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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. Plan My Event Running a public event? Add your event to this year's events calendar to spread the word to rangatahi near you! Add My Event Find an event near you Choose a date Filter by Region Select Region Filter by Event Type Select Event Type Clear Pokemon Card Swap Meet Auckland Games & Kai 24 May 2026 Learn More Karaoke Disco Auckland Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week at Kia Puāwai Youth Service Auckland Games & Kai, Health & Sport, Educational, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 23 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 21 May 2026 Learn More Page Turners Teen Book Club Wellington Other 21 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Toastie Thursday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Art, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Mini Games & Pizza Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Musical Bingo Auckland Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More South Navigators Showcase Auckland Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More Taringa Whakarongo: The Waitara Voice Festival Taranaki Art, Music & Dance, Cultural, Youth Market, Youth Voice, Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More Wānanga Whakarongo Wellington Cultural 23 May 2026 Learn More TE WAHI RANGATAHI Taranaki Games & Kai 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Hub Live: Event Centre Opening Showcase Canterbury Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More Te Ara Tipu Open Week Gisborne Cultural 18 May 2026 Learn More SONSK8 Youth Week Jam Auckland Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week - Rangatahi Filmmakers Wellington Film 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voice Expo Wellington Games & Kai, Youth Market, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Waha - Your Voice, Our Voice Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Tshirt design Comp Marlborough Youth Voice 18 April 2026 Learn More Pakaru Pānui Youth Space Opening Hawkes Bay Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Jam Sesh Wellington Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Poly Umu and Whanau night Wellington Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More REAL CIVICS 101 Auckland Youth Voice 24 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More Youthline Wellington's Youth Week Community Mural. Wellington Art 23 May 2026 Learn More aMAZE-ing May Special Drop-in Session Wellington Games & Kai, Educational 19 May 2026 Learn More Youth Circus Festival Auckland Cultural, Art, Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Student Splash Canterbury Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More Ultraviolet Youth Week Concert Wellington Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More Battle of the Tribes Wellington Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More Hot Takes and Hot Pools Canterbury Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Dungeons and Dragons with Questbook Auckland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More PJ Improv night Canterbury Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Show up - A Rangatahi co-design event Auckland Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More NZ Music Month: Studio tour and ukulele jam Wellington Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More Whanau Music/Talent Night Wellington Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 20 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Waffle Wednesday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Bookmark Making Workshop Auckland Art 20 May 2026 Learn More Art Expo Wellington Art 20 May 2026 Learn More Revolution (Live performance of official 2026 Youth Week Anthem) Auckland Film, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Somali Youth Week Waikato Other 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talk Podcast - Our Voices, Our Stories Online Online 20 May 2026 Learn More YouthFest 2026! Bay of Plenty Music & Dance 17 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Open Day for South Invercargill Community Art Space Southland Art 22 May 2026 Learn More One Week, One Voice Taranaki Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Open Mic Auckland Cultural, Music & Dance, Youth Voice, Art, Games & Kai 23 May 2026 Learn More CONNECTED: Youth Week Short Films Bay of Plenty Film 22 May 2026 Learn More Taringa Whakarongo: The Waitara Voice Festival Taranaki Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Skill Building Workshop on Leadership Hawkes Bay Educational 24 May 2026 Learn More Talent Quest Otago Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More The Wall That Speaks Amplifying Rangatahi Voices Otago Art 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Festival Waikato Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Ride It Out Canterbury Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More TAIOHI COLLECTIVE YOUTH WEEK EVENT Northland Other 22 May 2026 Learn More David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Movie Screening Wellington Film 18 May 2026 Learn More Gaga Ball Showdown Otago Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More South Waikato Youth Sports Day Waikato Health & Sport, Cultural, Games & Kai 21 May 2026 Learn More Slaying Sayings Wellington Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Female Self-Defence Canterbury Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Careers Fair & Buddy Waikato Educational 21 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Hauora Week Auckland Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Teen Tech Time Auckland Educational 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week 2026 Bay of Plenty Film, Games & Kai, Cultural, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Movie Afternoon Wellington Film 23 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 22 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Vintage Gaming Wellington Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More French Toast Friday Taranaki Games & Kai, Art, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More NMIT Richmond Student BBQ Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Movie Night Nelson-Tasman Film, Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More Through the lens - a youth week showcase Wellington Film 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week 2026: Youth Voices on Screen Wellington Film 22 May 2026 Learn More Te Ara Taiohi Northland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir Open Rehearsal Wellington Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More The power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health Online Online 18 May 2026 Learn More "Our Voices Matter": turning rights into reality. Online Online, Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More TAHI FEST Wellington Music & Dance 24 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi on the move Waikato Youth Voice, Games & Kai, Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More Hutt Multiculutral Youth Week Wellington Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth Empower Summit Wellington Youth Voice 30 May 2026 Learn More My Movie, My Story Otago Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth week 2026 Canterbury Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More He pī ka rere Auckland Art 22 May 2026 Learn More Dare to Take the Challenge Haere ki Waho -Youth Outdoor Safety & Opportunities Event Tasman Educational 22 May 2026 Learn More Games at the (Regent) Theatre West Coast Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Small Town, Big Ideas Waikato Other 18 May 2026 Learn More Rosehill College Community Youth Week Fun Run Auckland Health & Sport 24 May 2026 Learn More Slaying Sayings Wellington Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Taiohi Collective - Solomon Group Northland Games & Kai 22 April 2026 Learn More The Multicultural Youth Bowl Waikato Youth Voice 19 May 2026 Learn More Youth Boxfit Canterbury Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Chalk Your Truth Wellington Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More The Amazing Youth Volunteer Race Northland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More

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 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

Keith Shaw he/ him I'm a proud South Islander and have been CEO of the Y Central South Island (formerly YMCA South and Mid Canterbury), based in Timaru, for the past 15 years. My wife and I have four adult children, but ultimately I became connected to youth work through my connection in leading the Y. Previously I was employed in the finance sector, working throughout New Zealand, Singapore and Melbourne, before returning with my family to South Canterbury. I love working alongside people, empowering them to reach their full potential. The whakataukī “Whakamana takata, whakamana taiohi | Through empowering the mana of people, we empower the mana of youth” resonating strongly with me. I was co-opted on to the Ara Taiohi Board in 2024 and am passionate about contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand’s peak body to do more. Whilst I bring a wealth of finance and governance experience to the organisation, I am most at home learning from others and from taiohi that I meet and engage with in my daily life.

Our Board Meet the Ara Taiohi Board – a group of passionate, experienced leaders from across Aotearoa who help guide and support our mahi. They bring a wide range of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences, all with a shared commitment to the wellbeing of rangatahi. The Board keeps us focused on what matters most: supporting the youth development sector and staying connected to the needs of young people. RANIERA PENE KAIHAUTŪ About Raniera ATARAU HAMILTON BOARD MEMBER About Atarau CHILLION SANERIVI BOARD CO-CHAIR About Chillion ANYA SATYANAND BOARD MEMBER About Anya KEITH SHAW FARC CHAIR About Keith MOANA MATAUTIA-TEPANIA BOARD MEMBER About Mo ZOE FINDLAY BOARD MEMBER About Zoe

< Back David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Movie Screening Film Forest and Bird Youth Wellington Hub Target Age: 13-24 Address: 203 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 5:00 pm https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3T9-NMbw9Uu45fi_AZQ5rQjkRW-wJpZIpOoiL--NO61UOUFFT0I4UFU5MDRUWVJBUVNaQ0RLTTE3Vi4u n.ibrahim@youth.forestandbird.org.nz Bringing our youth together to watch a screening of one of the biggest climate figures of our time. A small introduction to Forest and Bird Youth Wellington Hub and opportunity to get involved in future events. Light Kai and drinks will be provided!! Please RSVP so we get an idea of numbers :) Previous Next

< Back SONSK8 Youth Week Jam Health & Sport East Skate Club Inc Target Age: 12-24 Address: 79 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 8:00 am https://www.sonsk8.co.nz aaron@eastskate.co.nz SONSK8 seeks to remove barriers to participation by offering free entry, shared equipment, and a non-competitive environment. The event also creates opportunities for peer mentoring, where experienced youth skaters support beginners. Ultimately, the Skate Jam is about creating space for taiohi to belong, be active, and be heard while celebrating their strengths during Youth Week. Previous Next

Sharing the impact of Youth Work Every youth worker can tell you how their work has helped shape the lives of ngā rangatahi they work with; who was able to get their driver's license, who developed the confidence that helped them get a part-time job or who would have ended up in the youth justice system with their help. They know the courage and determination it takes each young person to confront their personal challenges. Too often, this impact goes unseen or isn’t recognised in the way it should be. Our 'Youth Work Impact Project' mahi with Hands for Impact is all about telling the story of Youth Work's collective impact in Aotearoa. Together, we are creating an SROI analysis and ratio that will demonstrate the impact of our sector, the 'social value' we are bringing to communities across the motu, and to support youth organisations to better tell their own story. This mahi builds on our recent Mahi Tūturu research report on the landscape of Youth Work in Aotearoa, expanding the evidence base for the amazing Youth Work happening in Aotearoa. Stages of the project Testing our approach in a Youth Work context In partnership with two youth organisations we created in-depth SROI forecasts. This allowed us to test our tools, refine our approach, and ground the project in the realities of youth work practice. Click image for more details. Published Q1 2026 Exploring the sector's experience A Working Group of frontline and leadership Youth Work practitioners are helping to map key outcomes and explore how change happens. A broader review network, including funders, government officials and researchers will reflect on the findings to ensure they are aligned with sector experience. Q1-Q3 2026 Publication our findings and learnings Publication of our sector wide impact measurements, telling the story of the impact of Youth Work in Aotearoa, and sharing practical recommendations for the sector. Together with our Mahi Tūturu mahi, this analysis will strengthen the sector's ability to measure, communicate, and grow their social impact. Expected Q3 2026

< Back Matt Renata Code of Ethics/ Mana Taiohi Facilitator Born and raised in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt), Wellington. Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Ruapani, Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi and Gujarat ancestry. Married to Rachel (Ngāpuhi/Japanese) since 2016. Welcomed our son, Mana Tuku Iho, in April 2024. Since having a youth worker in high school, I've been involved in youth and community development since 2005. I’ve worked, volunteered, and served across many youth organisations, kaupapa, and movements over the past couple of decades. World-changing youth-development māramatanga came to us when Rach and I studied a Bachelor in Indigenous Theology, Diploma in Māori Leadership, and Diploma in Reo Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau during 2019–2024. These studies have been transformational for both our personal lives, and our youth and community development mahi. This textures the way we do our youth development teachings and trainings. Through storytelling, connection, and wānanga, we share these insights with the people we're grateful meet. matthewrenata@outlook.com 0273234683

Youth Week Grants Before you jump in, please take a moment to read through the whole form so you’ve got everything you need. If you need any support at any stage, reach out on (04) 802 5000 or youthweek@arataiohi.org.nz . Dayna is always happy to kōrero and help with any pātai. A few key things to note Applications close Sunday 15 March, 5pm. You will be notified by April 12th on the outcome of your application. Grants are up to $1,000 + GST. Keep answers clear and concise to support our youth grants panel to assess your application. Make sure you read our Terms and Conditions. Each year, Youth Week grants are oversubscribed. This means we can’t fund every application and may not be able to fund the full amount you have asked for. Please take your time to understand how our panel of youth assessors will consider your application. Our youth panel brings their own lived experience and expertise to the final assessment. Make sure your application clearly shows us how your idea lines up with the following criteria: Youth-Led: clearly show how your event was led by young people, from ideation to delivery to evaluation. Connection to the 2026 theme: show how your event reflects or celebrates the theme: “Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi – Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard.” Equity lens: We want to distribute funds fairly across Aotearoa. Our youth assessors will consider accessibility, regional representation and how your event uplifts or provides space for taiohi who are often underserved or underrepresented.  You and your organisation do not have be a membership of Ara Taiohi, however members do receive a small additional weighting as part of our commitment to recognising and strengthening the youth development sector. Apply Here Terms & Conditions You must fulfil each of these to be a successful applicant. I understand that funding will only be provided to legally registered organisations, not individuals. If your organisation submits more than one application, the maximum total we can allocate to that organisation is $1,000 + GST. Please check internally if there are multiple applications, as this may affect the outcome. Applications from a branch of a national organisations that has multiple branches will be treated as an individual organisation (for example the Wellington branch and the Christchurch branch of a national organisation can each apply for $1,000 +GST). I understand that grants are up to $1,000 + GST, i.e. if you are GST registered and request $1,000, your invoice will be $1,000 + GST, totalling $1,150. My event must be held during Youth Week 2026: 18-24 May, 2026. My event will be alcohol, smoke and drug-free. If my event is a public event, I will post it on the Ara Taiohi website on the Youth Week events schedule. I will share/tag my event with Ara Taiohi on Facebook and Instagram unless my event is a completely private event. I will include the Youth Week logo or theme image on promotional material. A payment and agreement form must be completed with details of who will receive the funds for my event. This must be provided alongside your invoice for payment. I will complete an evaluation form outlining how the Youth Week event went. This must be completed and returned to Ara Taiohi by 15 June 2026. I will distribute a participant survey to young people engaged in my event (Ara Taiohi will supply a link closer to the time).  I will distribute an engagement survey to young people directly involved in planning, decision-making, and/or delivering the funded event (Ara Taiohi will supply a link closer to the time). Privacy Statement We collect your information for the purpose of assessing your Youth Week application and contacting you about the grant. We will share organisation name and contact email and event details with our funders, for the purposes of supporting announcements and visits during Youth Week 2026. If anything sits outside of this, we will request permission before doing so.

Anya Satyanand she/ her Anya has spent most of the last 3 decades working with young people, creating conditions for their full participation in our democracy, communities, and economy. Deeply committed to Mana Taiohi principles, she’s passionate about ensuring young voices are heard, valued, and at the forefront of positive change. Over the past decade, Anya has been kaimahi, member, and steadfast supporter of Ara Taiohi. A recovering teacher, her belief in a just, regenerative, and Te Tiriti-centred future has led her through diverse roles—from leadership development to systems innovation—yet she always returns to her purpose: standing with rangatahi and young people. Anya is Executive Director at Ember Innovations, catalysing change in the mental health system through research and innovation. She also serves as a director of ethical investment company Pathfinder. Anya brings a collaborative, inclusive approach to leadership, focused on amplifying youth potential. She’s mama to two amazing young people - Lola and Leilani - who inspire and ground her every day.

Organisational SROI Evaluations The following reports were created as part of a pilot phase of our mahi to better understand the impact of Youth Work delivered through community organisations and to establish a methodological foundation for a sector-wide social value project. Tararua Community Youth Services TCYS, a Dannevirke-based organisation focusing on the well-being of local taiohi, provided an example of youth work in a rural setting. The report assessed the value created for taiohi aged 15+ who engaged in TCYS in 2024/25. Flipbook Full Report Rānui 135 Rānui 135 is an Auckland-based organisation that provides holistic, culturally-grounded support for taiohi and the Rānui community. They provided an example of youth work in an urban setting. The report assessed the value created for taiohi who engaged with Rānui 135. Flipbook Full Report