Who is ZEAL?
In 1995, Anthony Walton, launched a new youth venue in central Wellington New Zealand called ‘Global Tribe’. The venue was initially a huge success and saw over 100,000 young people come through. Unfortunately the hype only lasted six months until the reality set in that All-ages are nearly impossible to run at a profit. Global Tribe closed down leaving the young people of Wellington without a cultural and social home or hub.
Realising the tragedy of the closure, the then Mayor Mark Blumsky approached Anthony with the prospect of offering financial support from the Wellington City Council to relaunch the brand. The new organisation, ‘Zeal’, became a charitable trust in February 1998. 18 months later, in October 1999, Zeal held it´s first event at their brand new premises on Victoria St.
Now almost ten years on, Zeal has cemented itself as a key voice and venue in Wellington. It has since moved premises again to it´s current place on Ghuznee Street and sees over 200 young people every week through it´s various programmes and events.
In September 2006, Zeal was approached by the Waitakere City Council to apply for the position of provider for their new youth facility. After successfully winning the contract, Zeal was welcomed into Waitakere City in July 2007. A team of nine from Wellington, New Plymouth and Auckland assembled to accept Mayor Harvey´s invitation. Zeal Waitakere has been fully open and running since September 2008, and has seen thousands of youth through their doors, and is a home to youth of all cultures and sub-cultures. It has been an incredible journey to watch this organisation grow and expand to accomodate the needs of young people in New Zealand.
So in answer to the question, ‘Who is Zeal?’. Zeal is the young person. Zeal is every young person who calls it home. Zeal is setup, not only to shape young people, but to be shaped. We come to serve, and to be utilised as a launch-pad for young people in the communities we work. Our programmes are both a reflection of our heart, and the heart of the young person. To find out more about Zeal, please contact any of the Zeal Staff.
Zeal's Vision
Zeal is a team of people committed to the advancement of young people in the creative arts, leadership and education.
Values
Authenticity
Our commitment that every young person involved in our organisation is given the chance to genuinely express their identity.
Community
Our commitment to providing places of ownership and belonging for young people.
Opportunity
Our commitment to enable and resource young people to better themselves through opportunities in the creative arts, leadership and education.
Vision
Creativity
New Zealand is a creative country. Zeal aims to foster unique and creative expression among young people through dance, music and visual art.
Education
Education is not mere knowledge, but also the power to make good decisions. We aim to help young people overcome obstacles and circumstances to live successful and effective lives that serve their community.
Leadership
Zeal aims to empower young people to lead in their sphere of influence, whether this be in their high school, work place or sports team. We encourage them not just to follow, but to set an example for others.
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