Who Is Zeal

Community Of The Year Finalist 2016

We are Zeal - a family of passionate, creative misfits who dedicate our lives to helping young people discover, develop and express their unique identities, passions and skills.

We believe that every young New Zealander deserves a space where they can find belonging, community, and opportunities for transformation.

Our Mission Statement

We are a youth organisation committed to the transformation of young people’s lives in Aotearoa.
Our mission is to make transformative spaces and experiences accessible to all young people in Aotearoa.

Our Vision

Every young person in Aotearoa living into the fullness of their identity and infinite self-worth and value, connected to healthy, safe communities and deep relationships.

What We Do

Youth Care Programmes

We provide safe spaces for young people to explore themes of identity, belonging and connection. We do this through strength-based activities, workshops and mentoring, all aimed at contributing to a young person’s mental health and wellbeing.

We run youth development facilities in Hamilton, Kāpiti, Taranaki, Wellington and West Auckland.

Youth Creative Experiences

We provide low-cost programmes, workshops, showcases and events in the creative arts. These are aimed at giving young people the opportunity to discover their passions, build their confidence, gain new skills and realise their potential, enabling them to thrive.

Innovative Projects

We incubate innovative youth care and empowerment projects, including our Online Crisis Intervention project and social enterprise businesses such as a container café.

We also reach young people online and celebrate youth creativity through our social media and website.

We Provide

Places of acceptance and belonging
A listening ear and practical help
Vocational pathways in creative pursuits
Moments of creative celebration
Action on social issues affecting young people

Our Promise

Zeal’s promise to every young New Zealander is that we will passionately pursue, enable and support the fulfilment of their creative potential.

Our Values

Passionate

Zeal speaks, acts and projects enthusiasm all day, every day. This energy comes from a steadfast belief that every young person has a creative spark.

Creative

We believe in the power of creativity and the transformational effect it can have on a young person, their communities and society. We pursue creativity across all of our services and activities.

Innovative

We challenge convention and look for new and better ways. We are collaborative in this endeavour, innovating with others to solve problems and create opportunities.

Inclusive

We welcome all young people, from all walks of life, offering belonging and joint ownership of Zeal's vision and services.

The Way We Work

Zeal is strengths-based and holistic in our approach, aligning with leading youth development model The Circle of Courage.

Responsive to wants

Zeal looks to current trends in pop and youth culture, going to where young people are in order to capture their attention. By doing so we position Zeal as a relevant brand in the minds of young people.

Responsive to needs

Zeal recognises the unique gifts of young people and the importance of personal connection. Zeal’s approach is to walk alongside young people, responding to individual needs with services that develop them in a holistic way.

Passive consumers to active contributors

We offer young people a sense of belonging, an opportunity to master skills and gain independence, and encourage them to model generosity. In doing so, we move people from passive contributors to active contributors.

How We Are Funded

Read our Annual Report

Check out our latest Annual Report, as well as all of our previous years, at Issuu.

Thanks to our key partners

Auckland Council, Foundation North, Hamilton City Council, Hastings District Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Lion Foundation, Lottery Grants Board, Mike & Jen Ballantyne, Ministry of Social Development, Momentum Waikato, New Plymouth District Council, Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, TSB Community Trust, Vodafone New Zealand Foundation, Wellington City Council

Zeal is a not-for-profit youth organisation, with registered charitable status in New Zealand. We are governed by a Board of Trustees. View our latest audited accounts here.