NZ Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4)
with Adventure and Nature-Based Approach
Te Tiwhikete Kaiarahi Taiohi — Aotearoa (Taumata 4)
Where experiential learning, the outdoors, and youth development come together
If you believe young people thrive when learning happens outside, in nature, through real experience — this course is built for you!
Part Time
Nationwide
$950
April 2027
About
We've taken the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work and built a unique programme around it — one that delivers all graduate outcomes through and adventure and nature-based approach. It's a unique combination: nationally recognised youth work training, grounded in the transformative power of the outdoors.
No outdoor skills or adventurous spirit required!
Just a passion for working with young people.
2027 Intake — Starting April
(30 weeks, part-time and blended learning. Includes a 3-day residential workshop based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland)
Who is this for?
This qualification is for anyone who works with or alongside young people and believes in the power of the outdoors, adventure, and experiential learning to support their development.
That might be a youth worker, outdoor instructor, teacher, community leader, sport coach, or someone working in social services, faith-based organisations, or kaupapa Māori settings — if you're passionate about working with taiohi (young people) and drawn to nature-based approaches, this course is for you!
"I uncovered things about my practice I had not had a chance to reflect on and also with my personal journey."
Graduate, 2024 cohort
"I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.
For me, I'm not currently working as a youth worker; however, was interested in the course to help me make a career change.
It's not only a professional development opportunity, but a chance to learn more about yourself and develop personally."
Graduate, 2024 cohort
"I would recommend this to all my teaching friends and anyone looking for personal development. I know this helped me with my work life but hit my personal life in every session we had. I feel like I grew as a person over this course and then completely re-built myself at the workshop again."
Graduate, 2023 cohort
"I cannot measure this as it is continually adding value to my life every day. I feel like I reflect on the course and bring things up that I learnt all the time."
Graduate, 2023 cohort
Programme Overview:
This programme is made up of three courses, completed sequentially over 30 weeks.
Delivery is blended, combining fortnightly online lectures, weekly directed learning, self-directed study, and a 200-hour supervised practicum in a real youth work setting.
CYD401 — Te Ao Taiohi: Culture, Wellbeing and Practitioner Self-Awareness
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the history of Māori as tangata whenua
- Te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and Māori models of hauora
- Adolescent mental health and digital safety
- Self-care and professional supervision
CYD402 — Relational Practice, Positive Youth Development and Adventure-Based Approach
- Positive youth development frameworks
- Adventure and nature-based approaches
- Mentoring and supporting rangatahi
- Group facilitation skills
- Cultural, emotional, and physical safety in youth work
CYD403 — Leading Adventure & Nature-Based Youth Development
- Planning adventure and nature-based youth development projects
- Risk management and safety in outdoor settings
- Leading and facilitating under supervision
- Evaluating the impact of your project on taiohi
Assessments:
All assessments are competency-based — you'll be assessed as Achieved or Not Yet Achieved, with no exams. Tasks are designed to connect directly to your practice, drawing on your own experiences working with taiohi. Most assessments are written reflections, with the final course culminating in a full project plan and evaluation of your own adventure-based youth development project.
Enrolment Prerequisites:
This programme is open to anyone 16 or older who has a passion for working with young people. You'll need NCEA Level 2 or equivalent — or relevant experience in a youth work or community setting. You'll also need access to a youth work placement where you can complete your 200 hours of supervised practicum. If you're not sure whether you meet the criteria, get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
Have questions about the course or want to talk through whether it's right for you?
Get in touch with us at akari@adventureworks.co.nz
