The Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa New Zealand is designed for youth workers but is relevant to all individuals working with young people and provides guidance to keep workers and the young people they work with safe.

1. Context: An explanation of how the Code of Ethics has been developed to date providing some historical and contemporary context for the Code of Ethics. Updated 3rd Edition.

2. Clauses: Framed within the nine interdependent principles of Mana Taiohi are 24 clauses for practice.  Updated 3rd Edition.

3. Applying Ethics: A practical guide for youth workers and their agencies. Updated 3rd Edition.

4. Bibliography: Acknowledgement of many of the sources that have informed both past editions of the Code of Ethics as well as this current version. Updated 3rd Edition.

5. At a Glance: A condensed form of the Code of Ethics designed for volunteer youth workers who do not have overall responsibility for youth work programmes. It is anticipated that someone in the organisation will have overall responsibility and that this person will be trained on and have a full knowledge of the Code of Ethics. Updated 3rd Edition.

6. Insights: Scenarios and reflections are offered connected to the interdependent principles of Mana Taiohi, which frame the 24 clauses. Updated 3rd Edition.


Notes: Throughout this document the terms taiohi, young person and young people are used interchangeably. Whānau and family are referred to similarly and cover the range of extended kinship and familial relationships that young people are connected to.

In publishing the Code of Ethics, it is acknowledged that this is a living document and should be reviewed regularly. This document is one aspect of developing and offering ethical practice, and should be used in conjunction with supervision, specific training and development, and an awareness of changes in our practice and wider society.

The Code of Ethics is intended to be consistent with the responsibilities of Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti, agreed to in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ara Taiohi encourages youth workers, and those working with young people in diverse settings, to critically reflect on this version of the Code, offer feedback and continue to make suggestions for change at any time. And, keep an eye out for the formal submission process that will occur when it comes time to look towards a fourth edition!