In operation since 1989, this programme caters for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years, with 50% being current Youth Action clients of the New Zealand Employment Service (NZES). Youth Action clients are 16-20 year olds who, after being registered for 13 weeks are case managed by NZES into employment or training. The NZCC programme has as its focus conservation, education, and challenging recreation. Young people are encouraged to participate in projects which benefit not only themselves but also their local communities.

 The projects average 20 weeks and are run by a variety of organisations including government agencies, Maori Trusts and community groups such as the YMCA. The Ministry contracts with these agencies every six months. The Conservation Corps budget is $9.34 million per annum. 

The projects offer young people the opportunity to develop valuable work skills and increase their qualifications, self esteem, and confidence. 

The Conservation Corps has evolved into a highly successful joint community and government enterprise. Government funds cover the overhead costs and training allowances. The sponsor organisations provide technical expertise and cover some of the material costs of the projects. Sponsorship levels have increased considerably. Each project now receives around 49 cents from the local community for every government dollar.

 In the last financial year 1710 young people participated in the Conservation Corps on 132 projects throughout New Zealand. Over the past three years up to 90% of participants have been in employment, education or further training six months after completing the programme.  

The tangible assets acquired by communities demonstrate the capabilities of young people when they are encouraged to work in a team situation. The results attained by the individuals who participate on the Corps are also testament to the continued development and success of the programme. 

 This programme was taken up by the Ministry in 1995 and forms part of the Government_,s Youth Employment Strategy. All participants on the Youth Service Corps programme are current Youth Action clients of the New Zealand Employment Service.

 The programme is modelled on the New Zealand Conservation Corps. It aims to provide young people with the opportunity to participate in community projects (as opposed to conservation projects) as well as undertaking challenging recreation and educational activities.

Much of the programme is based around undertaking various community projects. Time is also spent in developing an individual_,s potential through education and challenging recreational activities such as tramping, rafting, and abseiling. The projects average 20 weeks in duration. As with Conservation Corps, the Ministry contracts with local organisations to deliver the programmes.

 There are 10 Youth Service Corps programmes scheduled to operate throughout New Zealand in 1996/1997. Project activities range from the restoration of an historic vessel in Dunedin to the elimination of graffiti and tagging in central Christchurch. 291 young people participated in 22 Youth Service Corps projects throughout New Zealand in 1995/1996. This includes the 10 projects which commenced in the 1994/95 year when the programme was launched.

 The most recent returns showing outcomes for participants six months after completion of their courses show that 73.5% were in employment or further education and training. The programme is an excellent example of Government and community co-operation. Local sponsors contribute 60 cents for every government dollar. The Youth Service Corps budget is $1,074,000 per annum.

The Conservation Corps was transferred to the Ministry of Youth Affairs from the Department of Labour in 1990 . The Ministry provides a congruent base for the operations of the Corps programmes and adds value to their delivery by reinforcing the focus on youth development. 

While there is potential for tension in the siting of an operational arm within a policy focused Ministry, Youth Affairs has used this dynamic to a positive advantage. It regularly canvases the views and feedback of Corps members on a range of issues and uses this to inform policy development work.