Youth Services Directory

Free call or text any time, 24 hours a day and get brief 1:1 conselling and support from a trained counsellor or peer support worker. Free service

Air Cadets give young people access to fun, friendship, action and adventure.There training challenges young people to learn more, do more and try more, by inspiring them to aim high and go further in life.
Volunteers get to know each cadet individually and offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. They inspire young people to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge.

The Alcohol Drug helpline assists anyone with a question or concern about their own or someone else’s drinking or other drug use.

APM is a health and human services organisation. There purpose is to enable better lives by helping people overcome barriers to employment, support them to return to work following an injury or illness, provide health and psychological services, and so much more. APM deliver a wide range of services across New Zealand, including allied health, psychological intervention, employment support, physiotherapy, vocational rehabilitation, pain management, and community-based services.

Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. They are a national membership based organisation with over 1600 personal and organisational members representing a diverse range of groups and practitioners that work with young people.

Are You OK provide easy access and relevant information for people seeking support for family violence in New Zealand. 

Aroha Kotahi provide a wrap around, barrier free community level response for rangatahi and whānau to support rangatahi positively re-engage in education.

The Autism New Zealand Outreach Service is available across the country with Outreach Coordinators offering a range of support services from regional branches. This includes support, information, and education on autism. The Outreach Service is free and available for autistic people, parents/family/whānau, and their support networks – including educators and professionals.

Barnardo's provide social support services to vulnerable childrens — including victims of family violence, addiction, neglect and abuse.
They also give guidance and support to parents, whānau and communities to help them build broader knowledge and resilience.

BCITO supports work-based training, enabling employers to upskill their staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications, and deliver superior outcomes across the building and construction industry.

Big Brothers Big Sisters supports young people to reach their full potential, through strong positive relationships that express care, challenge growth, share power, and expand possibilities. They make professionally supervised mentoring matches which can be delivered in the community or in the school setting.

Blue Light works in partnership with the Police to deliver an extensive range of youth programmes and activities. They provide young people with positive lifestyle alternatives and strategies to avoid becoming offenders or victims of crime. Their activity-based programmes help young people build self-esteem and confidence and provide advice and motivation to help develop long term goals and build positive relationships between young people, the Police and community.

Brave Hearts NZ is a support service for people with loved ones with substance use and addiction issues.

Broadgreen Intermediate School is a state co-educational Year 7- 8 school of approximately 550 students with 20% identifying themselves as Māori, 15% Pasifika and 8% Asian. Broadgreen offers a wide variety of learning opportunities that will challenge, motivate and develop abilities.

Business Lab are a conguit to build community and ensure young peoples ideas are validated and actioned. They facilitate events, workshops and conversations that make it easier for young people to work with adults to make changes that will improve youth wellbeing.

Canteen Aotearoa supports rangatahi impacted by cancer, whether it’s their own diagnosis or cancer in their whānau. Canteen provides a range of free psychosocial support services, including individual counselling and therapeutic support, peer events, camps, rangatahi development programmes, and specialised online support.

Care Solutions is a non-government agency providing quality care for children, young people and adults. Care Solutions provides supervised contacts in the Nelson Tasman area through Ministry of Justice and/or Oranga Tamariki, the Permanent Caregiver Support Service and for private clients.

Careerforce supports work-based training, enabling employers to upskill their staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications, and deliver superior outcomes across the health, wellbeing, social and community sectors.

Caring Families Aotearoa provides support to the caregivers of children in care in Aotearoa. Their team includes committed volunteers such as Support Group Liaisons, Critical Support Workers, Regional Committees and other individuals that help children heal.

CAYAD (Community Action on Youth and Drugs) is a Ministry of Health-funded programme to reduce the harm young people experience from alcohol and other drugs. The programme promotes wellbeing by supporting leaders from communities, organisations and young people to collaborate and create lasting changes in their environments.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a regional service for children and youth (aged up to 18 years) with serious mental health disorders and suspected psychiatric disorders. These include depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis and eating disorders. The CAMHS multi-disciplinary team comprises psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

Child Cancer Foundation aims to ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for on their journey with cancer. Their coordinators work with Health Professionals, schools and related community and government organisations and support a family’s negotiations with multiple groups regarding the care, treatment and education of the child with cancer.

Choices NZ provides a range of specialist advisory services and hands-on 1:1 coaching to people with all disabilities. Their facilitators work with people in their own community to gain sustainable paid employment and assist school leavers in their transition to the adult world.

CoderDojo Nelson Code Club is a free volunteer led computer coding and technology club for young people, 7-17 years. The club provides a variety of guided programmes in computer coding and technology and is suitable for all levels.

Collaborative Trust offer a range of trainings that can be tailored to the needs of any group who work in any way with rangatahi. Trainings incorporate Positive Youth Development along with the latest research findings, are designed around participants needs and are delivered by an experienced trainer alongside a youth tutor.

Collingwood Area School
Collingwood Area School offer a variety of learning opportunities for the needs of all students from new entrants to Year 14. Secondary Syndicate (Year 8 – 14) students have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects with specialist staff within school and they also have the opportunity to partake in Distance Learning Options such as Te Kura, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) or a Gateway programme that works closely with the local community.

Compass Peer Support and Advocacy Health Action Trust
Community Mental Health peer advocacy and support service to empower tangata whai ora/mental health service users/caregivers to receive the best possible service in a culture of respect and recovery.

Competenz build skills, careers and businesse. They provides training for apprenticeships and traineeships through on-the-job qualifications, and support employers, job seekers and people with jobs across the 37 industries they service.

Connexis arranges, delivers, supports, and assesses work-based learning for the infrastructure industries of Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water. They set programmes, evaluate assessments, and support employers and learners to obtain nationally-recognised micro-credentials and qualifications through apprenticeships and traineeships.

Deaf Children NZ Parent Group - Mummy I Can't Hear You (Nelson)
Local parent support group for raising a deaf or hard of hearing children.

Te Whatu Ora managed website resource offer understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety.

Diabetes NZ Nelson Youth
Diabetes NZ Supports rangatahi with diabetes and their families through an annual calendar of education and peer-to-peer support activities.

Dyslexia Assessment Services
DFNZ works alongside schools, Ministry of Education, NZQA, Principal Youth Court Judge and The NZ Chidlren’s Commisioner , to improve the dyslexic student's experience and achievements by ensuring that legal rights to inclusive learning and accommodations are delivered on.

ECTO
ECTO employs apprentices and places them with host companies via our group apprenticeship scheme. We also provide training courses for apprentices and qualified electricians to ensure they are qualified to work in new and emerging fields.

Employable
Employable is a Supported Employment Agency that provide ongoing support to the adults under the age of 65 who manage a disability.

Empowerment Trust help prepare rangatahi for safer, more positive experiences with people as they take on more independence – online and in-person. They teach social-emotional safety strategies rangatahi can use strengthen relationships with conflict resolution, consent, advocacy, boundary setting, and other communication skills. This includes
strategies for taking charge of safety in public, at school, at work – everywhere they go, in person and online.

Epilepsy NZ
Epilepsy New Zealand works on a national scale delivering services that will reduce the chronic health impacts experienced by New Zealanders of all ages living with epilepsy.

Equine Inspired Charitable Trust
Equine Assisted Mental Health Programme that builds resilience, emotional regulation, body language and communication skills in individuals through the Horses Helping Humans Programme.

Equine Self
Equine-Assisted Therapy programme providing a creative, experiential and innovative approach to counseling, therapy and mental health that incorporates horses as assistants, co-facilitators and teachers in the therapeutic process.

Family Works is a Presbyterian Support social service, helping build safer, stronger, more connected families/whānau and communities. Their services are tailored to meet the needs of each child, young person, parent and whānau, including counselloring, parenting programmes, financial assistance.

Fossil Creek Farm is a healing sanctuary for people and animals. They cater to people struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, isolation, as well as actively suicidal people who have nowhere else to go.Respite options range from fully self-contained to within the main whare are available.

Garin College is a progressive Catholic integrated co-educational school. They embrace equity and excellence, providing an education which enables students to have a life-long love of learning and the desire and skills to lead and participate fully in society.

Gateway provides mental health support, housing and youth focused social services.Their team of caring and trained youth workers provide one-on-one ‘along-side’ support for young people who are at-risk to help them reach their goals.

Golden Bay High School students prepare for the future by learning skills and knowledge, and developing the personal resources that are needed to live satisfying, balanced and responsible lives. They offer a wide range of multi level subjects and courses along with access to other subjects and courses, including by correspondence. All Year 13 students become Senior Leaders, taking on a variety of activities and responsibilities throughout the year. Activities include peer tutoring, mentoring, sports coaching and assistance, school discos/dances, representation of the school.

Youth Services coaches support young people to gain the skills to find employment and create an independent future. They provide a range of support options to get young people into education, training or work-based learning.

Drop in youth lounge for young people providing 1:1 support, plus access to free counselling and referrals. Youth Habitat also provide a programme of leisure activities tailoured for young people.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports grandparents and whanau kin carers who have children in their full time care. Their services are focused on strengthening and empowering grandparent and whānau care families so that they can raise resilient and healthy tamariki and rangatahi.

Headstrong is a free, science-backed mental health app for teenagers. It offers practical skills and psychoeducation based on cognitive behavioural therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, relationship science, and harm-minimisation strategies.

Healthline is a free over-the-phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service users can speak to experienced nurses and paramedics for health advice and information about what to do next if they or their whanau is unwell

Heartlands provide access to government and community services for rural communities with over 40 service centres across New Zealand offering a wide range of information and free services.

Hikitia! is a community-led initiative funded by ACC as part of Te Aorerekura, the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Hikitia RISE works at individual levels, with community and its leaders, and at systems levels, to create sustainable changes. Rise offers a variety of services including training, education, counselling, family whanau, group or individual support to anyone who has been impacted by violence or abuse in all its forms. Services for young people aged 11 to 17, include support, education programmes, and one-on-one counselling.

HITO offer apprenticeships and on-job training qualifications in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy. They partner with business owners to support trainers and apprentices throughout the qualification journey

Horticulture New Zealand works in partnership with product groups and district associations to create an enduring environment where growers thrive. They advertise jobs suitable for people of all ages with a range of skills, interests and experiences, that can lead to well-paying careers in technology, applied science and management.

HDYO NZ is a voluntary organisation set up to provide support to the young people impacted by Huntington’s disease.

I Am Hope Foundation connects young people with mental health counsellors and practitioners in their region or online, to enable them to receive free and timely support.

Inclusive Sports Trust provides sports programmes primarily, but not exclusively, for participants with supported learning needs. Their senior sports programmes include the Fulton Hogan Basketball League, a Multi-Sport programme for participants aged 16 and over, as well as a new SportZone programme which focuses on a different sport each term over a period of 6 weeks.

Inspired Productions is a community organisation launched in 2008 to promote participatory development through drama, music and multi-media. The organisation includes skilled professionals who work alongside community groups to improve social inclusion. The tools and techniques used give participants the opportunity to develop communication and social skills through drama, music and media production.

Local Ministry offices are your first point of contact about learning support, whether you work at an early learning service or school, or are a student, parent, caregiver or part of the whānau or wider community.

Lifeline is a free, nationwide Suicide Crisis Helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is operated by trained and experienced social service practitioners who have undergone suicide prevention training.

Literacy Aotearoa Nelson provides free tution in reading, writing and maths skills, that is either delivered privately, one-to-one or in small groups.

MAST Academy works with learners and employers to ensure people are trained with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful lives and businesses encompassing marine, composite and specialised technology training.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing.

Ministry of Education deliver policies, programmes and services focused on improving young people's participation and achievement in the education system

MOI provide a platform for launching highly creative “outside the box” projects aimed at extending motivation and success in learning for young people. They provide popular programmes such as the INSPIRE Festival, NZ Aquabots competitions, Science and Computer summer camps, term break and weekend creative workshops, Academic Quiz Nights, along with STEAMS School - a one-day-a-week programme that aims to involve children in hands-on learning around a topic that integrates the STEAMS subject areas (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths and social sciences). All the Ministry of Inspiration programmes have student leadership components, mentoring young people in roles beginning as task volunteers and progressing all the way to planning, hosting and even student-teaching at major inter-school events.

The Ministry of Youth Development encourages and supports young people, aged between 12 and 24 years old, to develop and use knowledge, skills and experiences to participate confidently in their communities. It also supports the broader youth sector and promotes a better understanding of how best to support and empower young people.

Mito support on-job learning for people working in the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, gas and logistics industries. They work with learners, their employers and training providers, to ensure people get the best possible opportunities to learn and advance their career, while developing a skilled workforce for the industries they serve.

Mohua Social Services provide support for whanau and young people, including health, financial, safety, emotional support, information, and counselling.

Motueka Community House the central hub and home to local social service agencies in the area. Collectively the agencies can provide food services, health and well being advice, referrals, legal advice, counselling and advocacy for women.

Motueka High School provides diverse programmes full of opportunities both within and outside the classroom, covering academic, cultural, sporting, outdoor education and leadership areas.

Motueka RDA is a not-for-profit charitable trust providing therapy riding for children and adults. There focus is on learning new skills, and building confidence, independence and well-being through therapeutic horse riding and horse care.

Motueka Family Service Centre provides friendly, non-judgmental support for families that have children aged 0-18 years. They offer budgeting advice, referrals, health planning, and parenting programmes.

Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman is a youth action and advisory group that supports migrants, former refugees and people from minority ethnicities in the Nelson/Tasman region.

Murchison Area School provides education for students in a strong, caring environment. Students have access to wider areas of the curriculum and resources onsite with specialist staff in all areas of the curriculum. MAS is well resourced with modern facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, the use of the MCRC sports stadium and a strong Learning Support Area to provide inclusive and equitable education to all.

Natureland Wildlife Trust is a community focused conservation charity that exists to be a community hub to connect people, places, and animals. They provide youth volunteering opportunities including customer service and keeper assistant roles and provide gateway placements for youth via various secondary schools. They provide education sessions via secondary and tertiary providers and support rangatahi with special needs via social service groups and schools.

Nayland College is a leader in developing inspirational learning programmes, nurturing students to reach their full potential and places a high value on developing independent, confident learners who have control of their own futures.Nayland College provides students an opportunity to learn in a forward thinking and creative co-educational environment.

Nelson Bays Primary Health funds and co-ordinates services, provides resources and expertise for practices and delivers some specialised primary healthcare services, covering the Nelson - Tasman region

NCU is part of the NZ Cadet Corps, the land force component of the NZCF and is aligned with the NZ Army. There training is focused on Leadership, Teamwork, Competition, Physical and Adventure based activities and is aimed at 13-15 year olds who are motivated to serve their community and potentially join the army. NCU operates under a military-style structure with a promotion system that encourages all cadets to improve their leadership and communication skills.

NCA is a Vibrant Multicultural Christian Full Primary School in Nelson that caters for year 1-8 students.

The Nelson City Council is a unitiary authority. The council works with community organizations to support youth initiatives and programs, including funding for youth development programs, youth and community events, a youth council for representation, and opportunities for youth to participate in governance.

Nelson College is a progressive and innovative school for boys, offering the very best in academia, sport, culture, arts, leadership and community.  Nelson College offers boarding for New Zealand and international students.

NGC provide ākonga with opportunities to learn the skills and knowledge that enables a positive future. They have strong pastoral and academic mentoring through ārahi groups as well as through Deans, kaitakawaenga, Learning Area Leaders, kaiako and support staff to assist facilitate these opportunities. Boarding is available.

Nelson Preparatory School provides many leadership opportunities and enjoys recognition for its academic performance, sporting and cultural achievements. They provide a supportive learning environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence in learning to prepare for college life and beyond. NPS is set within the grounds of Nelson College allowing students access to a wide range of teaching facilities in the College.

Nelson Intermediate School is a co-educational state school offering quality education for students for Year 7 and 8 students. Set in four hectares of tree lined grounds the school is well situated within a blend of social environmental and cultural features.

The Nelson Marlborough Health Addictions Service is a regional service, with facilities located in Nelson, Golden Bay and Blenheim. Staff are committed to reducing the harm associated with addiction to individuals, family, whānau and the community.

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is a high quality Government owned tertiary education provider which is based at the top of the South Island in New Zealand.

Independant Nursing Practice provides highly specialised doctors & nurses to help with all areas of sexual health & reproduction, including contraception, contraceptive advice, STI checks, smears, concerns around sexuality, gender, periods, sexual assault and abuse support.

Nelson Science Society promotes science education in schools and colleges. They have a separate astronomy section with its own programme of events.

The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit membership organisation that has been supporting businesses and commercial activity in the region since 1858. A key purpose of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce is help create the best commercial environment in which businesses can achieve goals, along with advocacy and identifying key issues that affect businesses in the region.

Nelson Technical Institute offers a range of courses within the Commercial Road Transport, Machinery Operating and Automotive. Additionally they offer a New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills Levels 1 and 2 to enable trainees to get started on the career of their choice. They also specialise in assisting busineses with professional training for up-skilling staff to ensure growth and sustain an efficient work force.

The Nelson Training Centre is a provider of training to the hospitality industry. They offer free training courses to those who meet the entry requirements and offer a pathway to hospitality based employment opportunities. NTC offer 16-19yr olds (or 15 with exemption from MOE), the opportunity to achieve the NZ Hospitality Certificate (Level 2), and NCEA Level 2. The 30-week course is hands-on and practical with small class sizes, lots of tutor support and are free.

Nelson Women's Centre
The Nelson Women's Centre is a community hub for all women of Nelson Tasman. They provide support and advocacy, counselling, workshops, and special interest Groups.

Nelson Women's Refuge supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence across the Nelson Tasman region. They work collaboratively with other agencies and family harm service providers to ensure a total wrap-around service is provided and have crisis workers that deal with initial responses to make sure immediate safety concerns and welfare are taken care of.

The Nelson Young Parents’ School is a (centrally located) school for teenagers who are pregnant or have a child. They provide high quality education that meets the academic, social, emotional and cultural needs off the student. Students are transported to and from school in the free YPS van. Babies attend an onsite community based kindergarten and food is supplied for them.

The Nelson Youth Council is a group of twenty diverse young people aged 14-19 who work to make the city a better place for youth and to give young people a voice in Nelson. They make submissions to Council, organise and support youth events, and deliver their own projects and initiatives around issues of importance to young people in the community.

Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety organisation. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents, Netsafe works to help people take advantage of the opportunities available through technology by providing practical tools, support and advice for managing online challenges.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri is a catalyst for change, creating or partnering in ground-breaking interventions and policies that reduce harm. They work alongside and collaborate with a wide variety of alcohol and other drug practitioners, government, ministries, health promotion agencies, not-for-profit organisations, scientists, researchers and individuals.

On Track is an Alternative Education programme providing young people aged 16-17 years with mentoring and support to prepare them for further training or employment.

The Open Home Foundation is a child and family support service centre which works to provide quality child centred family focused support services and foster care.

Oranga Tamariki is dedicated to supporting any child in Aotearoa New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future. They also work with young people who may have offended, or are likely to offend.

OutLine is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation providing support to Aotearoa's rainbow communities, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. They offer a free and confidential phone support service, as well as online chat support, and nationwide rainbow specialist counselling.