About Us

We've been supporting youth in New Brighton since 1989! In school, out of school, weekdays, weekends, holidays... you name it, we've got something on. To find out more, read our website, newspaper reports, watch our YouTube videos, checkout our Instagram or just pop into our offices for a chat.

Our Mission

Our Mission

We are a Youth and whānau support agency based at Grace Vineyard Beach Campus in New Brighton. We have worked for over 37 years on the East of Christchurch, running a wide variety of programmes, clubs, groups, events and various supports for hundreds of people each week.  A small staff team, is supported by an army of volunteers who want to make their community a better place!

Mission: Motivated by our Christian faith, Youth Alive Trust’s mission is to positively influence the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau through relationship-based programmes.

Vision: Our vision is to see tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau filled with hope.

We currently do this through 10 key areas:

  1. Weekly Clubs
    Our weekly after school and evening clubs including: Kōtirotiro Girls Club (Years 1 – 6), Make Bake Create (Years 5 – 9), Rock Solid (Years 7 – 8), Surge (Years 9 – 13), Basketball (Years 1 – 7), Dance Fit (Years 9-13 + adults), Youth Drop-In (Years 9-13)
  2. School Programmes
    Supporting the students in class, on lunchtimes, and through extra curricula activities at Rawhiti Primary School
  3. Holiday Programmes
    These run Holiday Programmes in the final 2 weeks of January, the first week of the April, July & September holidays and the week before Christmas after schools finish in mid to late December.
  4. After-school Care – Oscar
    Our vans pick up children every day after school from Rawhiti Primary, South New Brighton Primary, New Brighton Catholic, Chisnallwood Intermediate and Hillview Christian School. Exclusively for School Years 4-9, we activities for the older kids, and integrate them into our existing clubs and programmes if keen.
  5. One on One.
    Mentoring & Counselling: We provide a counsellor in 2 of our local schools each week for more specialist support for children and employ a mentoring coordinator who matches mentees and mentors for relational support, goal setting and a lot of encouragement.
  6. Mana Ake
    Wellbeing and mental health support workers in local primary schools, for children and whanau. (To Mana Ake)
  7. Community Events
    Large community events such as Kite Day, School Fairs, Dance Parties & our Family Fun Night.
  8. Parenting Support
    Programmes and partnerships such as Parenting Seminars, Parenting Courses, Tuning into Kids, and Kids ReSync.
  9. Amplify Music School
    Musical instrument Lessons, Youth Bands and music recording in our purpose build music rooms and in schools. (Amplify School of Music)
  10. Volunteer Training and Support
    We recruit, train and encourage volunteers to work in their community, on events, programmes and training events. We also host placements while people study.

Circle of Mana

Our practice model is the Circle of Mana, and this helps us plan our programmes and evaluate why we do what we do. It places the Mana, the inherent dignity, power, and potential of each young person (Taiohi) at its centre. It identifies four developmental needs:

  1. Belonging & Identity.

Every young person deserves to feel a strong connection to their whānau, peers, culture, and community. Taiohi form meaningful friendships, engage with positive role models, and deepen their sense of self.

  1. Achievement & Competence.

Young people thrive when they are encouraged to build their skills, set goals, and be recognised for their achievements. We support them to try new things and grow confidence through activities like cooking, creative expression, and leading group challenges.

  1. Influence & Responsibility.

Taiohi are empowered when they have a meaningful voice and influence over decisions that impact their lives. By involving them in leading and shaping the programmes they engage in, they build responsibility, make informed decisions, and grow as confident leaders.

  1. Generosity.

We support Taiohi to give back by involving them in volunteering opportunities at community events, holiday programmes, and weekly programmes. so they experience the value of service within their communities.

 

Our Vision for the east of Christchurch is to provide 1) “Safe” places that children, young people and families are 2) “Supported Holistically” (socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) in a friendly and 3) “Fun” environment.  Programmes are led by enthusiastic and compassionate staff and volunteers who take every opportunity to build self esteem and try new activities through oodles of 4) “Encouragement”.  We provide an exciting and vibrant community, whose values are built on the Christian 5) “Faith”, that discriminates nobody and offers extra grace when often needed.  This 6) “Inclusive” attitude attracts people from a wide variety of circumstances, particularly those from low socio economic backgrounds, and those considered ‘At-Risk’ to themselves or others.  We recognise that we cannot do it alone, so we refer, 7) “Network” and collaborate with many agencies to provide the best possible support for the people we walk alongside.  We provide opportunities and training that encourages young people to serve others in various 8) “Leadership” capacities, that inspires a future of hope and makes both their and our world a better and brighter place!

Policies

Read our Child Protection Policy Here

Read our Health & Safety Policy Here

Read our Complaints Policy Here

Read our Social Media Policy Here

Read our Privacy Policy Here

Read our Bi-Cultural Policy Here

Read our Inclusivity & Equity Policy Here

 

Our History

Our History

History-Banner

In 1988, the leaders of New Brighton Baptist Church saw the need to serve the most vulnerable and needy members of their community.  They established “Youth Alive Trust” as a vehicle to serve the young people of the community through programmes, events and their staff and volunteers.  The original trust deed dated 27th September 1989 says that the purpose of the trust is to provide a “practical Christian service….in such a manner as to carry with it a good Christian testimony so that those served in any way will experience the worth and concern of Christian love” (quoted from the original trust deed).

Signed by Pastor Grant Brewster and the two other trustees, they employed Andrew Hill as their first community youth worker, who set-up and established the first Holiday Programmes and after school clubs.  Through different team leaders, interns and staff, the trust grew and diversified into many different areas.  Historic programmes included the Friday Night “Sandpit Drop-In”, Genesis Girls Group, Sublime, B.A.S.E, Trinity Club, Champions Boys Club, 3:15 Club and the massive South, North & Central Holiday Programmes.  We’ve had hundreds of volunteers, staff and interns over our 25 years, including Trust Managers Ross Banbury (1995 – 2001), Doug McConnell (2001 – 2005) & James Ridpath (2005 to present).  Contact us if you’re part of our Alumni and want to be kept upto date with what’s going on.

In the aftermath of the February 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes, the profile and work of Youth Alive Trust grew even further.  They were involved in many post earthquakes programmes, activities and events, which eventually saw them honoured with an Earthquake Award from the Christchurch City Council.  It also kick-started plans for the renovation of the building they have been based at since 1991, into a more purpose built Youth & Community Centre.  The building work has led to even more programmes, and partnerships with other community organisations to offer wider support for the family.  Read about some of the long term impacts of our work through the Amber-Rose Story.

Values

Values

Safety

To provide a place where young people are safe and feel safe - on our programmes, in our building and with our leaders. Safe from bullying, safe from abuse, safe from gangs, safe from negative peer pressure, and safe to be themselves.

Holistic Support

Recognising and supporting all the key areas of growth needed in an individual - socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Fun

To provide programmes and activities that bring enjoyment, smiles and laughs to everyone involved - young people and volunteers. Laughter is a great medicine and we want to provide programmes that are appealing and create long lasting positive memories.

Encouragement

We provide oodles of positive affirmations, Hi-5's and big smiles that build self esteem and encouragement a 'have a go' attitude. 'Put-downs' and 'shaming' are not acceptable.

Inclusive

We do not discriminate against anyone from being a part of our programmes, whatever race, culture, religion, gender, or behavioural issue. Everyone starts with a clean slate and much grace is offered for those who slip.

Faith

Our values, code of conduct and morals are based on the Christian faith. These are modelled to young people and shared when appropriate. Matt 22 v 37-40 - Love God, Love your Neighbour.

Leadership

Encouraging young people to be positive influences in their home, school and community. We aim to build up new young leaders and feed them back into the programmes that they were once a part of or other community, school or government programmes.

Networking

We aim to integrate ourselves into community life, networking with other community groups, schools, the police and council. We believe we are stronger working together than alone.

Our Team - 2026

Our Team - 2026

Our current employed staff are:

James Ridpath Trust Manager (Since 2004)
Shelly Tangiiti OSCAR Coordinator (Since 2019)
Melissa Entwistle Volunteer Coordinator (Since 2018)
Emma Anderton Model Implementation Coordinator (Since 2023)
Henry Beeby-Zeier Youthworker (Since 2021)
Myah Kent Youthworker (Since 2023)
Mataio Tuisuga Basketball Club (Since 2026)
Kirsti Ungerer Administrator (Since 2023)
Laura Auld Amplify Coordinator (Since 2023)
Travis Brett Amplity Promotions and Productions (Since 2024)
Sarah Hughes Amplify Marketing and Administration Support (Since 2025)
Kim Button Mana Ake (Since 2020) & YAT Child Protection Officer (Since 2022)
Rachel Dawson Mana Ake (Since 2021) & YAT Bi-Lingual Coordinator (Since 2022)
Johanna Lendnel Mana Ake (Since 2022)
Amy de Jong Mana Ake (Since 2022)
Danni Boxall Mana Ake (Since 2023)
Abby Tweedie Mana Ake Placement (Since 2026)
Hannah Donald Volunteer Coordinator (Since 2021) - Maternity Leave

Our 2026 Teams are:

Years 1-3 Kea Holiday Programme

Shelly Tangiiti, + Staff & Volunteers

Years 4 -6 Pukeko Holiday Programme

Emma Anderton, + Staff & Volunteers

Years 7-9 Piwakawaka Holiday Programme

Emily Hooper, Henry Beeby-Zeier, + Staff & Volunteers

Holiday Programme Extension

Staff & Volunteers

Rāwhiti School Youthworker

Emma Anderton, Emily Hooper

Kōtirotiro Girls Clubs

Emily Hooper (Coordinator), + volunteers

Rock Solid

Emma Anderton (Coordinator), Henry Beeby-Zeier, James Ridpath, + volunteers

Surge

Emily Hooper & Emma Anderton (Coordinators), + volunteers

Basketball Club

Jake Walters (Coordinator), James Ridpath, + Volunteers

Make, Bake, Create

Emily Hooper (Coordinator), Myah Kent, + volunteers

O.S.C.A.R. programme

Shelly Tangiiti (Coordinator), Henry Beeby-Zeier

Mana Ake

Kim Button, Rachael Dawson, Johanna Lendnel, Amy de Jong, Dani Boxall, Mariah Mercer

Counsellors (Contractors)

Sandy Hitchens, Perdita Bakker

Trustees

Greg Irvine (Chairperson), Tony Walters, Clark Alcock, Kath Tarr, Esther Stark

Newsletters

Newsletters

We send out newsletters periodically to report on what’s been happening at the Trust and what our staff have been up to. If you would like to receive our newsletter, see the signup field at the bottom of the page.

Misc Reports

Misc Reports

Keep updated with all our latest Reports from the different areas of Youth Alive Trust

Annual Reports

Annual Reports

Youth Alive Trust is a registered charity and submits financial reports to the Charities Commission each year.  View our audited accounts at the Charities Commission register.

Networks

Networks

As a community organisation we value the support of a number of other agencies, partners and networks. These are our friends:

  • Rerenga Awa/Canterbury Youth Workers Collective
    Rerenga Awa/Canterbury Youth Workers Collective

    Youth Alive Trust is a member of the Canterbury Youth Workers Collective. We abide by their Code of Ethics, all our staff are individual members and we attend appropriate training throughout the year.
    Learn more

  • Mana Ake
    Mana Ake

    Mana Ake provides support to children in Canterbury, in years 1-8 at school, promoting wellbeing and positive mental health.
    We can support children at school and at home and provide advice, guidance and workshops for parents, whānau and teachers.
    Learn more

  • Christchurch City Council
    Christchurch City Council

    We join with and support local Christchurch City Events by sending our staff and volunteers to events such as Kite Day. We sit within the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area and attend locally organised community network meetings and give youth advice and support when asked.
    Learn more

  • UpstreamNZ
    UpstreamNZ

    We are an Approved UpstreamNZ Good Cause you can choose to impact when you purchase something or use a service through an Approved UpstreamNZ Supplier.
    Learn more

  • Wellbeing New Brighton
    Wellbeing New Brighton

    We are a part of a collaborative of local community groups that meet regularly to network, share resource and strategising to see Greater Brighton celebrated as a safe, thriving, vibrant, self reliant village.
    Learn more

  • Inter-Schools Winter Sports
    Inter-Schools Winter Sports

    We are a part of the Eastern Community Winter Sport Cluster, which works with all the local eastside schools for Friday afternoon competitions. We host the Table Tennis competition in the gym, and provide fun free time activities when not playing. Our Roy Stokes Hall also hosts Circus Activities and Rawhiti youth workers help coach one of their teams.
    Learn more

  • Charities Commission
    Charities Commission

    We are registered with the Charities Commission of New Zealand, as advised by the IRD, grant making bodies and the government.
    Learn more