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< Back Waffle Wednesday Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Youth Voice Zeal Taranaki Target Age: 12-24 Address: 69 Devon Street West, New Plymouth Central, Taranaki 4310, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 3:30 pm Caleb@zeal.nz Kick off Youth Week with waffles, coffee, music, and creative café games. Young people from Zeal’s DJ, Barista, and Youth Leadership programmes will lead the afternoon through live DJ sets, tabletop tournaments, latte art competitions, and interactive challenges. A relaxed café atmosphere designed by taiohi for taiohi. 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.

< Back Dare to Take the Challenge Haere ki Waho -Youth Outdoor Safety & Opportunities Event Educational Motueka cadet unit Target Age: 13-18 Address: 30 Old Wharf Road, Motueka 7120, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 4:30 pm bethahimsa@gmail.com PRIVATE EVENT Led by Rangatahi, the Motueka Cadet Unit will host “Dare to Take the Challenge Haere ki Waho -Youth Outdoor Safety & Opportunities Event, in partnership with local youth hub ‘The Spot’. Rangatahi from Tapawera School and Motueka High School will be invited to the Cadet’s event which will focus on building practical outdoor safety knowledge while encouraging young people to consider trying some of the low cost and accessible activities available in Tasman Sorry, no event image just yet. Previous Next

< 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 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: 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

< Back Youth Week Mini Games & Pizza Games & Kai NMIT Target Age: 15-24 Address: 390 Lower Queen Street, Richmond 7020, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 12:00 pm saskia.walsh@nmit.ac.nz PRIVATE EVENT NMIT Nelson (near Foundations class rooms) You gave us your ideas and we have created a space for mini games, pizza and social connection. This event is for NMIT enrolled students. See you there Previous Next

< Back Youth Empower Summit Youth Voice Voice of Aroha Target Age: 15-24 Address: When: 30 May 2026 9:00 am https://events.humanitix.com/voice-of-aroha-youth-empower-summit?fbclid=IwdGRjcARkDzRjbGNrBGQPMGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkulYhND616KLfnF6H4gJ0o-ag51zenbyHS-Yb_wKA_SQcA8griNR_2HaBRB_aem_FqOMhfu0_a8nwjyOQpsdaA&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0jelbmg9 aditi@voiceofaroha.org.nz The Youth Empower Summit 2026 is a two and half day leadership experience bringing together 250+ rangatahi from across Pōneke, Te Awa Kairangi, Palmerston North nd Porirua. We begin with a powerful Official Launch Evening at New Zealand Parliament on 29 May, setting the tone for a transformative weekend of youth leadership, storytelling, and connection. The following two days (30-31 May) at Pataka Art + Museum in Porirua will feature: Interactive leadership workshops Youth-led panels and discussions Creative sessions and storytelling Wellbeing and resilience spaces Networking with changemakers and community leaders The Summit is free to attend for young people aged 15-25. Morning tea and lunch will be provided on both days to ensure everyone can fully participate and feel welcomed. While the summit centres youth voices, adults aged 25+ who wish to attend as supporters, mentors, educators, community leaders, or allies are warmly welcome. Dedicated adult/supporter tickets are available. This youth led summit is designed to build confidence, strengthen belonging, and create real pathways for young people to step into leadership in their schools, workplace, communities, and beyond. Expect powerful kōrero, practical skills, new friendships, and a space where youth voices are genuinely centred and celebrated. Previous Next

Cimone Grayson Kaiwhakahaere Ngā Kaihoe Kia ora! I whanau mai ahau i te Whanganui a Tara No Wairoa ahau Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Rongowhakaata, Ruapani, Tūhoe me Ngāti Porou ōku iwi Ko Grayson tōku whānau Ko Cimone tōku ingoa. I stumbled upon Community-Led Development work some years ago (with a focus on youth) and it’s the most purposeful mahi that I’ve ever done. Our whānau is top of the tree in all that we do, our kids enjoy a free range existence in Wairarapa, exploring rivers, parks and independence. Get in touch to discuss All things Ngā Kaihoe and supporting your Māori kaimahi Contact cimone.grayson@arataiohi.org.nz

< Back Whanau Music/Talent Night Music & Dance Wainuiomata High School Target Age: 13-17 Address: 60 Parkway, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5014, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 6:00 pm renk22053@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz PRIVATE EVENT Our whanau music night will be an opportunity for student talent to be celebrated and we will be inviting whanau in to have a good time, enjoy music and kai together all with the goal of celebrating our Taiohi. Previous Next

< Back Female Self-Defence Health & Sport Selwyn District Council Target Age: 12-24 Address: 94 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston 7614, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 6:00 pm https://www.selwyn.govt.nz/news-And-events/events/female-self-defence3 active@selwyn.govt.nz Selwyn Taekwondo are back with more free self-defence classes for female teens and youths. These free classes will assist teens to confidently perform self-defence skills to keep themselves safe. Parent participation welcome to support your tamaiti. Spaces are limited so bookings are essential. Previous Next

< Back Youth Talk Podcast - Our Voices, Our Stories Online VOICE OF AROHA Target Age: 12-24 Address: When: 20 May 2026 7:00 pm voiceofaroha@gmail.com STAY TUNED a three-episode Youth Talk Podcast series coming through during Youth Week 2026, created by and for young people from diverse backgrounds, especially refugee and migrant communities in Wellington. Previous Next