Young Communications undertakes a range of projects and tailors its approach to suit client needs:

Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust

CCS Disability Action saw the need for better housing options for people with disabilities in Whangarei; they either remained at home, or were limited to often unsatisfactory flatting arrangements or rest-home care. An alternative vision offered independent living in purpose-modified or -built houses. Young Communications was contracted to undertake research, scope the opportunities and models for developing such accommodation, and to lead the team as we worked with the disability community to understand the needs and demands for such housing, and to gain support from Housing New Zealand and other agencies. With strong community support, we established the Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust to offer affordable, accessible housing to those who needed it. We received funding and purchased and modified the first eight houses. The Trust, with three of the original trustees, has transformed the lives of the people who have received housing. It now has 20 houses, and continues to build on the early feasibility research and community input to develop affordable accessible housing options.

Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust

Christine Young joined Storylines as its inaugural Executive Officer, soon after the formation of the Trust. The challenges were to develop processes for financial and budget management, and to work effectively with the people supporting a hitherto entirely volunteer organisation so that Storylines could achieve its aims of becoming a nationally recognised voice of children’s literature in a landscape dotted with uncoordinated groups and initiatives. Working with the Trustees and a local volunteer management committee, Christine led strategy development, introduced new budgetary processes and financial disciplines, and continued to build relationships with literature organisations nationwide. She undertook all fundraising (through grant applications and fundraising events)  to meet the organisation’s aspirations for its activities, and worked to build the profile of Storylines’ activities through a planned approach to promotion and media relationships. She now sit on the Storylines Trust board and continue to take an active role in helping the organisation grow in scope and stature.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

The role of marketing manager at Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra encompasses everything from general marketing management to marketing communications; digital strategy development; staff management; promotional strategy and planning; brand management; and setting and managing the marketing/ communications budgets.  Key to success in the role was mentoring and managing a team who looked after publicity, ticketing, customer relationships and the APO database, print and online promotional activity, including social media. But the real challenges included developing ideas to maintain existing and attract new audiences, initiating research that could be applied organisation-wide to increase understanding of audiences, taking the lead in building and protecting the APO brand and acting as the “voice” of the audience in programming decisions, to ensure optimal balance between serving artistic and audience needs.

Parnell Community Trust

Parnell Community Trust is a dynamic community organisation that recognised the need to achieve sustainability by growing its revenue streams and building its profile in the community. As part-time contracted marketing manager, one of Christine Young's first tasks was to change the conservative (and aging) brand look to project a more dynamic and contemporary image while also honouring its heritage. Managing this project involved taking the Board, staff and community on the journey as she worked with an external agency to develop a comprehensive new brand image, from logo and website to all associated collateral (signage, promotional material). She also worked to increase numbers in the many community classes, and developed the annual Parnell Heart of Art week to focus public attention on the rich art heritage of the area – and on Parnell Community Trust itself. With the Trust’s high profile building as a hub, the week-long celebrations included art exhibitions, artist visits and workshops, a fundraising art auction and an artist in residence, visited during his week-long stay by many in the community.

Family histories

"I’ve always loved the combination of researching and writing, from the first time I had a feature article accepted for Metro Magazine in its early days, by the great Warwick Roger. I am forever indebted to him for his mentoring of me as a self-taught and largely instinctive feature writer.  There’s a real thrill for me in following research leads, developing knowledge of the subject, whatever it might be – and the story flowing when the research is complete. Nowhere has this been more powerful than when I’ve been asked to write family histories.  I start with base information provided by the families: genealogical data, letters and family anecdotes. With additional research, I search for the “ah ha” moment where mere information transforms into a compelling narrative. For some families, I’ve then managed the proofreading, layout, printing and final production of what I aim will be a cherished family treasure."