Who We Are

Challenge 2000 is a professional, innovative, passionate Youth Development, Community and Family Work agency.  

We predominantly serve the Wellington Region and we provide some services for youth and families in Porirua and Lower Hutt. We have also been involved in delivering programmes as far away as Tauranga and Gisborne and in the Wairarapa and Manawatu areas.  

We work with over 2,900 young people in their groups, homes, schools and communities and at our place.  

We work in an innovative, holistic and challenging way that empowers our young people to develop their strengths, enhance their well-being and to make significant and positive lifestyle choices.  

Challenging activities develop skills

Mission

Challenge 2000 is committed to responding to the Gospel by working with people in the search for social justice, social responsibility and personal dignity.  

Peer leaders inspire other youth

Goals

• Develop and deliver quality youth programmes and services that meet the needs of young people.
• Develop and deliver programmes that provide opportunities for disadvantaged and struggling families and individuals.
• Develop and deliver programmes that challenge the advantaged and privileged to adopt values and principles consistent with social justice and responsibility.

Community Feedback

Our Member of Parliament Speaks – Peter Dunne

“ Challenge 2000 is an innovative community organised based in my electorate, with an excellent reputation for delivering quality youth programmes and services. It differs from any similar organisation because it offers developmental youth programmes for achieving youth, middle-range youth and struggling and disadvantaged youth. Its staff are well qualified, experienced and committed.  

I understand that the organisation constantly refines, develops and improves its programmes to make them relevant to the needs of young people today. I note that Challenge 2000 has very strong support from a range of individuals and organisations in the local community, and receives high levels of donations,has a large volunteer pool, and gains the direct assistance of many people for its activities.  

Challenge 2000 undoubtedly makes a huge difference in the local community, and has provided literally thousands of young people with many positive opportunities. It is a genuine community-based organisation, offering an effective 24-hour service. I have been associated with the Trust since its inception. I support and recommend Challenge 2000 without reservation.”  

Andrew Becroft – Principal Youth Court Judge (Te Kaiwhakawa Matua o te Kooti Taiohi)

“In my role as Principal Youth Court Judge, I sit regularly in the Porirua Youth Court. I have regularly met Challenge 2000 who have been supporting young offenders to complete intervention and rehabilitative programmes. Without fail, I have found Challenge 2000 works to be professional, efficient, timely and reliable. They contribute greatly to the proper functioning of the Court. More importantly however the Challenge 2000 organisation can be trusted to deliver effective high quality interventions for young offenders.”  

Boys’ and Girls’ Institute Youth Services – Feedback from Rod Baxter, a Youth Worker

“Challenge 2000 is an agency unlike any other. I have had the privilege of working with Challenge 2000’s team over the last five years. During this time, I have found the organisation to be of great worth in our community. Quite simply, no one else does what Challenge 2000 does. The Youth Programmes that operate are undoubtedly essential and meeting a need unfulfilled by any other agency in Wellington. The staff who drive these programmes possess strong character and it is through this spirit that Challenge 2000’s unparalleled culture emerges.”  

Max Taylor – Detective Sergeant Wellington Police

“I have been impressed by the commitment, professionalism and generosity of all the Challenge 2000 staff. They make a significant contribution to the Police’s vision of Safer Communities Together, and are a real asset for the Wellington area.”  

Dawn Ackroyd - Principal of St. Oran’s College

” We have found the staff of Challenge 2000 to be passionate about leadership; they themselves are good role models. They relate well to students, providing interactive and worthwhile activities. Feedback from students has been very positive. Students have gained not only an understanding of the aspects of leadership but also an instight into their own strengths as a leader.”  

Christine – 17 year old

“Challenge 2000 is a wonderful and lovely place. Whenever I walk in the door there is a loving and warm welcome. After attending Challenge College and being on other Challenge programmes I have felt more confident in myself. They have helped me with a lot of things like school, self confidence and self pride.  Life has brought me lots of up’s and downs; Challenge has always been there for me and have never turned their back on me. Thanks Challenge!”  

Sue Campbell – HOD Careers and Transition Heratanga College

“Thanks for organising our Leadership Day at Orongomai Marae. It was a spectacular day that was enjoyed both by the students and the staff. We felt the work done by the Challenge team was of high quality and very well planned. We feel priviledged to be able to use your skills as a resource to help train and inspire our future leaders.”  

Tim – 17 year old

“Before I went to Challenge 2000 my life was going down the tubes. I got into trouble a lot, I was arrogant, selfish and always getting into fights. I ended up going to the Challenge school. It turned out for the best. My favourite things about Challenge would be the staff. I admire their fun, outgoing and friendly attitudes. Next would be the new things I experienced especially the outdoors camp and going to the snow. All in all the Challenge 2000 team have been a great influence on me and have helped me change for the better. I have learned to really challenge and push myself beyond my limits.”