Who We Are
The Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) has been working to make a positive difference for the young people of Wairoa district for almost 20 years.
Established in 2004, WYAT has grown well beyond its original emphasis on fostering youth sporting achievements. By taking a holistic and inclusive approach, the trust has evolved to a place where it now encompasses the nurturing of young people’s health, social, financial, educational, employment, cultural and environmental needs.
While opportunities and support for all young people remain at its core, the trust is also now involved in initiating and collaborating on a vast range of projects that create positive change for their families and the wider community.
The trust’s work is driven and overseen by a motivated team of diverse, passionate and highly skilled trustees and project workers. These people are focussed on encouragement and empowerment. They believe all young people should be supported to realise their full potential and, as a result, WYAT has become one of the leaders in youth development in the Wairoa community.
The formal objectives of WYAT were set at its inception and throughout the trust’s growth have remained the same:
To work with local, regional and central government organisations and other social service providers to ensure services enhance the social, economic, cultural and environmental development of Wairoa youth
To work with the education sector, government and other supporting agencies to create a more entrepreneurial attitude amongst young people
To encourage a community where business, social and environmental agencies work together to leave a legacy for the next generation
To encourage an environment that enhances training and employment opportunities for young people and
To strengthen the capacity of young people to enter into activities that contribute positively to the Wairoa Community and society in general
“Unquestionably the youth of Wairoa are our future”
“They make up a significant part of our community at 38% of our total population. They have the same rights as everyone else, especially to live fulfilling lives. Young people offer high levels of energy and ability and frequently make positive contributions to the Wairoa district and it is everyone’s job to ensure this continues. We need to encourage positive initiatives that support youth and their development with a view to young people being successful”