Kāpiti celebrates formal opening of new Zeal centre

After years of late nights, fundraising and hustling, the dream of a youth centre in Kāpiti has finally become a reality. Zeal Kāpiti opened their doors formally on the 28th of June, ahead of their opening celebration on Saturday 7th July.

In 2010 young people in Kāpiti, through the local Youth Council, began advocating for a youth development centre. In 2012, the Kāpiti Coast District Council agreed to put the centre in the long-term plan. In 2015, Zeal – a youth not-for-profit working in five other NZ regions – was brought on board to deliver the centre.

Since 2015, Zeal has been delivering mobile youth services including a coffee cart and music box, whilst fundraising for a $1M youth development centre.

Zeal Kāpiti, set in the heart of Kāpiti at 132 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu, opens to the public this Saturday. The Open Day is 12-4pm, followed by a Youth Launch Party at 7-10pm, featuring local bands.

This centre is a big win for a region, and comes from youth advocacy, community and Council joining forces. Our Manager on the ground, David Orchard (Dooley), is a local champion who has spearheaded the project – and also built a lot of the building!