What does it really take to build a relationship where rangatahi feel respected, safe and valued?

The relationship between a young person and a trusted adult is one of the most powerful protective factors in their development, examining what respect, trust, and genuine connection look like across different contexts, and how power dynamics shape the relationships we build with rangatahi. Through the concepts of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, you’ll explore how care, safety, and a sense of belonging are not just values to aspire to, but practical foundations for the relationships that make a difference. A session that challenges practitioners to look honestly at how they show up.

This session is part of the PYDA Series, five standalone sessions exploring the Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa framework. Attend one or all five.

Whether you’ve been meaning to do the full-day PYDA training and haven’t found the time, or there’s a particular topic you want to explore, the series is designed to fit around your work without asking you to give up a whole day. Each session stands on its own, so you can register for one, a few, or all five. If you do make it to all five, you’ll come away with the complete PYDA framework under your belt, the same foundation covered in the full-day training.

PYDA is the professional foundation for working well with young people, a developmental lens that moves practice from good instinct to intentional, evidence-informed action. Grounded in Positive Youth Development and situated in bicultural Aotearoa, the framework covers two core outcomes — Developing the Whole Person and Developing Connected Communities — and three practical approaches: Strengths-Based Practice, Respectful Relationships, and Building Ownership and Empowerment. Each session in the series takes one of these as its focus, building a complete picture of what it means to work well with rangatahi, whatever your role or sector.

These hui are free and open to anyone working with or for young people. No prior PYDA training required.

We’d love to have you with us.

Ngā mihi nui,

Penny, Angelina, Lydia.

The Youth Development Champions Project

*These hui are free and catered. In order for us to keep it that way, please help us out- only register if you're really committed to attending and, if you have registered and something has changed let us know at least 3 days in advance.

Contact the host of PYDA Series | Approach 2 | Respectful Relationships