The Principles
As sometimes referred to as the three "P's", are:
- partnership
- participation
- protection.1
These principles have different meanings across different industries. In the Health sector participation could be the medical staff and patient working closely together with the goal of better health.2 Whereas participation in the Education sector could mean Māori whānau involvement in school planning and a reflection of biculturalism of Aotearoa.1
Overall, no matter the sector or industry, the principles ensure partnership with engaging the Māori communities, participation in decision making and equity for Māori, and the protection of Māori culture, identity, values and tāonga.
The Vision
A country where young people are vibrant and optimistic through being supported and encouraged to take up challenges
The Aims
- “All young people have opportunities to establish positive connections to their social environments.”
- “Government policy and practice reflect a positive youth development approach.”
- “All young people have access to a range of youth development opportunities.”
The Goals
- Strength based approach: “Ensuring a consistent strength-based youth development approach.”
- Quality relationships: “Developing skilled people to work with young people.”
- Youth participation: “Creating opportunities for young people to actively participate and engage.”
- An informed approach: “Building knowledge on youth development through information and research.”
Follow the link to learn more about the aims and goals of The Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa (2002)
"Our behaviour is guided by our ethics and our ethics are based in our values. The Code of Ethics provides an agreed set of guidelines for youth work in Aotearoa to ensure that youth work is carried out in a safe, skilled, ethical manner."
The Code of Ethics consisting of 24 clauses of practice which are framed around Mana Taiohi.
Follow this link to see the full details of the Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa New Zealand (2011)
The Children's Act 2014 was developed by six government departments to ensure the protection of vulnerable children and ensuring they thrive in society
To read in detail the legislation that has been put in place go here to The Children's Act 2014.
Here you will be able to read the details of all 30 Articles Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The Agenda for Children was launched in 2002 and is a government strategy which aims to improve the lives for children.
"At the heart of the Agenda for Children are ten principles. These are that Government policies and services affecting children will be:
- Consistent with the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCROC)
- Child focused
- Family and Whānau oriented
- Inclusive
- Evidence based
- Preventative
- Well co-ordinated
- Collaborative
- Community focused
- Culturally affirming."
Go to the Agenda for Children to read further on these ten principles.
How do you think these will influence you as a Youth Worker?
Research one (1) of the Principles, Acts and Codes:
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa (2002)
- Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa New Zealand (2011)
- Children's Act 2014
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- Agenda for Children
Then head over to the forum titled Principles, Acts and Codes and write a reflection on how you think it will influence how you engage with Youth in your profession.
