Reports Database:
Telling the Story of Youth Work through Social Return on Investment

Executive Summary

Tararua Community Youth Services (TCYS) delivers a comprehensive and relational model of youth development for taiohi across Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua. This Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis assesses the value created for taiohi aged 15+ who engaged with TCYS in 2024/25. It draws on mixed-methods evidence including administrative data, a participant outcomes survey, regression analysis, and stakeholder verification. The resulting SROI ratio of $11.65:$1 indicates that for every dollar invested in TCYS, an estimated $11.65 of social value is generated — a strong return that remains consistently positive under multiple sensitivity scenarios.

Key Findings

• Strong value creation: The forecast SROI ratio of $11.65:$1 is realistic and not overstated. It is based solely on well-evidenced outcomes and does not include enabling outcomes, which remain essential precursors to achieving the material outcomes.
• Material outcomes: Six core outcomes were monetised:
  • Strengthened sense of identity
  • Develops skills to make better life choices
  • Achieves educational goals
  • Gains employment
  • Improved ability to be a parent
  • Reduced offending.

• Pathways to independence: The analysis confirms that trusted relationships with Youth Workers are the foundation for independence. Safe spaces, mentoring, practical supports (e.g. kai, transport, driver licensing), and youth-led activities enable taiohi to re-engage with learning, gain skills, secure jobs, and strengthen whānau life.
• Community and system impact: TCYS’s work contributes not only to individual wellbeing but also to reduced demand on justice systems, and safer local communities. Ministry of Justice data shows youth offending in Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua, Dannevirke is near-zero, compared with considerably higher rates in neighbouring districts — an outcome repeatedly attributed to TCYS’s presence.

Strategic Insights

• Undervalued rural Youth Work: TCYS is the only dedicated youth development provider in Dannevirke and they service the whole Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua region. Its relational, wrap-around approach fills systemic gaps left by education, health, and justice systems, yet remains vulnerable to funding cuts.
• Evidence for funders: The SROI provides a credible baseline that demonstrates the economic and social return of investing in Youth Work. It can strengthen TCYS’s case for sustained government and philanthropic support in light of upcoming contract reductions.
• Organisational learning: TCYS delivers high relational value, but outcome measurement remains inconsistent. Embedding simple pre- and post-programme surveys across services would generate stronger data on outcomes such as identity, safety, and reduced risky behaviours.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen data systems to consistently track education, employment, and wellbeing outcomes across programmes.
2. Embed pre-and post-surveys to capture shifts in identity, safety, and decision-making, ensuring comparability and stronger evidence of social value.
3. Plan for sustainability by deepening partnerships with iwi (tribe), council, and local funders to oset national funding cuts.
4. Leverage findings for advocacy, using the $11.65:$1 ratio and taiohi voice to highlight the value of preventative, relationship-based youth development in rural Aotearoa.

Conclusion

TCYS delivers transformative outcomes for taiohi in Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua, creating significant social and economic value for the community. With $11.65 returned for every $1 invested, this analysis provides strong evidence that sustained investment in youth development generates lasting benefits — empowering taiohi, contributing to safer, more resilient communities. Therefore, this SROI demonstrates that TCYS creates wide-ranging social value by strengthening the capabilities, confidence, and life trajectories of taiohi in the Tararua district.