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Welcome to Community Action on Youth and Drugs

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    About CAYAD

    Kia ora mai tātou. Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) is funded by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to reduce the harm young people experience from alcohol and other drugs.  The programme is guided by the National Drug Policy 2015-2020 and operates in 20 locations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

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    Community Action

    CAYAD coordinators support leaders from communities, organisations and young people to collaborate and create lasting changes in their environment that will promote wellbeing and reduce the risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs.

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    Evidence-Based Change

    CAYAD projects are informed by local, cultural and academic evidence. Our work includes improving policies, systems and practices; community action to reduce supply of alcohol and other drugs; and increasing opportunities for young people to be healthy and reach their full potential.

Case Studies

Upcoming events

  • CAYAD Core Skills Course

    Event: In person hui

    Dates: 2 - 4 November 2026

    Venue: Taamaki Makarau, location tbc

  • National CAYAD Advisory Group hui

    Event: In person hui

    Dates: Tbc

    Venue: Te Whare o Wakahine, Waiohiki

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    lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui

    Dates: Thursday 16 July, 12 - 1.15 pm

    Details: Paul McMahon, CAYAD Ootautahi, Objecting to alcohol licenses.

  • lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui

    Dates: Thursday 13 August, 12 - 1.15 pm

    Details: Facilitator, Danny Kittner from CAYAD Taamaki will be hosting Melanie Shaw, National Quality and Practice Lead for ADIO Trust Needle Exchange.

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    lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui

    Dates: Thursday 10 September, 12 - 1.15 pm

    Details: Kirsten Mullany, HB CAYAD presentation - Mana Waahine Hauora - community based initiative to reduce the harm of methamphetamine.

  • lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui

    Dates: Thursday 8 October, 12 - 1.15 pm

    Details: tbc

  • Lunchtime Learning Hui

    Event: Online Hui

    Date: Thursday 12 November, 12 - 1.15 pm.

    Details: tbc

  • National Hui at Waiohiki Marae 2026

    Held From 23 - 26 March 2026

    Details: Guiding whakatauākī - Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Attributed to Pāterangi of Ngāti Kahungunu.

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