You Are the Success Story: Southern Youth Development’s Proud Farewell to Dunedin and Clutha Rangatahi
The Board and team of Southern Youth Development (syd) announce with profound sadness that the organisation will conclude its operations on Monday, December 15th, 2025. After 38 years dedicated solely to the rangatahi (young people) of Dunedin and Clutha, the service is ending its chapter as a standalone entity.
This decision reflects the challenge of sustaining high-quality, impactful services amidst a difficult financial landscape. However, the focus of this statement is not on finances, but on the profound legacy built by its participants.
The True Heart of syd: Our Success Stories
Southern Youth Development’s foundation was built on the belief that every young person deserves a champion, a safe space, and an opportunity to thrive. For nearly four decades, syd has served as a constant in the lives of thousands - a haven, a place of learning, and a community for many rangatahi throughout Waitaki, Otago and the Clutha District.
The syd team affirms that the organisation’s legacy is carried entirely by its young people. syd was not defined by its funding or its walls; it was defined by the energy, the resilience, and the sheer potential of the rangatahi who walked through the doors.
The impact of syd goes beyond just activities; it is measured in the confidence built, the leadership skills developed, and the lifelong friendships formed. syd was a place where young people discovered their voices, learned critical life skills, navigated challenging transitions, and realised their intrinsic value. The deep sense of belonging fostered here has helped generations of young people grow into active, compassionate, and capable members of the community
To every past and present young person: You are the success story of syd. The team acknowledges that the closure of this familiar and beloved service carries deep emotion, and wants the community to know that the growth, courage, and positive change created by the young people themselves is the indelible mark left by syd.
The organisation’s proudest achievement is witnessing the growth, leadership, and positive futures forged by its alumni over the last 38 years.
The success and longevity of syd were made possible by a dedicated community committed to youth advocacy. The Board and team offer heartfelt gratitude:
- To Our Staff: To the current and former youth workers and leaders—you were mentors, advocates, and consistent champions. Your unwavering belief in young people was the engine of this organisation.
- To Our Volunteers and Board Members: Thank you for dedicating time, wisdom, and leadership to safeguard the kaupapa (mission/principle) and ensure syd remained a steadfast resource for youth.
- To Our Community Supporters: Thank you for sharing our vision and providing the resources necessary to deliver life-changing services to our rangatahi.
The Legacy Endures
As syd concludes operations on December 15th, 2025, the team is focused on concluding this journey with respect for its history and its people. This closure is a moment of sadness, but also immense pride in the community that was built and the thousands of lives that were positively influenced. We cherish every memory. Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.