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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 PJ Improv night Canterbury Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Show up - A Rangatahi co-design event Auckland Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More NZ Music Month: Studio tour and ukulele jam Wellington Music & Dance 22 May 2026 Learn More Whanau Music/Talent Night Wellington Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 20 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Waffle Wednesday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, 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 Revolution (Live performance of official 2026 Youth Week Anthem) Auckland Film, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Somali Youth Week Waikato Other 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Talk Podcast - Our Voices, Our Stories Online Online 20 May 2026 Learn More YouthFest 2026! Bay of Plenty Music & Dance 17 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Open Day for South Invercargill Community Art Space Southland Art 22 May 2026 Learn More One Week, One Voice Taranaki Health & Sport 19 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi Open Mic Auckland Cultural, Music & Dance, Youth Voice, Art, Games & Kai 23 May 2026 Learn More CONNECTED: Youth Week Short Films Bay of Plenty Film 22 May 2026 Learn More Taringa Whakarongo: The Waitara Voice Festival Taranaki Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Waha - Your Voice, Our Voice Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Tshirt design Comp Marlborough Youth Voice 18 April 2026 Learn More Pakaru Pānui Youth Space Opening Hawkes Bay Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Jam Sesh Wellington Youth Voice 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 Week 2026 Bay of Plenty Film, Games & Kai, Cultural, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Movie Afternoon Wellington Film 23 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 22 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 21 May 2026 Learn More Vintage Gaming Wellington Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More French Toast Friday Taranaki Games & Kai, Art, Music & Dance, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More NMIT Richmond Student BBQ Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Movie Night Nelson-Tasman Film, Cultural 22 May 2026 Learn More Through the lens - a youth week showcase Wellington Film 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week 2026: Youth Voices on Screen Wellington Film 22 May 2026 Learn More Te Ara Taiohi Northland Health & Sport 22 May 2026 Learn More Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir Open Rehearsal Wellington Music & Dance 20 May 2026 Learn More The power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health Online Online 18 May 2026 Learn More "Our Voices Matter": turning rights into reality. Online Online, Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More TAHI FEST Wellington Music & Dance 24 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Careers Expo Bay of Plenty Educational 20 May 2026 Learn More Rangatahi on the move Waikato Youth Voice, Games & Kai, Health & Sport 23 May 2026 Learn More Ngā Reo Rangatahi ki Te Hiku o te Ika Northland Art 22 May 2026 Learn More Zine Workshop Nelson-Tasman Art 18 May 2026 Learn More Skill Building Workshop on Leadership Hawkes Bay Educational 24 May 2026 Learn More Talent Quest Otago Music & Dance 23 May 2026 Learn More The Wall That Speaks Amplifying Rangatahi Voices Otago Art 22 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 Youth Week at Kia Puāwai Youth Service Auckland Games & Kai, Health & Sport, Educational, Youth Voice 20 May 2026 Learn More Craft and Yap: Badgemaking Wellington Art 23 May 2026 Learn More OREO Taste Test Challenge Wellington Games & Kai 21 May 2026 Learn More Page Turners Teen Book Club Wellington Other 21 May 2026 Learn More Collab Zine Wellington Art 19 May 2026 Learn More Toastie Thursday Taranaki Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Art, Youth Voice 21 May 2026 Learn More Youth Week Mini Games & Pizza Nelson-Tasman Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More Musical Bingo Auckland Games & Kai 19 May 2026 Learn More South Navigators Showcase Auckland Music & Dance 23 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 Wānanga Whakarongo Wellington Cultural 23 May 2026 Learn More TE WAHI RANGATAHI Taranaki Games & Kai 22 May 2026 Learn More Youth Hub Live: Event Centre Opening Showcase Canterbury Music & Dance 23 May 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 Youth Week - Rangatahi Filmmakers Wellington Film 18 May 2026 Learn More Youth Voice Expo Wellington Games & Kai, Youth Market, Youth Voice 22 May 2026 Learn More Hutt Multiculutral Youth Week Wellington Youth Voice 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth Empower Summit Wellington Youth Voice 30 May 2026 Learn More My Movie, My Story Otago Other 23 May 2026 Learn More Youth week 2026 Canterbury Health & Sport 18 May 2026 Learn More He pī ka rere Auckland 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 - Solomon Group 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

< Back Karaoke Disco Music & Dance Raise Up - Y North Target Age: 13-18 Address: Sutton Crescent, Papatoetoe, Auckland 1062, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 6:00 pm https://events.humanitix.com/raise-up-karaoke-disco georgia.couch@ymcanorth.org.nz Come join us to dance and sing the night away! Bring your mates! This is an alcohol, drug and vape free event. See you there!! Previous Next

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 PJ Improv night Youth Voice Hakatere Youth Advisory Group Target Age: 12-24 Address: When: 23 May 2026 5:00 pm base@baseyouth.org.nz Hakatere YAG and Ashburton Library present Youth week PJ Improv Night. Bring a pillow, blanket, wear your comfy Pj, good vibes watch or join in on a ranch of theatre sport games. Held at the Ashburton Library event space. Previous Next

< Back Youth week 2026 Health & Sport Papanui Youth Development Trust Target Age: 12-18 Address: When: 18 May 2026 9:00 am izaak@pydt.org PRIVATE EVENT This initiative involves delivering a week-long series of school visits, where bouncy castles will be set up at five local schools, with one school visited each day for the majority of the school day. The purpose of the event is to create a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment that encourages participation, connection, and positive wellbeing among students. Throughout each day, a range of groups including Kaupapa Māori, Kimi Ora, Pasifika, and other student groups will have dedicated opportunities to take part in the activities. The event is designed to foster a sense of belonging, strengthen peer relationships, and provide a positive shared experience for young people across diverse backgrounds within each school community. Previous Next

< 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 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

< Back Movie Afternoon Film Wellington City Libraries Target Age: 13-18 Address: 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 1:30 pm enquiries@wcl.govt.nz Visit the library during the week and vote on the film you want to see! Come back on Saturday, and we'll show the winning movie. Bring a friend or fly solo. Seats are limited, so sign up at the Lower Ground desk 30 minutes before the screening starts to secure your seat. For young people aged 13+. Previous Next

< Back Slaying Sayings Youth Voice Upper Hutt Libraries Target Age: 12-21 Address: 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 4:00 pm kirstie.stevens@uhcc.govt.nz Sonnet, ode, slam poetry, free verse, haiku, improv – what's your jam? Come along and share your poetic side at our casual open mic session. This is a great opportunity to listen to our creative youth and to celebrate their inspiring storytelling. Please note: With honest, heartfelt experiences and powerful emotions, content may be jarring. Previous Next

< Back Toastie Thursday Games & Kai, Music & Dance, Art, Youth Voice Zeal Taranaki Target Age: 12-24 Address: 69 Devon Street West, New Plymouth Central, Taranaki 4310, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 3:30 pm Caleb@zeal.nz A high-energy afternoon of toasties, cold drinks, music, and fun café competitions. Taiohi will run live DJ sets, Speed Pictionary, musical chairs, and a mystery ingredient milkshake challenge while creating a welcoming social space for young people to connect and participate. Previous Next

< 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