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Your Guide to Running an Event This is an event guide created by taiohi, for taiohi. It brings together some practical tips and questions to help you as you plan, organise and run an event in your community. You don’t have to get everything perfect. What matters most is creating something that feels real, inclusive and meaningful to you and your people. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your event matters. Why are you doing this? Ask What’s the purpose or kaupapa of this event? What kind of space do you want to create? Will it be chill, creative, kaupapa-driven? Try Describe your event in 10 words or less Imagine someone attending, what do you want them to remember most? Who is this event for? Ask Who is your event for? Is this something your people want? Could you ask them first? Who might come along as well (friends, whānau, tamariki/pēpi)? Who might feel left out if you don’t plan for them? Try Ask 2–3 people for feedback and whether this is an event they would want to attend Who is helping you? Ask Who is helping you run the event? Who can you ask for advice or guidance? Try Ask a youth worker or trusted adult to be your support person Reach out early. Don’t wait until things feel stuck Split tasks between a small team When and where will it happen? Ask Does the space fit your vibe and purpose? Is it safe, welcoming, and easy to get to? How will people get there and home again? Try Visit the venue before the event if possible Check public transport routes and timing How will you make people feel included? Ask Can people afford to come? Could it be free or low-cost? Are there accessible entrances/exits? (e.g. ramps, lifts, handrails) How will you support neurodivergent taiohi? (e.g. quiet spaces, low-sensory areas) How will you make your event safe for Rainbow taiohi? (e.g. optional name tags with pronouns, safe and accessible bathroom options) How will you support different cultures in the room? How can you include tikanga Māori (e.g. karakia, whakawhanaungatanga)? Will you need guidance from local iwi or kaumātua? How can you support language differences? (e.g. ESOL, Deaf, non-verbal) Are dietary needs clearly catered for and labelled? Try Reach out to a trusted person or organisation you can ask for guidance Keep entry free or pay what you can Create a simple 'what to expect' message before the event Label kai clearly and include a range of options How will people know to come? Ask How will people hear about it? Where does your audience spend their time online and in real life? What would catch their attention and make them want to come? Try Keep your message clear: what, when, where, and why Use group chats, social media and word of mouth together Ask your local library, youth spaces, or clubs if they’re happy to share your post or flyer with others How will you make it happen? Ask What equipment do you need? What’s your budget? Will you need koha for speakers, performers, or kaumātua? What needs to be organised ahead of time? Is there enough kai for everyone? Try Make a simple checklist of what you need Write a basic run sheet for the day so everyone knows what’s happening How will you keep people safe? Ask Do you have a first aid kit and someone trained in first aid? Are you aware of the venue’s first aid and emergency procedures? (e.g. fire, earthquake, etc.) Who can people go to if they feel overwhelmed or need support? How will people get home safely (especially if it’s at night)? How will you manage illness? (e.g. encouraging people to stay home, masks available) Are you taking photos? How will you get consent? Where will images be shared? Try Write down 'what if' scenarios and what you’d do about them Assign a trusted person as the go-to support person on the day Make consent for photos clear and simple How will you care for Papatūānuku? Ask How can you reduce waste? How will you manage rubbish? (e.g. recycling, compost) Try Borrow materials from home, school, or community spaces Set up clearly labelled bins for waste, recycling, and compost What if things go wrong? Ask What’s your plan B if something changes? (e.g. weather, turnout, cancellations) Who can step in to help if needed? Try Have an indoor option if possible or a postpone date Have a small team who are ready to adapt on the day Helpful places to go for inspiration and support Rainbow Youth - creating safe, inclusive spaces The Halberg Foundation - making events accessible so everyone can participate Youthline - supporting mental health and wellbeing Zeal - hands-on training to build your event planning skills We are keen to learn from you too. Contact us at communications@arataiohi.org.nz and let us know some of the tips and resources that have helped you.

Revolution Youth Week Waiata Listen now A group of rising artists from Te Karanga Trust have released a new waiata, Revolution , to mark Youth Week 2026. The waiata is a reflection on this year's theme: "Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to be Heard." It's also an example of Youth Week in action, demonstrating what can happen when rangatahi are given the space and support to create something themselves. The waiata brought together a diverse range of voices from across Tāmaki Makaurau. AKL MADZ (Pākehā, Indian) led the production and creative direction. TY (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara) brought depth and emotion through her vocals. BRDG3 (Samoan, Cook Island, Indian) delivered spoken word and rap grounded in their identity and lived experience, and pRieZt (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou) contributed raw honesty and perspective. Save to your playlist "Revolution shows what happens when rangatahi are given space to speak. They use their voices to push for change and be heard. Our role is to listen." TK White, Director of Programmes and Community Engagement, Te Karanga Charitable Trust.

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!

MOSAIC Our MOSAIC resources support youth workers to hold safe, meaningful kōrero with rangatahi about racism, discrimination, and values, and to navigate situations where young people express and/or are impacted by discriminatory views. It is a powerful, community-led response that empowers 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. Our Key Resources We have developed a suite of practical, youth-friendly resources to support youth workers in their critical mahi. These tools provide a structured and safe way to open up difficult conversations and build stronger, more resilient communities. MOSAIC Conversation Cards These cards kickstart conversations about prejudice, racism, and identity. Each card provides a thought-provoking question or prompt that encourages young people to share their stories, listen to others, and find common ground. They are a tangible resource for creating powerful, hopeful discussions. Order MOSAIC Cards Online Resources & Pathways The Mosaic website and online resources provide a central hub for deeper learning. It guides teachers, youth workers and young people toward resources, training pathways, and a supportive network. The site acts as a gateway to our tools and connects people to the broader movement of building a more peaceful and inclusive Aotearoa. Visit MOSAIC Website Practice Note: Responding to the Radicalisation of Young People This practice note provides youth workers with clear, actionable guidance on identifying and responding to the signs of radicalisation. It offers a framework grounded in positive youth development principles, equipping them to intervene early, provide support, and steer young people away from harmful ideologies. This document ensures that those on the front lines have the knowledge and confidence to protect vulnerable youth. Online Practice Note Purchase Practice Note Mosaic is a collaborative effort led by Ara Taiohi and The King's Trust New Zealand and supported by Nas, Aotearoa. We are proud to work alongside a broad network of supporters and partners who share our vision, including, and not limited to: Nas, Clare Foundation DIA PCVE Fund UNESCO Scouts NZ Rainbow Youth NZ Red Cross Shakti Baha'i, Muslim and Christian faith communities

Our Advocacy Our advocacy is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taiohi and the Code of Ethics. We believe Te Tiriti is the foundation for a fair and flourishing Aotearoa - not only for rangatahi Māori, but for all young people. Guided by Mana Taiohi and the lived realities of young people across Aotearoa, our advocacy seeks to shape systems and policies that enable all rangatahi to thrive. Advocacy Priorities Youth Development Youth Workers To create an ecosystem that gives young people the best opportunity to thrive. To shift the dial on the perception of young people in Aotearoa To generate recognition of the importance of positive youth development approaches (particularly Mana Taiohi) within government and key policy stakeholders that is backed up by the proactive inclusion of Mana Taiohi within their policies To build structures with the public sector that enable meaningful whai wāitanga and youth participation To understand and to raise awareness of the Youth Work sector in Aotearoa. To improve youth workers’ working conditions and increase Youth Work's attractiveness as a career. To ensure the inclusion of youth workers and youth development in government policies and action plans. To achieve our vision of an empowered ecosystem of youth development, we actively engage in challenging policies and legislation that undermine Youth Work and young people’s positive youth development. Jane Zintl, Ara Taiohi CEO Recent Submissions Relationship & Sexual Eductaion in Schools We contributed to the consultation on RSE curriculum in schools, emphasising the need for clear expectations so that rangatahi can build strong understandings of personal boundaries, consent, and holistic wellbeing in a sexual context. Our Submission OT- Long Term Insights Briefing 2040 We contributed to the consultation on Oranga Tamariki’s Long Term Insights Briefing 2040, highlighting the perspective of the youth development sector. Our submission emphasised the need for long-term systems that uphold youth wellbeing. Our Submission International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights We responded to Aotearoa New Zealand’s 5th periodic review of the ICESCR, emphasising Te Tiriti o Waitangi, youth rights, and the voices of rangatahi. Our submission called for policies that enable all young people to thrive. Our Submission

< 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

Resources To Awhiana Young People A collection of helpful resources designed to support young people in navigating challenges, building skills, and finding opportunities. Mental Health and Crisis Youthline Website Free 24/7 call 0800 376 633 Free 24/7 text 234 Suicide Crisis Helpline Website Free 24/7 call 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865) Webchat is also available Depression Helpline Website Free 24/7 call 0800 111 757 or free 24/7 text 4202 The Lowdown Website 123-456-7890 Full list of New Zealand Helplines from the Mental Health Foundation Website 123-456-7890 What's Up Website Fee call 0800 942 8787 Mon-Sun 11am-11pm Rainbow Rainbow Youth Website Sexual Health Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Website Healthline Speak to a nurse anytime for free at 0800 611 116 Housing Lifewise Website Youth Service Ratonga Taiohi Website Making Space Website Careers and Future Planning Te Tahi Employment Support Website Careers NZ Website Skills to Career Tool Website First Aid Course Red Cross Website First Aid Course St John's Ambulance Website Drivers' License NZTA Website Legal Support Free Legal Advice at Youth Law Website Free call 0800 UTHLAW(884529) Youth Employment Rights FAQ Website Free call 0800 UTHLAW(884529) Financial Assistance Work and Income Youth Payment Website StudyLink Website

Mātauranga With young people, we are empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga that encompasses good knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Mātauranga refers to knowledge, wisdom, understanding and skill. It includes research, individual experience, customary and cultural knowledge, and the beliefs and ideals held by young people and their whānau. Good information is useful, timely, meaningful, honours indigenous thinking, evidence based and translated for the recipient to reflect on. We can strengthen mātauranga by weaving together these different forms of knowledge and making them relevant to the decisions facing young people and their whānau. Being empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga informs both young people and people who work with young people towards personal growth. Young people actively participate in making meaning of information and are supported to holistically make positive choices for them, and their whānau. People who work with young people are supported to actively reflect on their relationships and practice Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Mātauranga in Practice: Kaupapa Māori Frameworks in Ngā Tikanga Whānaketanga – He Arotake Tuhinga In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Dr Kelsey Deane, and Hilary Dutton explore the concept of Mātauranga. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Mātauranga Māturang and the Code of Ethics 22. Kaitiakitanga | Supervision 23. Te Rangahau Me Te Arotake | Research and Evaluation 24. Te Whakapakari Me Te Aro | Professional Development Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Accessible Event Toolkit We are excited to gift this resource to the sector and wider community to ensure that all young people are able to participate and celebrate Youth Week with us. Many thanks to our friends at Deaf Aotearoa for helping us to create this toolkit. We acknowledge that some of these considerations could include a considerable cost and this means that not every event can achieve every point. Our hope is that this toolkit becomes the primary way you plan, prepare, connect and resource your future events. What's an accessible events Ensuring all people are equally able to participate in events including the cultural aspects, networking, attending meetings/conferences and social components. Hosting accessible events provide for a wider range of people to participate and benefit from the events. In this way greater perspectives can be gained. Access for people with disabilities is not only about physical access to buildings for wheelchair users, but also includes access to written information for people with vision impairments and access to public announcements for Deaf people. How can we achieve accessible events? The aim: Apply the Universal Design Principles as a guide or format to host accessible events. These principles integrate various mobility and informative needs. A key aspect incorporates decision making of disabled people from the start. Full accessibility means all people are treated with respect and can maintain their dignity, gaining and offering as much from the gathering as anybody else. Reasonable adjustments to the event are required to be made to ensure accessibility for all. It is essential to consider how the individuals are informed to fully equip people to participate. Easy access information provided to meet disabled people’s needs is a priority, this can be completed in several ways including: A range of marketing with: large clear print audio braille communication systems, video with audio and subtitles/sign language (NZSL). Accessible websites should be provided by communicating with disabled people or disabled organisations to identify specific needs. Event Checklist Download the toolkit in word format Invitation: Use plain language, simple fonts, word format and include in emails, easy read options, assessable venue, and assessable events. Registration: If unsure of a request personally contact the person to discuss specifics. Have an educated welcoming person at the front door to direct people, offer a lowered area and a seat at the registration desk. Transport: Check to see what else the attendee might need and arrange assessable (wheelchair hoist) transport as needed in advance. If possible, arrange for taxi vouchers to be sent to people prior to the event. Parking, ensuring accessible car parking spaces available close to the front door. Signage: Clear signage is essential (event sessions, parking spaces, refreshments, meals, toilets, exits, and other facilities). Consider tactile, visual and audio signage, large print, easy to read and symbols. Venue/facilities: Appropriately sized room for amount of people, easy manoeuvrability for wheelchair users, assessable toilets. Check service dogs are welcome and identify areas where service dogs can be toileted. Check acoustics and set up loop system. Book sign language interpreters (including in Te Reo Māori). Catering: Dietary requirements, staff assistance provided as needed- carrying plates/ serving and serving area at height accessibility. Tables set up for eating and straws available for use. Water for assistance dogs should be checked. Room set up: Lighting should be bright enough for people to see interpreters without harsh or strong lightening for people with visual impairments. Ensure seats and space for wheelchair users. Consider a quiet room or space for those with heightened sensitivity. Documentation: Available in accessible formats including pre-reading and info packs. All documents in plain language using dark text on plain or light-coloured background with size 12 font. Note takers as requested on registration form. Presentation/Stage access: Ramp accessibility, space for wheelchairs to turn, sign language interpreters, and PowerPoint presentations available, big screens used to clearly view presentation, and plain language used. Sound systems with microphones. Reserve seating at the front for people using sign language interpreters. Timeframes reviewed, ensure enough time for breaks, and consider the speed of the presentation. Evaluation/closing: Evaluation to include a section about the accessibility of the event and closing should be done in culturally appropriate manner. Other considerations: Question of personal support, awareness, and review of allergies or those sensitive to soaps or smells etc, and emergency evacuations examined. When hosting an accessible event, full participation, and enablement of everyone attending the event is a necessity and should be considered. Hospitality involves inclusion of all people and cultural rights being honoured and respected

Add Your Event to the Official Youth Week Calendar If your event is public, tell us all about and spread the word to rangatahi in your rohe! Your Youth Week Event Title of your event * Event Organiser * Event Address* Date* Day Month Year Start Time* Time : Hours Minutes AM Event Type Online Events Health & Sport Games & Kai Art Music & Dance Cultural Educational Youth Market Film Screening Youth Voice Other Short description of your event* Event Image Upload PNG/ JPG Is your event open to the public?* Yes, the more the merrier No, members of our org only Registration Link Target age (click all that apply) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Contact email address* Submit

Moana Matautia-Tepania she/her I want our taitamariki in our respective communities to feel supported, valued, and surrounded by opportunities that help them grow. Our youth workers should have the resources to do their mahi well, with a strong focus on culture, whānau, and community. Ara Taiohi plays a big part in making sure youth work is recognised, funded, and backed with the right tools. I hope to see more collaboration, learning opportunities, and appreciation for this important mahi. Most of all, I want our taitamariki to know their future is full of possibilities and that we believe in them

Group Membership Becoming a Group Member of Ara Taiohi strengthens your organisation's connection to the youth development sector and offers tailored support, sector updates, and opportunities to influence positive change together. Join Ara Taiohi as a Group Member Thank you for your application to join Ara Taiohi! We're really excited to have you join our ever expanding community that welcomes and supports everyone with a passion for Youth Work and youth development. Organisational Details Which type of membership are you applying for?* TINY (1-2 FTE working directly with young people) SMALL (3-7 FTE working directly with young people) MEDIUM (8-17 7FTE working directly with young people) LARGE (18+ FTE working directly with young people) Legal Name * Trading name (if different from legal name) Website Please ensure your entry starts with https:// Physical Address Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Postal Address (if different from above) Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Which regions does your organisation work in? Organisation description Please provide us with one to two sentences about your organisation that we can use to promote you on our website. Primary Context Please enter the following details about the main contact person for your organisation. First name Last name Job Title Email Phone Cell Phone Opt out of fees? Do you wish to opt out of fees for this financial year? We wish to pay fees for this financial year. Please send us an invoice. We wish to opt out of fees for this financial year. Submit