YOUTH SERVICES

At the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT), we offer tailored support through three key programmes to help young people in our community reach their potential: NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), Youth Payment (YP), and Young Parent Payment (YPP). Whether you’re looking for guidance with education, financial support, or navigating life’s challenges, we’re here to help.

NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)

Are you aged 16 or 17? Have you left school or are you thinking about it? Do you need a hand finding your path forward?

Our NEET programme offers dedicated support from youth coaches to help you make the most of your future. WYAT has been working with the Ministry of Social Development since 2016 to help young people like you. We’re here to provide practical help that builds confidence, resilience, and the skills to succeed in life.

This free service connects you with local community resources and provides guidance to stay engaged with education or training, helping you create a brighter future.

How We Help:

  • Unsure about education or training?
    We’ll work together to explore your goals and find the right courses or on-the-job training to suit you. We’ll also help with practical needs like getting your driver’s licence.
  • Worried about the costs?
    We’ll guide you through options like student allowances, scholarships, and fees-free study. We can also connect you with additional support like the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment.
  • Need to overcome life’s challenges?
    Whether it’s a family crisis, mental health, or addiction, we’ve got your back. Your youth coach is your support, helping you find services and solutions so you can focus on your future. We’ll meet regularly to check in and keep your goals on track.

Youth Payment (YP)

Are you 16 or 17 and unable to live with your parents or guardian? Need help with living costs while you continue your education or find work?

The Youth Payment is designed to support you if you’re not receiving financial help from your family. This benefit, managed by WYAT in partnership with Work and Income, gives you the space to focus on building your future while receiving support from your youth coach.

Who Can Apply:

  • You’re 16 or 17 years old.
  • You’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • You don’t have dependent children.
  • You’re in, or available for, full-time education, training, or work-based learning.

What You’ll Get:

While receiving the Youth Payment, you’ll work closely with a WYAT youth coach to stay engaged in education or job training, manage your money, and get any extra support you need, like budgeting advice or access to community services.

Young Parent Payment (YPP)

Are you 16 to 19 with children in your care? Need help balancing parenthood with study or work?

The Young Parent Payment supports young parents by covering living costs while also helping you pursue education or training. This programme, facilitated by WYAT, ensures that you have the resources to create a happy and healthy home while working towards a bright future.

Who Can Apply:

  • You’re aged 16-19.
  • You have a dependent child or children.
  • You’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • You’re committed to education or training leading to an NCEA Level 2 qualification or higher.

What You’ll Get:

  • Help with living costs so you can focus on raising your child and achieving your goals.
  • Guidance from youth coaches on budgeting, parenting, and accessing healthcare.
  • Support with enrolling your child in early childhood education or connecting with WellChild services like Plunket.

Contact Us

Need more info or want to get started? We’re here to help! Visit us at 86 Marine Parade, Wairoa, give us a call at (06) 838 3886, or email us at info@wyat.co.nz. Let’s work together to unlock your future!