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< Back Somali Youth Week Other Waikato Somali Assoication Target Age: 12-24 Address: When: 22 May 2026 1:00 pm https://www.instagram.com/waikato_somali_association/ waikatosomali@gmail.com PRIVATE EVENT We will divide the funding to host two different events, one for female youth and one for females. This works best for our community because it aligns with our Islamic values. We have noticed stronger support from parents and higher participation from youth. The females will have a movie night, and the boys will have a gaming night. Dates may change due to Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period featuring the Hajj pilgrimage and culminating in Eid al-Adha but will happen during Youth week. Previous Next

Our Principles Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Mana Taiohi principles is at the heart of everything we do. They guide how we work with integrity, whakamana rangatahi, and strengthen the youth development sector across Aotearoa. Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi At Ara Taiohi, we are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of our work with and for taiohi across Aotearoa. Mana Taiohi - Youth Development Principles Mana Taiohi are the national youth development principles that inform the way we work with young people.

< Back Taiohi Collective - Solomon Group Games & Kai Kaikohe Solomon Group. Target Age: 12-24 Address: 36 Recreation Road, Kaikohe 0405, New Zealand When: 22 April 2026 4:00 pm denise.brophy@solomongroup.co.nz Run by Sport Northland. Start Time 4.00pm to 9pm. Activities include, health sports, music and dance, games and kai, cultural, auntie's tent and Youth voice. Kaikohe Solomon Group will be supporting under the umbrella as a collab. We will be running mini games and contributing to kai and prizes for this event. Previous Next

< Back Youth Movie Night Film, Cultural Multicultural Youth Nelson Target Age: 13-18 Address: 91 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 6:00 pm amy.coulter@ncc.govt.nz Join us this Youth Week for a special movie night screening of Coco at State Cinemas Nelson on Friday, 22 May. This event is open to young people aged 13+ and is a chance to relax, connect and celebrate the diversity of our community through film, conversation and fun. Snacks provided, interactive Q&A session during the break. Previous Next

About Us Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to over 4,000 people who work with young people across Aotearoa every day. We are a Tiriti-based, membership organisation which resources and advocates for the youth development sector. Vision An empowered ecosystem of youth development, where rangatahi thrive Mission Ara Taiohi exists to champion youth development and young people, advocating for those who work with rangatahi, and nurturing their capacity and capability. Tūruapō He taiao whakapūmau whakawhanake taiohi, e pūāwai mai ai a rangatahi. Whakatakanga Ka noho a Ara Taiohi hei kawau mārō i te mahi whakawhanake taiohi, i te hunga taiohi hoki, hei waha kōrero mō rātou e taunaki nei i te rangatahi ā ka poipoia hoki ō rātou raukaha me ō rātou āheinga. Youth Work is the development of a relationship that honours the mana of a young person, where young people actively participate, discover their power, and choose to engage for as long as agreed; and that supports their holistic, positive development as young people that contribute to themselves, their whānau, community and world. Our Values Uphold Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) As guardians of youth development, we nurture the sector with best practices and innovative solutions. Guided by kaitiakitanga, we are stewards of the futures of both our youth and our sector, caring for their wellbeing and development with respect and responsibility. We pledge to protect, preserve, and enhance the resources and potential of our rangatahi, ensuring a legacy of empowerment and growth for generations to come. Pursue Mana Taurite (Equity and Inclusivity) We envision a world where every voice is heard, every culture is celebrated, and every young person has an equal chance to shine. Ara Taiohi is dedicated to fostering equity, ensuring that every young person receives the opportunity and support to thrive. We champion fairness and actively work to resolve systemic issues, creating an inclusive environment where rangatahi potential is recognised and nurtured. Practise Manaakitanga (Care and Respect) Our approach is grounded in aroha, care, and respect for all. Whether collaborating with youth workers or advocating for change, we lead with kindness and generosity. Manaakitanga is our commitment to nurturing and uplifting the mana of everyone we interact with. It is about fostering an environment of respect, generosity, and support, ensuring that every interaction acknowledges and empowers the inherent dignity and potential within each person. Weave Kotahitanga (Unity) Like the intertwined threads of woven harakeke, we bring people together, uniting our strengths to support the collective wellbeing of our rangatahi. Ara Taiohi champions unity and collective action, weaving together diverse voices and strengths to create a harmonious and supportive environment. Our commitment to collaboration and shared purpose ensures that together, we build a stronger, more inclusive community. Our Whakapapa Since the 1960s we have had a rich history of large national youth organisations establishing umbrella organisations as a way to ‘provide a national voice on youth organisation interests’. Ara Taiohi grew out of a merger between the New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa (NYWNA), who come together to form a new national youth sector organisation. Ara Taiohi was launched at the INVOLVE national youth sector conference in November 2010 and became fully operational at the inaugural AGM in February 2011. Our Name Our name, Ara Taiohi was chosen in consultation by Māori members and our kaumatua, Tamati Cairns and Ruru Hona. ‘Ara’ means ‘pathway, lane, passageway to/from’ and ‘taiohi’ means ‘young person’ in Aotearoa. Therefore, Ara Taiohi is the pathway to and from young people. As a peak body we are committed to developing projects and sharing resources, tools and information to enhance practice. We bring together the power of our diverse sector to champion and advocate on issues that affects young people, and those who work with them. Together, we create a nationwide movement of people who work with young people. Our collective skills, knowledge and passion will help shape an Aotearoa where young people are valued, included and will thrive. We are the proud kaitiaki of

Jane Zintl Chief Executive She/ Her Kia ora! I've been in the youth development sector for over 30 years, as a youth worker, youth lawyer, volunteer, ethics champion, qualification shaper, strengths coach, supervisor, facilitator and trainer! I believe passionately that youth work is a key ingredient all young people need to thrive, and I work tirelessly to bring equity to the systems youth work and young people operate in. Get in touch to discuss Ethical challenges and wins, youth development ecosystem. Contact executive.officer@arataiohi.org.nz

< Back The Multicultural Youth Bowl Youth Voice The Refugee Orientation Centre Trust Target Age: 12-24 Address: 4 Little London Lane, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand When: 19 May 2026 5:00 pm admin@roctrust.org.nz PRIVATE EVENT The Multicultural Youth Bowl is a chance for multicultural youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds to share their stories with the wider community. The event will include cultural performances, youth storytelling, dialogue circles and creative expression activities. It will be youth-led, from planning to execution to feedback. By participating in all elements of the process, youth will gain leadership skills and increase their sense of cultural belonging and self-esteem. Attendees will include parents, community and civic leaders and peers, and the event will be streamed on the ROC Trust Facebook page to provide an even wider audience for youth voices. This event will enable youth to share their culture and creativity, and to experience the culture and creativity of their peers. Additionally, it will contribute to a greater understanding of the experiences and needs of youth from former refugee and migrant backgrounds in Hamilton Kirikiriroa, and help shape a more inclusive and welcoming city. Previous Next

< Back FACE the dirt ride day Health & Sport, Other Youth Encounter Target Age: 12-18 Address: When: 23 May 2026 10:00 am info@youthencounter.co.nz PRIVATE EVENT Dirt bike riding day centered around the Youth Encounter values of Fun, Acceptance, Connection and Empowering (FACE). Utilizing our young leaders for organizing, the aim is to encourage the youth to face the challenges of life and encourage those around them, not only in person but also through social media. Previous Next

Aisling Carney Communications and Advocacy She/ Her Haigh! Aisling is ainm dom! Rugadh agus tógadh mé i Co. Chiarraí agus tháinig mé go Aotearoa i 2023! Kia ora! No Ciarraí i roto Airangi ahau. Ko Aisling toku ingua. My background is in advocacy and policy work in Ireland, the UK, the EU and southern Africa. I'm delighted to be able to work with ngā rangatahi and amazing youth workers of Aotearoa! Get in touch to discuss I want to hear and share your stories! Please share stories of your work and journeys, aswell as photos of your mahi! I'm also the main point of contact for our advocacy work - please get in touch if you would like to discuss current advocacy issues or would like resources to support your own advocacy mahi Contact communications@arataiohi.org.nz

< Back Rangatahi Open Mic Cultural, Music & Dance, Youth Voice, Art, Games & Kai Youth Arts New Zealand Target Age: 16-24 Address: 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1025, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 4:00 pm https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftPijq0v_jloawO9tBAwEA7K4Y9ZyF1eTZOeUNNbhmngd3kw/viewform?usp=dialog chloe@youtharts.co.nz Calling all rangatahi artists for a cosy, supportive, and whānau-friendly open mic! YANZ and Holding Space are excited to be hosting another Open Mic for rangatahi artists (16-26), this time at the lively Gribblehirst Community Hub in Tāmaki Makaurau. We’re calling musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers, and performers of all experience levels to take the stage and showcase your mahi. Previous Next

Renee Ngatai Training & Mosaic Co-ordinator/ Korowai Tupu Administrator She/ Her No te uri o Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāi Tahu, me Ngāti Porou. I am a dedicated advocate for the professionalisation of Youth Work, committed to strengthening the sector through research, training, and kaupapa like Mana Taiohi. As a mother to three amazing tamariki—Xavier (16), Marley (14), and Harper (6)—I see the power of youth development both personally and professionally. My passion lies in supporting taiohi to overcome ba Get in touch to discuss ⭐ Korowai Tupu ⭐ Kōrero Café ⭐ Korowau Tupu Applications ⭐ Kaiparahuarahi ⭐ Mosaic ⭐ Trainings Contact renee.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz

< Back Te Tangi o Te Pīpīwharauroa Youth Voice, Games & Kai, Health & Sport, Art, Music & Dance, Cultural Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa Target Age: 13-24 Address: 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 12:00 pm schami@terunanga.org.nz In support of National Youth Week, Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa will be hosting a free, taiohi-led event, celebrating their voices, ideas and leadership across our community. Te Tangi o Te Pīpīwharauroa is a free event which will include sports, a barbershop, a lashes bar, Hulanesia sessions, a chillout space, free kai and lots of prizes. It’s a day shaped by taiohi, for taiohi, to come together, connect with one another, take part in activities that uplift hauora, and share kōrero about the kaupapa that matter most to them. It is also a chance for taiohi to step into their rangatiratanga and speak about the change they want to see. Previous Next