Small Town, Big Ideas

PRIVATE EVENT

Small Town, Big Ideas is a Youth Week event designed to empower young women from rural communities in Ngaruawahia and Ōtorohanga to share their ideas, voices, and aspirations. 

Inspired by a “Shark Tank” style format, participants will work in small teams to develop and pitch creative ideas that could improve their communities, support young people, or create positive change. 

The event will provide a supportive and fun environment where young women can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and practice public speaking. With guidance from mentors and facilitators, participants will explore their passions, shape their ideas, and present them to a panel of local community leaders. 

The focus is not just on competition, but on encouragement, creativity, and celebrating the voices of young women. 

This event aligns with the theme of **Youth Week — Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard. By creating a platform specifically for rural young women, we aim to ensure their ideas and perspectives are valued and visible. 

Through this event we hope to inspire young women to see themselves as leaders and changemakers, strengthen connections within their communities, and encourage them to continue sharing their ideas long after the event ends.