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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 Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More The Wall That Speaks Amplifying Rangatahi Voices Otago 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 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 Youth Week 2026 Wellington 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 Voices of the Valley Festival Bay of Plenty Film 21 May 2026 Learn More Fresh Cuts: Youth Barber Pop-Up Auckland Youth Market 22 May 2026 Learn More FACE the dirt ride day Bay of Plenty Health & Sport, Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Kāpiti Rangatahi 3x3 Hoops Fest Wellington Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More The Park Link-Up Waikato Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules Otago Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More She Climbs Youth-Led Community Bouldering Day Auckland Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More Free Community Sport with Cultural performance Auckland Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More Ball 4 Hauora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More TYC Market & Busking Event *Tatinga Whakarongo* Waikato Youth Market 23 May 2026 Learn More Our Voices Matter! A Pop-up Community Art Space Southland Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Junction Slam Auckland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Wairua day Wellington Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voice Expo Wellington Games & Kai, Youth Market, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More He pī ka rere Auckland Art 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 Youth Impact Awards Canterbury Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voices for Respect – Your Response Matters Auckland Educational 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Art Exhibition Canterbury Art 18 May 2026 Learn More E-Day: Youth E-Waste Drive Auckland Other 23 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 Check & Connect Youth Week Auckland Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Café Series Taranaki Games & Kai 20 May 2026 Learn More I.Lead Showcase Day Canterbury Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Create and Sip Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Sip & Paint Northland Other 20 May 2026 Learn More Ngā Tākaro Maia Canterbury Cultural 24 May 2026 Learn More Run 4 Life Northland Health & Sport 24 May 2026 Learn More Voices on Canvas Southland Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Rā Hākinakina Waikato Health & Sport 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Wellness Yoga Drop In Auckland Health & Sport 20 May 2026 Learn More Pakaru Pānui Youth Space Opening Hawkes Bay Youth Voice 21 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 Our Voice matters, we deserve to be heard Waikato Cultural 18 May 2026 Learn More CollaborARTive Wellington Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Made by Us 2.0 Wellington Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More Young, Free & Pacific Auckland Auckland Educational, Cultural, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More U15 Hokianga Storm Mini Tag Tournament Northland Health & Sport 24 May 2026 Learn More Ki Tai Big Day Out Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Taiohi Collective Northland Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More 2026 WHS Youth Week Games Bay of Plenty Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Te Mana o Kupu Northland Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talent Quest Bay of Plenty Youth Voice 18 May 2026 Learn More Podcasting and Pizza Waikato Youth Voice 19 May 2026 Learn More TASI Auckland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Eid al-Adha Celebration Otago Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Hear Us Live! – Youth Open Mic & Creative Jam Night Waikato Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More Mauri tu Mauri Ora Bay of Plenty Health & Sport 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

< Back Youth Week Careers Expo Educational Te Pou Oranga O Whakatōhea Target Age: 12-19 Address: When: 20 May 2026 8:30 am nikeal.williams@whakatohea.co.nz PRIVATE EVENT Youth Week Careers Expo x2 days Previous Next

< Back Youth Week Festival Games & Kai Anamata Target Age: 12-18 Address: When: 18 May 2026 12:00 pm https://taupoyouthweek.lovable.app/ tessac@anamata.org.nz PRIVATE EVENT Our event is a youth week festival delivered delivered across six kura in Taupō, Tūrangi and Reporoa, and two community locations — bringing celebration, connection and youth voice directly to where rangatahi are. Through collaboration between services, we aim to actively engage and interact with rangatahi in meaningful ways, with each organisation running different activities that celebrate, empower and amplify young people’s voices. Previous Next

< Back Youth Voice Expo Games & Kai, Youth Market, Youth Voice Y Central Target Age: 12-24 Address: 203 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 5:00 pm tto@ycentral.nz As part of Youth Week 2026, we’re hosting a Youth Voice Expo centered on the kaupapa of “Our Voices Matter.” This evening is about creating space for taiohi to share their stories and express the realities of what it means to be a young person today - including how safe spaces and supportive organisations help them feel seen, heard, and a true sense of belonging. The event will feature youth speakers, interactive stalls from local organisations, live music, and kai - all designed to uplift and amplify young people’s voices and lived experiences. We’re proud to be partnering with organisations including Citizens Advice Bureau, Save the Children and Generation Hope, i.Lead, Endo Warriors, Wellington Access Radio, Wellington Asian Youth Group, Volunteer Wellington, School Strike for Climate. Y Central (Te Tai Ohinga), 203 Willis Street Friday 22nd May 5:00pm - 7:00pm We warmly encourage attendees to bring along young people they’re connected with - this space is for them. RSVP: tto@ycentral.nz Please include: Your name and organisation Any dietary requirements Any accessibility needs Whether you’ll be bringing young people (and how many) Please note that photos will be taken during the event - let us know if you do not wish to be photographed. Previous Next

Tāhono Helping shape the future of youth work and young people in Aotearoa In November, Aotearoa will have its next General Election. This isn’t just a chance to decide who will govern our country, but to influence the directions they will take. Together, we’re creating two sets of policy directives to take to politicians across the political spectrum before the election. Government decisions shape funding, accountability, and the conditions within which youth work operates in. It's important that the voice of our sector is part of shaping those decisions. We’re building from the the findings of Mahi Tūturu , and we’re asking youth workers and agencies across the motu to be part of this too. Your input helps shape what we take to MPs, the stories we back it up with, and the cases we make. Take part We are gathering whakaaro on two main topics The value of youth development We're focusing on the value of youth development: who we are, why we're needed, and how the government can support an empowered youth development ecosystem where rangatahi thrive. Explore related work Safe practice in youth work We're also focusing on what safe practice should look like in youth work. What should accountability, support, and any form of registration look like to ensure young people are safe, and youth workers are well supported? Find out more Here's how you can participate What we take to government will be shaped by what you share. This is a chance to make sure the realities of your work, and the needs of young people you support, are reflected in the priorities we put in front of decision-makers. There are a few different ways to get involved - whether you want to share your reflections, ask questions, or just start the conversation. Share your thoughts Share your thoughts and experiences via our online survey. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Take the survey We're coming to you We are connecting with as many regions as possible ā-tinana. Check out how close we are coming to you. Meet with us Regional networks We're connecting with regional networks. Ask your local network how they're planning to participate. Find your network Online webinar If you prefer to connect online, join our online webinar on Thursday 28 May, 11-12pm. Register Chat with us directly We are always happy to meet online one-to-one or with groups with those interested in knowing more. Contact us Who we're connecting with We want to hear from people right across the youth development sector. Alongside open ways to participate, we’re creating dedicated spaces to connect more intentionally with different parts of the sector. If you'd like to be part of this kōrero, we'd really value your input. Connect with our Practice Lead at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz If you are Māori We’re committed to engaging in ways that reflect our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to ensuring Māori voices help lead and shape this work. This includes connecting ā-tinana with whānau, hapū, and iwi across the motu with support from the Workforce Futures Fund, and working closely with Ngā Kaihoe and the Māori youth development workforce. We’ll also be providing a space for Māori voices to come together and share whakaaro through an online forum for Ngā Kaihoe members. If you have experience with the Care System It’s important that this work reflects the experiences of those connected to the care system. We’ve already engaged through the VOYCE Whakarongo Mai conference, connecting with Kaiwhakamana and care-experienced young people, and we’ll continue to build on these relationships. We’re also working with Oranga Tamariki to connect with youth workers across their network. Alongside this, we’re keen to connect with organisations and youth workers in the community who are supporting young people in care. If you want to know more, please connect with Jane at executive.officer@arataiohi.org.nz We are connecting with as many regions as possible ā-tinana Come find us on the road! If you're wanting more information on exact times and locations, please reach out to Tyler Ngātai at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz Te Tai Tokerau Whangarei - Monday 4th May Kaikohe - Tuesday 5th May Kaitaia - Wednesday 6th May Whakatū Whakatū Marae - Monday 11th May Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Network - Tuesday 12th May Tauranga Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust - Friday 15th May Rotorua Rotorua - Monday 25th May Taranaki New Plymouth - Thursday 18th June Hāwera - Friday 19th June Stay tuned We'll update this webpage as more events get confirmed.

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. 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 Get Involved Join the nationwide celebration of young people and festival of events across Aotearoa!

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< 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 Youth Week 2026 Games & Kai Hutt Valley High School Target Age: 12-18 Address: 84-114 Woburn Road, Woburn, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 9:00 am lorenz.arabelo@hvhs.school.nz PRIVATE EVENT Activities all throughout the week ending with an inflatable obstacle course to close out the week. Previous Next

< Back He pī ka rere Art Generation Kāinga Charitable Trust Target Age: 16-21 Address: 249 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 9:00 am rosa.hibbert-schooner@generationkainga.co.nz PRIVATE EVENT He pī ka rere - a kaupapa that brings a group of rangatahi together to create a collective art piece to showcase at a gallery night for their friends and whānau to enjoy. Friday 22nd May 9-3pm - Daytime: Day Workshop Hosted at Ūkaipō Gallery and creation (private kaupapa) 6pm - Showcase and exhibition open for two hours for public viewing and poetry readings (public) This kaupapa brings rangatahi together during Youth Week for a bold, creative activation grounded in voice, storytelling, and collective expression. Delivered in collaboration with a local youth organisation, the event invites rangatahi to reconnect with their experiences of kāinga and transform these into a collaborative art activism piece. This event, He pī ka rere centres rangatahi as creators and decision-makers, using art as a medium to explore housing realities, belonging, and aspirations for the future. Through painting, writing, and visual storytelling, participants will contribute to a shared artwork that reflects both individual journeys and collective narratives. This process creates a space for expression that is accessible, empowering, and grounded in kaupapa Māori values. The event aims to amplify the rangatahi voice, demonstrate the power of creative activism, and show how lived experience can inform and influence wider community conversations about kāinga. It positions rangatahi not only as storytellers, but as agents of change shaping their own futures. The completed artwork will culminate in a public showcase evening at Ūkaipō Gallery, where whānau, community members, and stakeholders are invited to engage with the work. This exhibition creates a platform for rangatahi voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated, extending the impact of the kaupapa beyond the event itself. Previous Next