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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

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

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 NZ Music Month: Studio tour and ukulele jam Music & Dance Wellington City Libraries Target Age: 12-16 Address: 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 3:30 pm enquiries@wcl.govt.nz Ever wondered how a fully functional recording studio works? Enjoy a tour of the equipment and instruments that make up the Tūhura HIVE recording studio. No appointment necessary. Just come to the HIVE Makerspace at the Johnsonville Library and a staff member will show you around. Then if you’re feeling the music within, pop next door to Ani Waaka meeting room to try out our array of colourful ukuleles with your friends. Song and chord sheets provided. Recommended age: 10 – 16 years. 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

< Back Kāpiti Rangatahi 3x3 Hoops Fest Health & Sport Zeal Youth Trust Aotearoa Target Age: 12-18 Address: MacLean Park, Paraparaumu Beach 5032, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 10:00 am terry@zeal.nz Join a youth-led 3x3 basketball tournament bringing rangatahi together for a day of sport, music and connection. Enter a team or come along to support, with games, a shootout challenge, youth MC and DJ creating a fun, inclusive community atmosphere. Previous Next

< Back Youthline Wellington's Youth Week Community Mural. Art Youthline Wellington Inc. Target Age: 12-24 Address: 42 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 10:00 am Kane.nicholls@youthline.co.nz Come along and help us paint a mural of a flower field. Stamp your hand to create the grass for the field and paint a flower or a bug of your choice to add to the scenery. We are looking for anyone creative or not to help us with this project, we will have stencil templates to paint which are designed by young people to use as well. During this event we will also have a sausage sizzle and baked goods for the young people to enjoy for free! If things become too much we will have a wellbeing corner set up with beanbags and games too. Previous Next

< Back MOSAIC Our MOSAIC resources support youth workers to hold safe, meaningful kōrero with rangatahi about racism, discrimination, and values, These resources aim to empower youth workers and young people to foster empathy, understanding, and peaceful dialogue. Our mission is to create a more inclusive society where all rangatahi feel a sense of belonging and are equipped to navigate conversations around prejudice and racism with courage and compassion. Download Resources Previous Next

< Back Pakaru Pānui Youth Space Opening Youth Voice Toi Matarua Target Age: 12-17 Address: When: 21 May 2026 4:00 pm sez@toimatarua.co.nz PRIVATE EVENT Pakaru Pānui, Toi Matarua's rangatahi social media team, have finally secured their own space. The team curate a range of content voicing rangatahi opinions on kaupapa that affect us ranging from mental health, to gamification, hauora & politics. They are planning to have an official opening of their space during youth week to celebrate the amplifying rangatahi voice and to bring in local rangatahi to see what we're all about and where a career in kaupapa Māori media could begin. Previous Next

< Back I.Lead Showcase Day Youth Voice YES Disability Resource Centre Target Age: 17-24 Address: Christchurch, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 10:00 am https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-lead-showcase-days-2026 sonia@yesdisability.org.nz A showcase day to enable young disabled people to come together to learn about what I.lead does, how they can become a part of this National movement. Learn to share their voices, energy and passion. Meet other young disabled people. Previous Next

< Back Youth Voices for Respect – Your Response Matters Educational Rape Prevention Education (RPE) Target Age: 16-24 Address: When: 22 May 2026 10:00 am ashiana@rpe.org.nz Auckland (Venue to be confirmed) Group of young people getting together to explore and co-design Bystander Strategies that connect with youth from diverse backgrounds. Previous Next

< Back Vintage Gaming Games & Kai Wellington City Libraries Target Age: 13-18 Address: 65 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 3:30 pm enquiries@wcl.govt.nz Visit the Youth area on Level 2 where we’ll be breaking out classic consoles like the Sega Genesis, PS2, and more! Whether you're a fan of 8-bit graphics or just want to see what all the nostalgia is about, this is your chance to play the games that shaped the world of gaming as we know it. For young people aged 13-18. Previous Next