Celebrating Youth Week 2026

Published: June 4, 2026

Youth Week is a time to recognise and celebrate young people, their passions, and the contributions they make to the world around them as emerging leaders.

Youth week launch
Olivia and Tiana with members of the Oranga Tamariki Advisory Groups.

Led by Ara Taiohi the peak body for Youth Development, the theme for Youth Week 2026 was ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard’.

On Monday 19 May, Olivia Feary and Tiana Thompson, Senior Advisors in the Voices Insights & Engagement team, joined members of the Oranga Tamariki Youth Advisory Group and Rainbow Advisory Group at Parliament for the official launch of Youth Week.

The event brought together rangatahi and organisations from across Aotearoa, all committed to ensuring young people are heard, valued, and supported to shape the decisions that affect them.

Rangatahi reflections

Members of the advisory groups shared what the event, and this week, means to them:

“The parliamentary opening of Youth Week on Monday was amazing. It was so cool to witness so many wonderful organisations doing their part in ensuring the rangatahi of Aotearoa voices are understood and heard. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this event on behalf of the Oranga Tamariki Rainbow Youth Advisory Group.” – Oliver

"It was so refreshing to be in a space filled and led by rangatahi, alongside professionals who value youth voices. What a privilege to attend on behalf of the Oranga Tamariki YAG and witness the power of youth solidarity. The future is looking bright!" – Esther

“It was amazing. Hearing the new waiata (to represent Ara Taiohi) was so powerful and meaningful - it showed the work we’re doing." – Mons

Reflecting on the Youth Week theme ‘Our voices matter, we deserve to be heard’, Mons added, “Sometimes it feels like we’re shouting and no one’s listening. It should be a given young people’s voices matter. We should be heard and listened to. I hope this message isn’t just for youth, but for everyone, because all our voices matter.”

Staff reflections

Tiana and Olivia felt privileged to attend the launch of Youth Week alongside rangatahi representatives of Oranga Tamariki Advisory Groups and also VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai.

They noted that this year’s Youth Week theme is a call for adults to step back, create space, and support young people to lead, share their whakaaro, and shape what their futures look like.

“Rangatahi have shown [that] when they’re genuinely listened to and meaningfully involved in decision-making, there are better outcomes. We encourage Oranga Tamariki kaimahi to seek out rangatahi voice and perspectives,” – Tiana said.

Looking ahead

Youth Week is a reminder that meaningful engagement with young people is not a one-off event. It's an ongoing commitment.

The mahi of the Youth Advisory Group and the Rainbow Advisory Group plays a vital role in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard, respected, and acted on.

As we reflect on Youth Week 2026, we acknowledge the contributions of rangatahi across Aotearoa and the importance of continuing to create spaces where their voices can lead.

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