Youth Week 2025 was all about Whai Wāhitanga – Take Our Place.
Across Aotearoa, rangatahi stepped up to lead, create, and connect in powerful ways. From cultural showcases to esports tournaments, youth-led markets to community hāngī, Zeal spaces came alive with energy, pride, and purpose.
Check out the highlights from each region below and see how our young people made this Youth Week unforgettable.
Zeal Taranaki
Empowering Young Leaders
Youth Week took a different shape in Taranaki this year. With teacher shortages in the mix, we brought our Empowering Young Leaders events into schools and the community. We popped up at New Plymouth Girls’ High, Spotswood College, and Puke Ariki Landing with live music, dance, speakers, giveaways, and more. A standout moment was the community hāngī at Puke Ariki—prepared and served by our youth leaders, who gained real hands-on experience. Across the three events, we connected with over 850 young people and served 350 free hāngī meals. The vibe? Uplifting, collaborative, and full of rangatahi pride.
850
Total attendees during Zeal Taranaki Youth Week
Zeal Kāpiti
Musicians’ Lounge
Youth Week in Kāpiti hit all the right notes with a buzzing Musicians’ Lounge event, run entirely by rangatahi. From sound and lighting to the coffee cart and photography, young people took the reins and created a night to remember. With live music from emerging solo artists and youth bands, plus pizza and free hot choccies, the space was packed with good vibes and around 70 people cheering each other on. It was a powerful moment of confidence-building, creativity, and connection.
70
Total attendees during Zeal Kāpiti Youth Week
Zeal Hamilton
Cultural Night
Zeal Hamilton’s Cultural Night was a stunning celebration of identity, community, and pride. Rangatahi, school groups, and community performers lit up the stage with cultural performances from the Cook Islands to Zimbabwe. Around 120 people gathered to enjoy the show, share kai, and soak up the warmth and manaakitanga of the evening. It was a night of belonging, joy, and deep cultural connection.
120
Total attendees during Zeal Hamilton Youth Week
Zeal Wellington
Made By Us Market
Wellington brought the energy with the Made By Us Market at The Y community hub. Rangatahi showcased their small businesses and passion projects in a vibrant space filled with live music, kai, and aroha. Over 230 people came through to support and celebrate youth creativity. The atmosphere was electric, and the day was a beautiful reminder of what happens when young people are given the space to shine.
230
Total attendees during Zeal Wellington Youth Week
Zeal West
Block Party
Zeal West turned it up with the West Block Party, bringing together 150 rangatahi and whānau for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection. The outdoor stage, youth-led stalls, sausage sizzle, and gaming tournaments made the space come alive. From free-throw challenges to a Zumba session with Hāpai Te Hauora, the energy was high and the vibes were welcoming. It wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of community and a place where young people felt proud to share their “home away from home.”
Reboot Live
Also at Zeal West, Reboot Live brought the heat with a two-day e-sports tournament that drew 60 in-person players and 6 more joining remotely from Hamilton. With live broadcasts, free kai, and fierce competition, the space was buzzing. One of the most heartwarming moments? Seeing winners bring their parents in to celebrate their success. It was more than a tournament—it was a celebration of skill, connection, and whānau pride.
216
Total attendees during Zeal West Youth Week
A huge thank you to Ara Taiohi for helping make Youth Week happen across the motu and for all the young people who attended!
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