Youth Week 2026 – Young Northlanders lead, create and inspire

Published on 22 April 2026

Grayson Sutherland and team filming their civics education videos to inspire a new generation of voters.

Learn to play an instrument, get creative with rock painting, listen to a live band, try out some circus arts or have a go at boxing – these are some of the amazing events coming up in May 2026 to celebrate Youth Week. 

Our Youth Week Fund supports youth-led initiatives that celebrate and support our young people.

Alongside a grant, each young person is matched with a community-based mentor to help them realise their goal. This year, our mentors include Te Ora Hou, NZSL Club, Volunteering Northland, Circus Kumarani, Whangarei Youth Space and ONEONESIX Trust.

in 2026, 10 recipients are being supported: Congratulations to Anya Slykerman, Erin van den Hoeven, Grayson Sutherland, Holly Manley, Kye Hiko, Maddison Amosa, Mariam Chaudhry, Niwa Vallely-Te Kani, Quinn Borlase and Tiree Gilroy.

Grayson Sutherland (pictured) is leading a group of young people to deliver youth civics education. 

“During the month of May, we will script, film, and publish a series of short social media videos designed to make civics education accessible and genuinely engaging for rangatahi. 

“Videos will cover topics including how Parliament works, how to enrol and vote, how to find and compare party policies, how to spot misinformation, and what young people can do beyond voting to have an impact in their communities. 

“Content is short-form, peer-to-peer and built for the platforms young people already use… We want rangatahi across Northland to come away feeling informed, confident, and like their voice genuinely matters in our democracy.”