Youth Week
Held every year, Youth Week is a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and achievements of young people. Youth Week recognises the amazing contributions that young people make to their communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. The week inspires us to value, support, and affirm the diversity of young people in our society.
About Youth Week
Youth Week is coordinated by Ara Taiohi, with the support of the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) - Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi and Sport New Zealand - Ihi Aotearoa. Events are designed to encourage young people (aged 12 to 24 years) to take on challenges, share ideas and focus on the positive aspects of being young. The week also recognises the youth workers, youth service providers, and others working with and for young people.
Youth Week 2026
Youth Week 2026 will be held Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May! As chosen by young people and the youth sector, Youth Week 2026 is celebrating the theme Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard | Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi.
Visit Ara Taiohi’s website external for resources and keep up to date with events happening throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Youth Week 2026 Grant Programme
The Youth Week 2026 Grant Programme (the Programme) is now seeking applications for youth-led and/or youth-focused initiatives/events under the Youth Week 2026 theme, Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard | Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi.
Applications to the Programme will be invited from community-based youth groups, including Iwi, Pasifika groups, migrant and refugee groups, youth development providers, organisations delivering physical activity opportunities for young people, and schools and education providers, to receive funding to support youth-led initiatives during Youth Week 2026.
The Programme is now open for applications and closes at 5:00pm on Sunday 15 March 2026, with successful applicants anticipated to be notified by Sunday 12 April 2026.
Visit Ara Taiohi’s website external for more information on how to apply.