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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 Tshirt design Comp Marlborough Youth Voice 18 April 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 2026 WHS Youth Week Games Bay of Plenty Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Teen Tech Time Auckland Educational 18 May 2026 Learn More Dungeons and Dragons with Questbook Auckland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Check & Connect Youth Week Auckland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week 2026 Wellington Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Our Voice matters, we deserve to be heard Waikato Cultural 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talent Quest Bay of Plenty Youth Voice 18 May 2026 Learn More Games at the (Regent) Theatre West Coast Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Voices on Canvas Southland Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Mini Games & Pizza Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Podcasting and Pizza Waikato Youth Voice 19 May 2026 Learn More The Multicultural Youth Bowl Waikato Youth Voice 19 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 20 May 2026 Learn More Te Mana o Kupu Northland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Sip & Paint Northland Other 20 May 2026 Learn More Junction Slam Auckland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week at Kia Puāwai Youth Service Auckland Games & Kai, Health & Sport, Educational, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talk Podcast - Our Voices, Our Stories Online Online 20 May 2026 Learn More Rā Hākinakina Waikato Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 21 May 2026 Learn More Show up - A Rangatahi co-design event Auckland Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week 2026 Bay of Plenty Film, Games & Kai, Cultural, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Voices of the Valley Festival Bay of Plenty Film 21 May 2026 Learn More Hawkes Bay Youth Expo Hawkes Bay Games & Kai, Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voice Expo Wellington Games & Kai, Youth Market, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Revolution (Live performance of official 2026 Youth Week Anthem) Auckland Film, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Te Tangi o Te Pīpīwharauroa Waikato Youth Voice, Games & Kai, Health & Sport, Art, Music & Dance, Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Movie Night Nelson-Tasman Film, Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 22 May 2026 Learn More Taiohi Collective - Solomon Group Northland Games & Kai 22 April 2026 Learn More NMIT Richmond Student BBQ Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth led Forum and workshop and youth talent showcase & Arts night market Otago Educational 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Festival Waikato Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Spirit Week Auckland Other 18 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Hauora Week Auckland Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 18 May 2026 Learn More CollaborARTive Wellington Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Mauri tu Mauri Ora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Movie Screening Wellington Film 18 May 2026 Learn More aMAZE-ing May Special Drop-in Session Wellington Games & Kai, Educational 19 May 2026 Learn More Chalk Your Truth Wellington Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules Otago Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More Musical Bingo Auckland Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Gaga Ball Showdown Otago Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More Taringa Whakarongo: The Waitara Voice Festival Taranaki Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Auckland Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Café Series Taranaki Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More Hot Takes and Hot Pools Canterbury 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 I.Lead Showcase Day Canterbury Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Slaying Sayings Wellington Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Battle of the Tribes Wellington Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More South Waikato Youth Sports Day Waikato Health & Sport, Cultural, Games & Kai 21 May 2026 Learn More Musika Malie Auckland Music & Dance, Youth Voice, Cultural 21 May 2026 Learn More Dare to Take the Challenge Haere ki Waho -Youth Outdoor Safety & Opportunities Event Tasman Educational 22 May 2026 Learn More Made by Us 2.0 Wellington Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More Te Ara Taiohi Northland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Karaoke Disco Auckland Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More French Toast Friday Taranaki Games & Kai, Art, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More YouthFest 2026! Bay of Plenty Music & Dance 17 May 2026 Learn More The Amazing Youth Volunteer Race Northland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Art Exhibition Canterbury Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week - Rangatahi Filmmakers Wellington Film 18 May 2026 Learn More Our Voices Matter! A Pop-up Community Art Space Southland Art 18 May 2026 Learn More The power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health Online Online 18 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Female Self-Defence Canterbury Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Small Town, Big Ideas Waikato Other 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth week 2026 Canterbury Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Vintage Gaming Wellington Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More One Week, One Voice Taranaki Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More Arcade Mania Auckland Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Ball 4 Hauora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir Open Rehearsal Wellington Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Boxfit Canterbury Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Waffle Wednesday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Whanau Music/Talent Night Wellington Music & Dance 20 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 Young, Free & Pacific Auckland Auckland Educational, Cultural, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More The Park Link-Up Waikato Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More Slaying Sayings Wellington Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Toastie Thursday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Art, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Careers Fair & Buddy Waikato Educational 21 May 2026 Learn More Page Turners Teen Book Club Wellington Other 21 May 2026 Learn More Pakaru Pānui Youth Space Opening Hawkes Bay Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Create and Sip Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voices for Respect – Your Response Matters Auckland Educational 22 May 2026 Learn More TAIOHI COLLECTIVE YOUTH WEEK EVENT Northland Other 22 May 2026 Learn More TASI Auckland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Taiohi Collective - VOYCE Northland Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Jam Sesh Wellington Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More

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

< Back Musika Malie Music & Dance, Youth Voice, Cultural Mangere East Library Target Age: 12-22 Address: 370 Massey Road, Māngere East, Auckland 2024, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 5:00 pm elizabeth.agaimalo@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Karaoke evening for all youth across the motu to come together and celebrate NZ Music Month, Youth Week and Samoan Language Week. There will be great prizes, incentives and island refreshments. Previous Next

< Back Wānanga Whakarongo By Puāwai Health & Sport, Cultural, Other Puāwai | Hauora Aotearoa Target Age: 12-24 Address: Level 2/57 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 4:00 pm https://app.tickettailor.com/dashboard Puaawai@hauoraaotearoa.com Puāwai project is celebrating Youth Week in 2026 by holding Wānanga Whakarongo, an event for rangatahi with no specific outcome. The event’s aim is to provide a space where rangatahi can learn from each other, discuss, reflect and digest their thoughts, experiences and perspectives on Mental Health and Hauora. The event is self guided, with those attending able to engage as they wish. The only take away being whatever they choose to take with them. We wanted to run this event and use this space to take some pressure off, noticing a lot of rangatahi events and discussions are often for an outcome - tickbox, policy or otherwise. This space is just for rangatahi to exist in. Previous Next

< Back Spirit Week Other Māngere College's MC Active Council Target Age: 13-21 Address: 23 Bader Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 8:45 am c.manase@mangerecollege.school.nz PRIVATE EVENT What is Māngere College’s school culture? What are our collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that make up our school environment? We had 43 students in groups of 7-8 to create a SWOT analysis on our school culture, and they found that the common weaknesses and threats were “fighting, attendance, wagging, poor communication, and lack of participation from staff and students”. We are holding a Spirit Week during the annual Youth Week, from Monday, 18th May to Friday, 22nd May. Spirit Week allows students to have fun in school while actively shaping a stronger, more connected school environment. Students mentioned in their SWOT analysis the opportunity of creating whole-school events. It strengthens whanaugatanga between students and staff and enhances mana! Students are given the capability to be at the forefront and express themselves in ways that aren’t directly tied to academics. This type of event allows for low-pressure participation and builds school culture through shared experiences and inside jokes that students and staff can relate to. Over time, these moments become part of the school’s identity. Our strengths were our cultural diversity, community connections and extracurricular activities. Spirit Week leverages these positives and amplifies them in a way that can outweigh the negatives of our school. Schools that implement Spirit Week have found student attendance increases as it gives students something to look forward to. They are motivated and feel inclined to participate. Many of our students will avoid coming to school because of their poor relationship with the staff. It breaks down barriers between students and staff because it humanises these authoritative figures, opening up for authenticity and genuine relationships. Stronger school spirit means students feel connected, included, and excited to be at school; pride naturally follows. Spirit Week becomes a visible celebration of that pride, helping to build a positive atmosphere that can last well beyond the week itself. Previous Next

< Back Arcade Mania Games & Kai Raise Up - Y North Target Age: 13-18 Address: 80 Cadness Street, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 4:00 pm raymond.tuala@ymcanorth.org.nz Join the Raise Up North Shore crew at their Arcade Takeover event to play games, get active and have fun. Previous Next

< Back Youth Week in the Park Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Film, Cultural, Youth Voice, Health & Sport Youth and Cultural Development (YCD) & Kawai Rangatahi Target Age: 12-24 Address: Linwood Park Village, Phillipstown, Christchurch 8062, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 3:30 pm tommyt@ycd.co.nz TRIPLE THE FUN at Linwood Park & Te Pou Toetoe. We’ve got a full evening lined up for our rangatahi as we celebrate Youth Week 2026 alongside Kāwai Rangatahi. 3:30PM: SILENT DISCO (Linwood BBall Courts) Jam out with DJ Danny-Ill and special guests. Grab some headphones, lock into the visuals, and vibe with our talented DJs. 5:00PM: OUTDOOR MOVIE: ZOOTOPIA (Linwood BBall Courts) Kick back under the sky for a FREE outdoor movie night. We’ll have a sausage sizzle, popcorn, hot choco and more flowing all evening. 7:00PM: FRESH POOL PARTY (Te Pou Toe Toe Pool) Our usual YCD Fresh Pool Party energy is back! Please note: No food, haircuts, braids or manu comp at the pool this time around BUT come through earlier and get fueled up on kai at the movie screening before making your way over. All FREE. Good vibes only Celebrating our rangatahi for Youth Week 2026 Hope to see you all there! 🙌 Previous Next

< Back Hawkes Bay Youth Expo Games & Kai, Health & Sport Everard Bartlett Target Age: 12-21 Address: 404 Kiwi Street, Camberley, Hastings 4120, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 10:00 am everard.bartlett@ot.govt.nz Celebrating national youth week by bringing together all community Rangatahi/youth providers together. A day of networking, showcasing their programmes, food, games and fun. Previous Next

< Back Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Health & Sport The Kindness Institute Charitable Trust. Target Age: 12-18 Address: 100 Coronation Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022, 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

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