The weather forecast put Kite Day 2026 in major doubt all week – but the organisers kept the faith and found 4 hours of no rain and a glimer of sunshine too! We were stoked to sell kites and candy floss to the crowds. Thanks to everyone who supported us

So proud of our Amplify School of Music team who had a massive year in 2025 and have even more amazing plans for 2026! They give the gift of music to hundreds of local young people, and if you want to get involved, check out: https://amplify.mymusicstaff.com/

Spaces are still available everyday in our 3 age groups over the two weeks of our January Holiday Programmes:

• January Kea (School Years 1-3) – including Orana Park, Caddyshack & Laser Strike.
• January Pukeko (School Years 4-6) – including Jellie Park, Ninja Valley (current wait list) & Living Springs.
• January Piwakawaka (School Years 6-9) – including a Escape Rooms, Spencer Park & Quail Island.

More information on this web link:

www.yat.org.nz/holiday-programmes/holiday-programme-years-1-9

Check out one of the Amplify School of Music youth bands and their latest recording – amazing! There are more recordings on their socials – we have some pretty talented young locals!

If you know someone aged 16-19, here’s an amazing scholarship opportunity on the Spirit of Adventure, thanks to the generosity of Cohnor from @PYO Berries.

www.facebook.com/reel/1444511330606754

NEW 2026 Programmes! We’ve changed a few clubs for 2026, including a NEW Multisports Club, a NEW Creative Club, a NEW Teen Drop-In, a NEW Teen Dance Fitness Class and a NEW Performing Arts club for younger kids called RISE Jnr. PLUS the usual Oscar-after school care, music lessons and other social youth clubs. Sign ups and full Term 1 brochures will be available mid-January. Wishing you all a wonderful New Years!

We had the most amazing 3 days of Holiday Programmes before Christmas as we brought all the ages together and did some amazing adventures – including going on a Sailing boat ⛵️ in Lyttelton Habour with Cansail. The kids, aged 5-12, experienced what it means to crew the STV Fox II and spotted heaps of dolphins too! 🐬🐬 Thanks to the amazing Cansail team and our staff who patiently supported our tamariki 👏 (who were very thankful nobody was sick 🤮😀) Check out the video below and all the photo at THIS LINK

3 Opportunities to rent space at the Roy Stokes Hall in New Brighton in 2026!

1) A Large Studio, with its own kitchenette, toilets, and access 7 days a week. May suit artist, office, dance or classroom – just $375 per week including power and wifi.

2) A Small Studio under the stage, with its own sink and access 7 days a week. May suit artist or office – just $120 per week including power and wifi.

3) Community Hall – large space, with spaces available during the daytimes, weekends, and limited spaces on Tuesday and Fridays after school. Suitable for community groups, dance groups, fitness, church’s, and low key sport. Limited storage. NOT available for parties, weddings or personal events. Just $30 per hour including power and wifi.

Wanting a change in 2026? Feeling the call to be a youth worker? Need the theoretical training alongside the practical experience to develop your career? Youth Alive Trust is giving the opportunity for 1 or 2 young adults to join our team of youth workers in 2026, to achieve a qualification and gain real experience at the same time. With trustee approval, we even offer a part scholarship to help pay for your fees, upon completion of your course! We partner with two main providers:

1.Laidlaw College – Certificate in Community Youth Work (CertCYW).

This NEW Level 5 qualification is only based in Christchurch next year as it launches, and integrates youth work practice with a grounding in Christian theology and bicultural competence. Students are prepared to engage with taiohi in ways that uphold mana, reflect Christian character and respond to the diverse cultural contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will explore youth development with young people, bicultural relationships, spiritual formation and community engagement. Learning is applied in youth work contexts through 300hrs of supervised practicum experience.

Read more about Laidlaw’s Level 5 Certificate in Youth Work HERE

2. Vineyard Ministry School – Certificate in Ministry

This is a partnership with Laidlaw College and Vineyard College. This Level 4 qualification offers theological study, each Wednesday at the Grace Vineyard City Campus, plus 4 block courses in the year, each one is 3 – 5 days. Each student then completes around 15 practical ministry hours per week in your chosen area, such as Youth Alive Trust, ensuring that students are not only rooted in sound theology but also equipped with the hands-on skills necessary for effective mahi.

Read more about Vineyard Ministry School HERE

At Youth Alive Trust, we offer students:

• A line manager, who can support, advise, and guide your youth work practice
• Support to find an external mentor/supervisor.
• Opportunities to work with their preferred ages, including Primary age, Intermediates and Teenagers.
• Opportunities to help lead at weekly clubs, events, outings and trainings.
• Be a part of our wider team of youth workers and support workers, including staff meetings, retreats and socials.
• Opportunities for paid work on holiday programmes during school holidays.
• A supportive Christian environment were the team prays and worships together.

If you’d like to talk in person more about these opportunities, email:hr@yat.org.nz

If you’re needing after-school care for your children in 2026, Youth Alive Trust offers something a bit different, as a Seniors Only option, for School Years 4-9. Our vans do pick ups from South New Brighton School, Rawhiti Primary, New Brighton Catholic, Nova Montessori, and Chisnallwood Intermediate.  Join our ‘have-a-go’ sessions, park day and weekly YAT CLUBS such as Basketball, Creative Club and other social clubs.  At YAT Oscar, kids can rest, play and grow through creative zones, stem, active fun and supportive staff who understand young peoples needs. Most working or studying parents are eligible for government subsidies: www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/oscar-subsidy.html

Read our 2026 brochure HERE

Contact our Oscar Coordinator via email: oscar@yat.org.nz