Welcome to Community Action on Youth and Drugs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • HB CAYAD team

    National Hui at Waiohiki Marae

    Event: National Hui
    Dates: 23 - 26 March 2026
    Details: Guiding whakatauākī - Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Attributed to Pāterangi of Ngāti Kahungunu.

  • National CAYAD Advisory Group hui


    Event: National CAYAD Advisory Group hui
    Dates: 12 - 13 May 2026

  • CAYAD Core Skills Course



    Event: CAYAD Core Skills Course
    Dates: 2 - 4 November 2026

  • lunchtime learning hui


    Event: Online Hui
    Dates: Thursday 23 April, 12 - 1.15 pm
    Details: Alcohol licensing

  • lunchtime learning hui


    Event: Online Hui
    Dates: Thursday 21 May, 12 - 1.15 pm
    Details: Dr Joshua Manukonga.

  • lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui
    Dates: Thursday 18 June, 12 - 1.15 pm

    Details: CAYAD coordinators project presentations.

  • lunchtime learning hui

    Event: Online Hui
    Dates: Thursday 16 July, 12 - 1.15 pm
    Details: tbc