One of 16 Ministry of Social Development social sector trials set up in New Zealand communities, the project involves agencies and local organisations working together to produce better outcomes - particularly for youth.
South Dunedin Base manager Mary-Ann McKibben said the extension would give the programme certainty. Now, it would move quickly to consult its steering group and stakeholders on the best direction.
''We will be looking at specific outcome areas, such as youth offending, alcohol and drugs, and will be working with the stakeholders who know those issues really well,'' Ms McKibben said.
''We want to work out the best ways to make the biggest difference we can in people's lives during the next 12 months.''
While the specific focus of the Base trial was on South Dunedin, it was also involved in strategic work on issues across the wider city, she said.
During its first two years, the trial programme had helped to create a more collaborative approach among stakeholders, which included police, Neighbourhood Support Otago, government and non-government agencies, on a series of key issues.
Youth unemployment was a major focus, and the trial had attracted additional funding to be used to work with employers to create jobs.
''This is something we will continue to focus on in the next year - the rate of unemployment among young people is much higher than the general population and this needs to be addressed.''
Specific programmes had also been successful, such as the innovative Base Camp programme aimed at young job-seekers, and the Aspire programme, which supported young people transitioning to high school.
Work was also continuing with higher risk young people - those who may be in alternative education or care and protection - to bring agencies together to provide them with the support they needed, Ms McKibben said.
