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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 has taken on a leadership role in their community. 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 ways it should be. Our 'Impact of Youth Work' mahi with Hands for Impact is all about telling the story of the collective impact of Youth Work and the youth development sector 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 enable youth organisations to better tell their own story. Stages of the project Pilot SROI evaluations in a Youth Work Context In partnership with two youth organisations we carried out SROI evaluation. It surfaced key insights, tested tools and taught us how to ground the next two stages in the realities of youth development. Click image for more details. Published Q1 2026 Analysis by Working Group A Working Group of frontline and leadership youth developement practioners are working with the HFI team to define how our sector describes value, outcomes and impact. They will also review and sense-check emerging findings and ensuring the final report reflect lived expierences. Q1-Q3 2026 Publication of SROI Analysis Publication of our sector wide impact measurements, telling the story of the impact of Youth Work in Aotearoa. 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

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

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

Annual Reports There is so much to celebrate and be inspired by in the youth development sector. Click the links below to read about our amazing kaimahi, rōpū, and members' achievements. 2024 - 2025 Report Our 2024–2025 Annual Report is out now - celebrating a year of connection, growth, and impact in the youth development sector. 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019

Our Advocacy Our advocacy is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taiohi and the Code of Ethics. We believe Te Tiriti is the foundation for a fair and flourishing Aotearoa - not only for rangatahi Māori, but for all young people. Guided by Mana Taiohi and the lived realities of young people across Aotearoa, our advocacy seeks to shape systems and policies that enable all rangatahi to thrive. Advocacy Priorities Youth Development Youth Workers To create an ecosystem that gives young people the best opportunity to thrive. To shift the dial on the perception of young people in Aotearoa To generate recognition of the importance of positive youth development approaches (particularly Mana Taiohi) within government and key policy stakeholders that is backed up by the proactive inclusion of Mana Taiohi within their policies To build structures with the public sector that enable meaningful whai wāitanga and youth participation To understand and to raise awareness of the Youth Work sector in Aotearoa. To improve youth workers’ working conditions and increase Youth Work's attractiveness as a career. To ensure the inclusion of youth workers and youth development in government policies and action plans. To achieve our vision of an empowered ecosystem of youth development, we actively engage in challenging policies and legislation that undermine Youth Work and young people’s positive youth development. Jane Zintl, Ara Taiohi CEO Recent Submissions Relationship & Sexual Eductaion in Schools We contributed to the consultation on RSE curriculum in schools, emphasising the need for clear expectations so that rangatahi can build strong understandings of personal boundaries, consent, and holistic wellbeing in a sexual context. Our Submission OT- Long Term Insights Briefing 2040 We contributed to the consultation on Oranga Tamariki’s Long Term Insights Briefing 2040, highlighting the perspective of the youth development sector. Our submission emphasised the need for long-term systems that uphold youth wellbeing. Our Submission International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights We responded to Aotearoa New Zealand’s 5th periodic review of the ICESCR, emphasising Te Tiriti o Waitangi, youth rights, and the voices of rangatahi. Our submission called for policies that enable all young people to thrive. Our Submission

Ngā Kaihoe Ngā Kaihoe is a kaupapa-driven community of practice where Māori youth development champions navigate and uphold the mana of all rangatahi that they support. Joining Ngā Kaihoe is an opportunity for youth workers to connect, grow, and lead alongside other kaimahi Māori. Ngā Kaihoe was specifically designed to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi was integral to the running of the Peak Body of Youth Development in Aotearoa. It is important that Māori kaimahi see themselves reflected at every level of the organisation and sector. Ngā Kaihoe Membership Join Ngā Kaihoe and unlock opportunities to connect, grow, and lead alongside other kaimahi Māori driving change for rangatahi, as well as: WHANAUNGATANGA - Connecting with others Read More MAHITAHI - Collaboration Read More HAPAHAPAI - Advocacy Read More TUAKIRI - Identity Read More If you whakapapa Māori and would like to become a member of Ngā Kaihoe, please click below and submit your registration. Join Ngā Kaihoe Each quarter, Ngā Kaihoe shares a pānui that celebrates and reflects on our mahi. This information is shared to keep our whanau informed, inspired, and connected to the kaupapa. These pānui highlight the collective progress of Māori kaimahi and the Ngā Kaihoe network, aligning our stories with the wider movement of te iwi Māori and the rhythms that impact our reality. If you have something to contribute, get in touch with us at admin@arataiohi.org.nz Introducing Our Tohu The refreshed tohu and brand, developed in partnership with Taputapu Design, is inspired by the waka taurapa, the sternpost  of a waka that provides balance, direction and identity. As the taurapa steadies the waka, the Ngā Kaihoe tohu represents cultural anchoring and leadership within the youth development sector. “Ngā Kaihoe doesn’t exist all by itself, it’s part of a much bigger vision for how we would commit to te Tiriti inside this organisation.” Prof. Elizabeth Kerekere

Join Ngā Kaihoe Do you whakapapa Māori? Ae, I whakapapa Māori Kau, I don't whakapapa Māori. I understand that Ngā Kaihoe is only for youth workers who whakapapa Māori Ingoa | First name* Ingoa Whānau | Surname * Organisation Role Region* Email* He aha tō iwi/ What's your iwi? Submit

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. 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. 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.

Youth Week Grants Applicant’s contact details Ingoa Tutahi/ First name* Ingoa Tuarua/ Last name* Waea/ Phone* As the person filling this out for your organisation, are you:* Rangatahi (under 24) Youth Adjacent (25 +) Your answer won’t affect your application Mahi/ Organisation Youth Week grants need to go through an organisation. Please tell us about the organisation applying for funding. Waea/ Phone* Wāhi Mahi/ Address* Which of these best describes your organisation? Select all that apply: * Youth Development Organisation School Swimming Pool Library Other Is this organisation or any staff members a member of Ara Taiohi? * Āe/ Yes Kao/ No Please contact me, I’d like to become a member Īmera/ Email* Your Event Name of event * Date of your event* Your event must be within Youth Week 18-24 May 2026 to be eligible for a grant Please describe your event and what do you hope to achieve (200 words)? * How are taiohi shaping this event through planning, decision-making, and/or delivery? How does their role demonstrate Whai Wāhitanga (youth agency and leadership)? * How does your event fit with the Youth Week theme ‘Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi - Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard’? * Youth Week should be inclusive and accessible to all young people. How will your event show manaakitanga by creating a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for all rangatahi, including those with diverse needs, identities, and backgrounds?* Think about physical access, sensory needs, transport, cost, cultural safety, etc. Will your Youth Week event involve one or more of the following types of physical activities. (Select all that apply to your event) * Artistic movement e.g. dance, circus arts, martial arts Cultural and Indigenous movement e.g. kapa haka, kai collection, siva afi Exercise and Fitness e.g. CrossFit/HIIT exercises, yoga, indoor rock climbing Outdoors e.g. hiking, mountain biking, ocean swim Sport for Recreation e.g. non-competitive and non-traditional sports, including surfing, skateboarding and parkour Sport e.g team sports, friendly competitions, coaching days No physical activity in our event Sport NZ contribute to the funding pool for Youth Week. This question helps us and them to understand whether your event offers opportunities for young people to be physically active. Collaboration Will you be working with, or getting support from any other organisations or services? * Budget Total estimated cost of your event: * Total amount you're applying to Ara Taiohi for (up to $1000+GST): * If you are GST registered, your GST will be added onto the amount you are requesting if successful. Example: Applying for $1,000, you will invoice $1,150. If you have any questions about GST, please email youthweek@arataiohi.org.nz Please upload a budget that includes three columns: 'Item', 'Cost', 'How it'will be funded'. * Upload File Outline all the costs of your event, and specify how you plan to fund them. If you are gaining funding or sponsorship from other sources, please include this. Terms & Conditions I agree to the terms and conditions * Agree Submit Please note - grant applications close on 15th March 2026

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? Although anyone can run a Youth Week event, we’ve got a small pool of funding available to help support some events. It’s there to give your idea a bit of a boost - maybe to cover some materials, kai, or the basics you need to get things rolling. Huge thanks to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport NZ, and Te Rourou Foundation for making this possible. Youth Week Grants

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! Sao May Nguyen Hi there! My name is Sao May Nguyen, I’m a multidisciplinary designer and content creator from Vietnam, now based in Auckland. I love bringing ideas to life through branding, visuals, and digital content that feel fun, relatable, and intentional. From branding to content creation, I’m all about turning ideas into stories that can connect people and brands to life! Concept & Inspiration For Youth Week, I 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! Pop art adds playful colours and strong visuals, while modern design keeps the look clean and current, making it easy to connect with. I chose this style because it mirrors the visual world youth that we live within social media, digital culture, and the real world. The result is something eye-catching, relatable, and inclusive, encouraging young people to feel seen, heard, and confident in expressing their voice. Choice of Artistic Style I chose this artistic style to connect with young people by meeting them where they are visually: bold, playful, and expressive. Drawing from pop art culture allowed me to use strong colours and fun contrasts that feel familiar and exciting, while still feeling intentional and current. By aligning these vibrant elements with Youth Week’s established colour palette from past successful events, the design pays homage to what’s worked before while refreshing it in a way that feels relevant, inclusive, and youth-led.