approach supports young people to build leadership skills, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.