< Back Young, Free & Pacific Auckland Educational, Cultural, Youth Voice Affirming Works Target Age: 16-18 Address: 20 Cawley Street, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 9:30 pm https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/RBWGpvh80h yfp@affirmingworks.org.nz PRIVATE EVENT WITHIN SCHOOLS Hosting over 20 schools across Auckland, Young, Free & Pacific brings together Pacific students in Years 11 to 13 for a day of leadership workshops, guest speakers, showcases, and connection. We have a dedicated day for our young men on 20 May and our young women on 21 May. It is a space for young people to grow, share, and step into their voice alongside others from across the region. Register your interest to learn more. 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 pm 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

< Back Janell Vaughn Thank you for your interest in supervision with me! To start with, let me introduce myself. I’m originally from an area of the States known as the Pacific Northwest, with a gorgeous mountain called Mt Baker and connection with the Salish Sea through the Nooksack River. When I moved to Aotearoa, I found a deep connection with Aoraki and Waianiwaniwa as my river, and Motukiekie as my place. My experience comes first as a youth worker for 18 years moving into working in moderate to severe adolescent mental health in 2010. I’ve trained in mental health and AoD through my Master’s degree in Social Work. I’ve been working in Aotearoa in a variety of services including ICAMHS, Oranga Tamariki, Tu Ora Compass Health as a tutor at WelTec/Whitireia, a practice manager at Vibe and in youth mental health at Te Herenga Waka. I’ve come into the supervisor space with experience in counselling/therapy, social work, youth work and an emphasis in working with adolescents. I’ve trained professional supervision through WelTec. For me, supervision is a time for you to reflect on what has happened, develop a great understanding into what is going on now and launch back into practice better prepared for what comes your way. My Approach I’m an adolescent mental health practitioner who has practical experience in many different areas of youth development. As a supervisor I bring a range of specialities into my practice including mental health, alcohol and other drug addiction, youth justice, statutory youth work, working alongside indigenous populations, and various faith based sector experiences. I have also been a youth development tutor so bring a knowledge of the NZ sector of youth work into my practice. My supervision is first and foremost about you and what you need to serve our young people. Qualifications Master of Social Work, Bachelor in Drama and Communication Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly janell.vaughn@gmail.com Previous Next

< Back Lisa Willey Kia ora I have worked in partnership with young people and their whanau in schools, Ministry of Education Learning Support, Te Whatu Ora Child Development Service, NASC and not for profit community organisations. My work has often been with young people who experience disability and are navigating complex social, educational, whānau or support service situations. I provide independent supervision, coaching and mentoring and my experience of the real-world context you're navigating helps you feel seen, understood and supported. Outside of work I am a parent of three, live in Manawatu and love books, films, the beach and tea. My Approach My approach to supervision is collaborative, reflective and skill building. Together we create a safe space for comfortable, open communication where you can reflect, gain clarity and build resilience and skills. When we use a particular tool or approach in supervision, it is part of the discussion so that you gain techniques to apply outside of supervision conversations. Qualifications NZQA Level 5 Supervision Skills for Health and Social Service Professionals Post Graduate Diploma Specialist Teaching (Complex Needs) Post Graduate Certificate in Education Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Profesional Association The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Connect with the Supervisor Directly lisa@connectandinspire.co.nz Previous Next

< Back Morgan Dando I'm Dando (they/them)! Born and raised in Highbury, Te Papaioea, I am a product of my community and my mahi reflects this. My mahi has focused on youth and community development, particularly in the takatāpui and queer rangatahi wellbeing space. I also work in sexual violence prevention and postvention providing sensitive claims social work, developing prevention programmes and providing policy advice and consultation. I’m currently the National Practice Lead for my organisation, prior to that I was the manager of our Youth Services. Before all of that, I'm a parent to three young tamariki, one at school and two at kōhanga reo. My wife, tamariki and I live under Taranaki maunga with our dog and two cats. I love art, the whānau that raised me, and am staunch in my positionality as a treaty partner. My Approach I view relational exchange as key to strengthening and developing anyone's practice. I am not The Expert - we are just two people curiously exploring your practice! A commitment to critical self-reflection is at the heart of my approach to supervision. I believe supervision should also be a space for celebration, recognition of achievements, and identifying growth! Joy and laughter always has a place in my whare. My supervision practice is rooted in tangata tirititanga prioritising anti-colonial approaches to ensure safe and ethical practice in community and professional contexts. I view individual mahi as part of the broader sociological context within which it occurs. I offer relational, reflexive supervision. I might be a good fit for practitioners with a social justice lens, particularly tauiwi and Pākehā who are wanting to practice well as tangata tiriti. I also love a little silly business on the side! Qualifications Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly Morgandando@gmail.com Previous Next

< Back Spirit Week Other Māngere College's MC Active Council Target Age: 13-21 Address: 23 Bader Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 8:45 pm c.manase@mangerecollege.school.nz PRIVATE EVENT What is Māngere College’s school culture? What are our collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that make up our school environment? We had 43 students in groups of 7-8 to create a SWOT analysis on our school culture, and they found that the common weaknesses and threats were “fighting, attendance, wagging, poor communication, and lack of participation from staff and students”. We are holding a Spirit Week during the annual Youth Week, from Monday, 18th May to Friday, 22nd May. Spirit Week allows students to have fun in school while actively shaping a stronger, more connected school environment. Students mentioned in their SWOT analysis the opportunity of creating whole-school events. It strengthens whanaugatanga between students and staff and enhances mana! Students are given the capability to be at the forefront and express themselves in ways that aren’t directly tied to academics. This type of event allows for low-pressure participation and builds school culture through shared experiences and inside jokes that students and staff can relate to. Over time, these moments become part of the school’s identity. Our strengths were our cultural diversity, community connections and extracurricular activities. Spirit Week leverages these positives and amplifies them in a way that can outweigh the negatives of our school. Schools that implement Spirit Week have found student attendance increases as it gives students something to look forward to. They are motivated and feel inclined to participate. Many of our students will avoid coming to school because of their poor relationship with the staff. It breaks down barriers between students and staff because it humanises these authoritative figures, opening up for authenticity and genuine relationships. Stronger school spirit means students feel connected, included, and excited to be at school; pride naturally follows. Spirit Week becomes a visible celebration of that pride, helping to build a positive atmosphere that can last well beyond the week itself. Previous Next

< Back The Park Link-Up Games & Kai Zeal Youth Trust Aotearoa Target Age: 12-18 Address: When: 20 May 2026 3:30 am tessa@zeal.nz 20th May Melville Skatepark 21st May Rototuna Skatepark 22nd May Fairfield Skatepark Join a series of youth-led park activations across Kirikiriroa, bringing music, games, sport, kai and good vibes to local spaces. Drop in to play, connect, or just hang out with friends while youth workers and rangatahi create welcoming, community spaces where young people feel seen and connected. Previous Next

< Back Karen Howieson Kia ora I’m Karen, a Kiwi who has spent time in Scotland, but I currently live in Golden Bay working as a youth worker and running an animal assisted therapy practice. I have a background in addictions, mental health, health promotion and working with young people across multiple settings. I have over 30 years' experience of helping people take back their power and move forward in their lives. I established and ran a small charitable trust -The Nelson ARK, matching young people and rescue dogs for eighteen years. I currently have contracts with Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Education and other organisations working primarily with young people. The focus of this work is to empower people through skills development, processing emotions and trauma. I am an accredited Youth worker and active member of Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective. I enjoy time in nature with my horse and dog, chi gong and dancing as well reading and poetry. My Approach My supervision approach is holistic drawing from a range of models that include Te Whare Tapa Whā, developmental and strengths based. I also incorporate aspects of personal development, attendance to self-care and wellbeing through supportive practices. Being able to work with the practitioners evolving identity as well as learning style. I offer creative ways to look at practice and ethics. There is an option to include work with an animal on request. With a commitment to continued learning and development of my practice, I am studying Professional Supervision in 2026, so will add further models and tools to my kete. Qualifications BA Social Sciences (UK), Postgraduate in Alcohol & other Drugs (UK), Certificate in Youth Work (NZ) Certificate in Adult teaching (NZ), Healing the Herd Certificate (NZ), Diploma Animal Assisted Therapy (UK), Smart Steps to Business (NZ). Studying Postgraduate Professional Supervision in 2026. Profesional Association Korowai Tupu International Association Animals Helping Human Interventions Organisation( IAHAIO) Connect with the Supervisor Directly kmhowieson67@gmail.com Previous Next

< Back Youth Week Careers Expo Educational Te Pou Oranga O Whakatōhea Target Age: 12-18 Address: When: 20 May 2026 8:30 pm nikeal.williams@whakatohea.co.nz PRIVATE EVENT - Opotiki College Hall & Senior Citizens Hall A dynamic, youth-focused career expo designed to inspire and empower rangatahi to explore their future pathways. The event brings together a wide range of local services, training providers, and employers, allowing students to connect, ask questions, and discover education, employment, and wellbeing supports all in one engaging space. Previous Next

< Back Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules Health & Sport Inclusive Activity Murihiku Target Age: 12-23 Address: 77 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 4:30 am admin@inclusiveactivity.org.nz A fun, inclusive sports event where rangatahi can get active their way—choosing how they play, adapting the rules, and trying new games in a safe, supportive environment. Play Your Way: Your Game, Your Rules is all about freedom, creativity, and making sport accessible for everyone. Previous Next

< Back Suzanne Cocker Ko Ruapehu te maunga Ko Rangitikei te awa Ko Tūwharetoa me Ngāti Kahungunu me Ngāti Raukawa me English me Norwegian me Scottish nga iwi Ko Parerukuwai te tupuna wahine Ko Suzanne Cocker ahau I was born and bred in Petone, Wellington. I come from a long line of people, who on both sides of my family, are steeped in acts of service, compassion and work ethic. After providing professional Supervision within my various roles over the past 12 years, in 2023 I established Pohutukawa Place to focus on high-quality external Professional Supervision for Social Workers and other helping professions. I am focused on supporting best practice, growing a competent and compassionate workforce, and advocating for the critical role Social Work has in advancing social justice. I have been a Social Worker for over 16 years and held roles in addictions, family conflict and child consultancy, youth health services, Social Work education and held management and professional leadership roles in tertiary health services. I have worked both in kaupapa Māori and mainstream organisations and has been fortunate to practice Social Work in Aotearoa, Australia and the United Kingdom. I am passionate about utilising my skills and experience to support Social Workers and other professionals to be the very best version of themselves. Whether it’s testing new theories, advocating for changing systems that don’t work for whānau or ensuring great support and ethical rigor for professionals, I am keen to get stuck in. I love to spend time travelling, learning about other cultures, and being inspired by Social Work in the global space. My Approach My approach: It’s about the relationship curated between people. Relationships underpin the weaving of shared experiences, reciprocal learning, celebration of strengths and opportunities for professional and personal growth. I believe carefully crafted, well-functioning relationships support the development of professionals so that they may provide the very best in quality reflective practice for the individuals, whānau and wider community they serve. Qualifications Post Graduate Certificate in Supervision Master of Social Work Bachelor of Social Work Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Social Work Registration Board Connect with the Supervisor Directly suzannecocker.pohutukawaplace@gmail.com Previous Next

< Back Battle of the Tribes Health & Sport Tau Sa'u Target Age: 17-24 Address: Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand When: 21 May 2026 11:00 pm https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaT9SRf7FD-7W_GK5zmGRcWLxx-_eFQzDLBcCZ2R0ES50Vzw/viewform pasifikastudentcouncilvuw@gmail.com PRIVATE EVENT Victoria University of Wellington - Kelburn Campass Battle of the Tribes is a vibrant, inclusive sports event that brings together Pasifika cultural clubs and the wider student community in a fun and competitive environment. While 12 Pasifika clubs compete for the Battle of the Tribes shield, the event is open to all, with free entry for teams formed by friends and peers through our registration link. More than just a competition, this event creates a strong sense of belonging by fostering connection, cultural pride, and community through sport and shared food. It provides an accessible space where students can engage, build relationships, and celebrate diversity in a positive, high-energy setting. Previous Next