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Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to 4,000 people who work with young people every day. Our sector is based on a positive youth development approach which focuses on nurturing young people’s strengths and abilities, fostering their healthy development, and promoting positive engagement with their communities. Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to 4,000 people who work with young people every day. Our sector is based on a positive youth development approach which focuses on nurturing young people’s strengths and abilities, fostering their healthy development, and promoting positive engagement with their communities. Learn More about Youth Work in Aotearoa

Youth Led Events Youth-led events are what make Youth Week come alive. Every year, rangatahi around Aotearoa dream up and run their own celebrations - stuff that reflects who they are and what they care about. We’ve seen everything from epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to chill hangouts and sharing kai with the community. Whatever it looks like, Youth Week hits different when it’s led by young people your young people, and that energy is what makes the festival of events so special. Want to build your leadership skills & be part of a team that plans a Youth Week event? Planning a Youth Week event starts with figuring out what you and your crew care about. Think about the kind of vibe you want - something creative, something active, something chill, something that brings people together, or something that uses your voice to spark change. So where do you start? Your idea: What’s the purpose? What do you want people to feel or experience? Your people: Who’s helping? Who’s coming along? Your place: Where will it happen? Your plan: What do you need to make it happen? Think about gear, support, funding, food, music, and transport? Your backup: Who’s there to support you? Is there a youth worker, school, community group, council, or local organisation that can help you with the logistics? Running a public event? Add your event to this year's events calendar to spread the word to rangatahi near you! Add Your Event to the Calendar Find an event near you Choose a date Filter by Region Select Region Filter by Event Type Select Event Type Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules Otago Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More She Climbs Youth-Led Community Bouldering Day Auckland Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More Free Community Sport with Cultural performance Auckland Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More Ball 4 Hauora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More TYC Market & Busking Event *Tatinga Whakarongo* Waikato Youth Market 23 May 2026 Learn More Our Voices Matter! A Pop-up Community Art Space Southland Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Junction Slam Auckland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Wairua day Wellington Other 23 May 2026 Learn More I.Lead Showcase Day Canterbury Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Create and Sip Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Sip & Paint Northland Other 20 May 2026 Learn More Ngā Tākaro Maia Canterbury Cultural 24 May 2026 Learn More Run 4 Life Northland Health & Sport 24 May 2026 Learn More Voices on Canvas Southland Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Rā Hākinakina Waikato Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Auckland Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Te Mana o Kupu Northland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talent Quest Bay of Plenty Youth Voice 18 May 2026 Learn More Podcasting and Pizza Waikato Youth Voice 19 May 2026 Learn More TASI Auckland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Eid al-Adha Celebration Otago Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Hear Us Live! – Youth Open Mic & Creative Jam Night Waikato Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More Mauri tu Mauri Ora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More

Kaupapa Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are a national membership based organisation connected to over 3,700 individuals and organisations who represent a diverse range of groups and practitioners that work with young people. Youth Week Youth Week is a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people. MOSAIC Our MOSAIC resources support youth workers to hold safe, meaningful kōrero with rangatahi about racism, discrimination, and values, and to navigate situations where young people express discriminatory views. INVOLVE INVOLVE is Aotearoa’s national youth development biennial conference — a vibrant gathering of youth workers, rangatahi, researchers, and sector leaders. Over two dynamic days, it’s a space to connect, learn, and be inspired through powerful kōrero, creative sessions, and shared experiences that celebrate and strengthen youth work across the motu. Our Partnerships

Your Week Your Way Youth Week is a time to celebrate the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi and to champion a society that genuinely supports young people to thrive. It's a moment for communities, whānau, and organisations to recognise what young people bring to the table: your creativity, your energy, your courage to imagine things differently, and the very real ways you shape the world around you every single day. More than a calendar event, Youth Week is a collective commitment to a society that supports young people to thrive. Hyping Each Other Up For rangatahi, Youth Week is something a little different. It's not about being handed a trophy for being young - it's an invitation to take up space, make noise, and celebrate the world you and your friends are already creating. It's a chance to amplify the things you care about, showcase what you're building, and connect with others who are doing the same. This week belongs to you - own it! Youth Week is your moment to use your voice to celebrate where you and your crew are at, and everything it took to get here. Look around at the people beside you and think about what they've achieved, what they've built, and the ways they show up every day. This is a week to hype your friends, acknowledge your peers, and shout out the people in your world who deserve to be seen. The friendships, the growth, the moments where you all showed up for each other, that's the stuff worth making noise about. And while you're at it, let yourself be celebrated too because every win you've claimed, every skill you've picked up, every time you backed yourself and it paid off, is worth recognising. So this week, celebrate each other loudly and proudly. Our Voice Matters - Ways to Celebrate Go support your mates - turn up to their game, comp, or training and cheer them on Try something new together - whether it's a random sport, a walk, a swim or just moving your body in a fun way Share your sporting story - you never know if might inspire someone else to start their Sport Shout out to your people - the friends who hype you up, the communities that welcomed you or the creators who inspire you! Create a highlight reel - dig out photos and clips that capture you and your mates' journey so far. Host a Youth Week gaming tournament - whatever the game and whatever the skill level. Online Celebrate your creative friends - ask about their work. go to their exhibitions and show them some aroha Plan a creative hangout - paint, draw, design, or make something together Share your mates' work (with permission) to help their voice and creativity reach more people Art Tell your story in public - write a post, record a video or speak at an event about something you've experienced or believe in. Submit your work somewhere new - send your ideas to a publication, a competition or a platform you've never tried before. Speak at something - volunteer to present, perform, or MC Spoken Word Go to your local Youth Week event and join in the performances and open mic nights Back your talented mates - stream their music, attend their shows and hype them up online Create something together - dance, freestyle or jam, Express yourself! Music & Dance Cook & share a meal - gather your friends and whānau for some kai Document the week - appoint yourself the unofficial archivist of your Youth Week and capture everything through photos, journalling or sketching Do something for your community - organise a clean up, create a mural or plant something! Other Resources for Celebrating Youth Week Logo Download Youth Week Image 2026 Download Download Youth Week Posters Download Download Customisable Youth Week Posters - Add your own details Edit Edit Edit Edit Customisable Email Signature Edit Customisable Social Media Tiles Edit Edit Edit Edit

Standing with Rangatahi Youth Week is a reminder to celebrate the young people in your life - not just acknowledge them in passing, but really see them. The rangatahi around you are already doing remarkable things; shaping their friendships with care, navigating a complex world with resilience, and bringing energy and ideas that make your world richer! This week is an invitation to tell them so. It doesn't take a grand gesture - it takes intention. Take a moment to look at the young people in your life and ask yourself what you'd want them to know about the difference they make. Celebrating with intention In your community Check out what Youth Week events are happening in your region, see if they need volunteers, donate prizes, or help spread the word Organise your own celebration at work, in your community, or with your whānau to publicly celebrate rangatahi Use your platform to amplify rangatahi -share their events, art, music, or whakaaro with your networks Download our digital assets to show your support. Add Youth Week to your email signature, print a poster, or share on your socials Advocate for rangatahi, speak up in spaces where decisions are being made that impact them With the rangatahi in your ao Send a message, have a kōrero, and remind them why they matter to you Make space to really listen, be open, curious, and led by rangatahi voices (not just responding, but hearing them) Reflect on your mahi, where do rangatahi show up in your work or spaces? How are you including their voices, and does it truly whakamana them? Celebrate their wins - big or small. Acknowledgement goes a long way in building confidence and connection Grow together Support youth-led ideas even if they’re different to what you would do. Back their leadership and trust their perspective Create opportunities for rangatahi to lead whether that’s at work, in your community, or at home Learn from rangatahi. Listen to youth-led podcasts, follow youth creators, and stay open to new whakaaro and perspectives Resources for Celebrating Youth Week Logo Download Youth Week Image 2026 Download Download Youth Week Posters Download Download Customisable Youth Week Posters - Add your own details Edit Edit Edit Edit Customisable Email Signature Edit Customisable Social Media Tiles Edit Edit Edit Edit

Your Guide to Running an Event This is an event guide created by taiohi, for taiohi. It brings together practical tips and questions to help you plan, organise and run an event in your community. You don’t have to get everything perfect! What matters most is creating something that feels real, inclusive and meaningful to you and your people. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your event matters. Why are you doing this? Ask What’s the purpose or kaupapa of this event? What kind of space do you want to create? Will it be chill, creative, kaupapa-driven? Try Describe your event in 10 words or less Imagine someone attending, what do you want them to remember most? Who is this event for? Ask Who is your event for? Is this something your people want? Could you ask them first? Who might come along as well (friends, whānau, tamariki/pēpi)? Who might feel left out if you don’t plan for them? Try Ask 2–3 people if this is an event they would want to attend, and for feedback before planning too far ahead Who is helping you? Ask Who is helping you run the event? Who can you ask for advice or guidance? Try Ask a youth worker or trusted adult to be your support person Reach out early. Don’t wait until things feel stuck Split tasks between a small team When and where will it happen? Ask Does the space fit your vibe and purpose? Is it safe, welcoming, and easy to get to? How will people get there and home again? Try Visit the venue before the event if possible Check public transport routes and timing How will you make people feel included? Ask Can people afford to come? Could it be free or low-cost? Are there accessible entrances/exits (e.g. ramps, lifts, handrails)? How will you support neurodivergent taiohi? (e.g. quiet spaces, low-sensory areas) How will you make your event safe for rainbow taiohi? (e.g. optional name tags with pronouns, safe and accessible bathroom options) How will you support different cultures in the room? Would it be appropriate to include tikanga Māori (e.g. karakia, whakawhanaungatanga)? Will you need guidance from local iwi or kaumātua? How can you support language differences? (e.g. ESOL, Deaf, non-verbal) Are dietary needs clearly catered for and labelled? Try Reach out to a trusted person or organisation you can ask for guidance Keep entry free or pay what you can Create a simple “what to expect” message before the event Label kai clearly and include a range of options How will people know to come? Ask How will people hear about it? (social media, word of mouth, flyers) Where does your audience spend their time (online and in real life)? What would catch their attention and make them want to come? Try Keep your message clear: what, when, where, why Use group chats, social media and word of mouth together Ask your local library, youth spaces, or clubs if they’re happy to share your post or flyer with others How will you make it happen? Ask What do you need? (equipment, kai, activities, people) What’s your budget? Will you need koha for speakers, performers, or kaumātua? What needs to be organised ahead of time? Is there enough kai for everyone? Try Make a simple checklist of what you need Write a basic run sheet for the day so everyone knows what’s happening How will you keep people safe? Ask Do you have a first aid kit and someone trained in first aid? Are you aware of the venue’s emergency procedures? (e.g. fire, earthquake, etc.) Who can people go to if they feel overwhelmed or need support? How will people get home safely (especially if it’s at night)? How will you manage illness? (e.g. encouraging people to stay home, masks available) Are you taking photos? How will you get consent? Where will images be shared? Try Write down “what if” scenarios and what you’d do about them Assign a trusted person as the go-to support person on the day Make consent for photos clear and simple How will you care for Papatūānuku? Ask How can you reduce waste? How will you manage rubbish (e.g. recycling, compost)? Try Borrow materials from home, school, or community spaces Set up clearly labelled bins for waste, recycling, and compost What if things go wrong? Ask What’s your plan B if something changes? (e.g. weather, turnout, cancellations) Who can step in to help if needed? Try Have an indoor option if possible or a postpone date Have a small team who are ready to adapt on the day Helpful places to go for inspiration and support Rainbow Youth - creating safe and inclusive spaces Ministry of Youth Development - funding, resources, and Youth Week support Zeal - event management courses for young people

Youth Week Aotearoa is a better place because of young people! Youth Week is a nationwide campaign, running from 18th - 24th May 2026, that celebrates this! It brings us all together to recognise the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi, and to champion a society that supports young people to thrive. Celebrating Rangatahi Youth Week is all about celebrating everything that young people contribute to Aotearoa - just by being themselves. Too often, the amazing things young people bring to our communities go unnoticed - Youth Week aims to change that! Youth Week is for everyone. It’s about noticing and valuing the ways young people shape our hapori and world around us. Joining in the celebration means honouring the mana and energy they bring to the world. This year, our focus is all about making sure youth voices are heard. ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard’ is a chance for rangatahi to share themselves in the ways that feel right to them - through kōrero, creativity, culture, leadership, and everyday actions. We cannot wait to see how you all interpret the theme! YOUTH - LED EVENTS All things events! Check out our events calendar! Read More YOUTH WEEK, YOUR WAY Youth Week resources for Rangatahi View More STANDING WITH RANGATAHI Celebrate the young people in your life View More Why celebrate? One in six kiwis are aged between 12-24 - they are our emerging workforce, creators, innovators and leaders Our Youth Week Image This year's amazing image has been designed by Sao May Nguyen, a young multidisciplinary designer and content creator from Vietnam, now based in Auckland. For this year's image, she drew inspiration from a blend of modern design and pop art to reflect how young people express themselves in today’s world: bold, creative, and full of energy! More details The Whakapapa of Youth Week Youth Week began in 1995 with a handful of events scattered throughout Canada. Since then it has gathered momentum and is now celebrated each year in countries all around the world. Aotearoa New Zealand first marked Youth Week in the late 1990s, with NZAAHD weaving the first festivals and later entrusting it’s celebrations to Ara Taiohi in 2010. More details

< Back Our Voices Matter! A Pop-up Community Art Space Art Number 10 Southland Youth One Stop Shop Target Age: 12-24 Address: 10 Deveron Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 9:00 am projectcoord@number10.org.nz Open 18th-24th May. Supplies available 9:00-4:30 daily. This is a Pop-up Community Art Installation on the front lawn of Number 10 Southland Youth One Stop Shop. Come in, get supplies from our reception desk and let your voice be heard! Or just come by and see what's been created. For rangatahi aged 10-24 with support person, whānau, or friends. Previous Next

< Back Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules Health & Sport Inclusive Activity Murihiku Target Age: 12-23 Address: 77 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 4:30 pm admin@inclusiveactivity.org.nz A fun, inclusive sports event where rangatahi can get active their way—choosing how they play, adapting the rules, and trying new games in a safe, supportive environment. Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules is all about freedom, creativity, and making sport accessible for everyone. Previous Next

< Back Eid al-Adha Celebration Other University of Otago - Muslim University Students' Association Target Age: 12-24 Address: 84 Albany Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 6:30 pm otago.musaofficial@gmail.com The Eid al-Adha Celebration, hosted by the Muslim University Students’ Association (MUSA) at the University of Otago, commemorates the "Festival of Sacrifice," emphasising compassion, charity and community. This event brings together Muslim students away from home while opening its doors to the wider student body to foster intercultural understanding. We aim to achieve three goals: first, to provide a joyous environment that combats isolation and strengthens belonging for Muslim students; second, to use this as a platform for cultural exchange, breaking down stereotypes; third, to share food and stories, creating a warm atmosphere that enriches campus life. Rangatahi (young people) are at the heart of this event - the entirely student-led MUSA executive committee has identified the need for this celebration, initiated planning and will lead from conception to delivery, demonstrating Whai Wāhitinga. Previous Next

< Back Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Health & Sport The Kindness Institute Charitable Trust. Target Age: 12-18 Address: 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 5:00 pm adam@thekindnessinstitute.com Join us for a free Youth Week wellness yoga drop in at New Lynn Community Centre. This event will offer a welcoming space for young people to slow down, move their bodies, and support their wellbeing through guided yoga sessions led by two instructors. Healthy kai will be provided, and the event will be promoted through local schools and the community centre to encourage rangatahi to connect, recharge, and take part in Youth Week. Previous Next

< Back Run 4 Life Health & Sport Nepia Robyn Hepi Whanau Trust Target Age: 12-24 Address: 7569 State Highway 1, Ōhaeawai 0472, New Zealand When: 24 May 2026 6:00 am jasonhepi4@gmail.com Gathering the whanau and local rangatahi in Ohaeawai , and taking them on a Run, followed by boxing training. We finish it off with a guest speaker on health and Fitness, followed by a BBQ. Drinks, Giveaways, Speeches, Guest Speaker, Food Previous Next