This training highlights the importance of strengths, relationships, belonging, and context in shaping outcomes for rangatahi It is suitable for anyone who works with young people - youth workers, social workers, teachers, coaches, mentors, youth leaders, parents...

PYDA does not consider youth as 'problems to be solved'; rather it highlights the importance of strengths, relationships, belonging, and context in shaping outcomes for rangatahi. Training helps us move from instinct to intentional practice. It builds a shared language for quality youth development that strengthens confidence in applying evidence-informed approaches across diverse settings. You explore how your role contributes to the long-term development of rangatahi and learn to recognise opportunities to build capability, agency, and connection in everyday interactions.

PYDA is not an add-on to youth practice. It is a fundamental way of working that provides a shared foundation for good youth development practice. By grounding us in common principles and professional standards, PYDA strengthens consistency across organisations, roles, and communities to help ensure young people experience the same quality of engagement wherever they are supported.

Sitting under the umbrella principles of Mana Taiohi, this training is grounded in Positive Youth Development (PYD) and guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Steeped in those beautiful te ao Māori concepts that apply to people of all ages and cultures.

Made possible thanks to support from Department of Internal Affairs and Rata Foundation. Free for Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective Members.