Zeal is an active member of the National Youthworkers Network Aotearoa and applies best practice by adopting the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa (YDSA) and the Code of Ethics (COE). The core principles of each are described below: The YDSA strategy is based on a youth development approach of six key principles. Zeal upholds this strategy in its approach to youth work.

The principles are:

1. Youth development is shaped by the ‘big picture’.

2. Youth development is about young people being connected.

3. Youth development is based on a consistent strengths-based approach.

4. Youth development happens through quality relationships.

5. Youth development is triggered when young people fully participate.

6. Youth development needs good information.

The core values of the COE are listed below and frame the behaviour and approach of each trained youth worker at Zeal:

Ā huatanga Rangatahi | Young Person Centred

• Implement the policies established by the Trustees.
• Identifies the cultural connections that young people have.
• Recognises that young people do not exist in isolation from others.
• Tips the balance of power in young people’s favour.
• Works with young people from a strengths-based approach so they can achieve their full  potential.
• Works holistically taking into account all of the obligations, opportunities, potential and  limitations that exist for young people.
• Fosters young people’s identity development, social skills, emotional learning and cultural  development.
• Maintains unconditional positive regard for young people even if they are exhibiting  challenging behaviours.

Ā hua Whānaunga | Relationship Focused

• Works to strengthen positive relationships between young people and their whānau/family,  their communities/hap ū, peer groups and institutions (i.e. education, health and justice  systems)
• Nurtures quality relationships between young people and Youth Workers
• Nurtures respect and non-judgmental attitudes
• Promotes fun, dynamism and creativity
• Values the worth in all young people
• Promotes inclusive approaches that recognise all young people have different strengths and  needs.
• Allows young people to develop their unique identity.
• Assists young people in adjusting to change and harnessing opportunities.  XIV

Tikanga me te Horopaki | Culture and Context

• Assists young people in adjusting to change and harnessing opportunities.
• Upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and seeks to support Māori leadership over Māori  communities and taonga.
• Recognises the cultural, historical, economic, social and political contexts that young people  live in.
• Seeks to understand and respect young people within their cultural context.
• Affirms the diversity of young people and other groups within society.
• Actively confronts discrimination.
• Acknowledges the value and diversity of spirituality.
• Encourages service to others and unconditional giving.
• Respects the environments (including natural ecology) we live in.

Iwi Wh ānui | Community Contributors

• Respects the environments (including natural ecology) we live in.
• Encourages young people to be agents of change, both relationally and systemically.
• Values young people as contributors to society.
• Advocates active participation of young people in their communities.
• Encourages and supports young people to take responsibility as active members of whānau,  hap ū, iwi, places of learning and work and peer groups.
• Encourages and supports young people to take responsibility as active global, national and  local citizens.