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2026 Projects
With a record-breaking team of 30 passionate young leaders, 2026 has so far been a year of growth in project quality, online content and outreach. Our purpose to inspire, represent and connect the young people in the community continues to stay strong. By strengthening our relationships with local schools, organisations and our community as a whole, we look forward to engaging with more rangatahi than ever before!
Youth of Ōrākei Presents...
July 2026
Team 1
Modelled on a format similar to TedX, Youth of Ōrākei Presents... involved rangatahi coming on stage and giving a presentation or speech on a topic of their choice. This event gave young people the opportunity to not only share their passions and interests in front of their peers but also allowed them to practice the art of public speaking.
Voting 101
September & October 2026
Team 1
Voting 101 will involve a series of infographics and short form video content on our social media pages about the 2026 general elections. These infographics will be strictly non-partisan, and will include information about how youth can register to vote, where voting stations will be across Ōrākei, what different sections of the ballot mean, and what electorates are and how to figure out what one youth are in. This educational initiative therefore gives rangatahi the resources to be more confident in their civic decision-making.
Film Festival
September 2026
Team 1
Our flagship Film Festival encourages young students interested in cinema to create and submit their own short film for it to be showcased on the big screen. This year, there will be a slumber party themed twist, encouraging people to snuggle up in their cosy pajamas and head on down for a fun night at the pictures red carpet inspired activities, popcorn and wonderful short films!
Mission Enroot
May 2026
Team 2
With over 100 trees planted in the Kohimarama Forest, Mission Enroot connected youth with each other and our local environment in tangible ways. We have continued to proudly partner for the third consecutive year with Eastern Bays Songbird Project in delivering this event, which successfully provided an opportunity for young people to contribute to local conservation efforts.
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Let's Get Quizzical
July 2026
Team 2
Let's Get Quizzical is a quiz night; an opportunity to connect young people together in a competitive, thought-provoking and fun environment. Through this event, participants will work in teams to solve various types of quiz questions and earn points, with prizes up for grabs!
YOO Young Scholars
August 2026
Team 2
YOO Young Scholars was the first event of its kind, designed to support students preparing for NCEA Scholarship exams. This workshop offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from previous students who have previously achieved Scholarship success through an interactive panel, where they shared their experiences, study strategies and advice. The event will also featured Scholarship teachers from a range of high schools, giving students the chance to ask questions, and develop a stronger understanding of how to achieve scholarly excellence.
The Creative Clash
October 2026
Team 2
The Creative Clash will be a visual art competition which invites rangatahi to show their creative skills through a variety of mediums. Artworks including paintings, drawings, poems, sculptures, photography, and more will be showcased at an in-person exhibition and will be judged by a panel of local community art leaders, with prizes awarded.
Coastal Clean-Up Challenge
May 2026
Team 3
Our Coastal Clean-Up Challenge, held at Okahu Bay, focused on removing litter and rubbish from the bay. This gave attendees the chance to help preserve the natural environment and create a cleaner, more enjoyable space for everyone. The event also brought young people together through teamwork and shared purpose, with a sausage sizzle lunch provided at the end.
MusicFest
June 2026
Team 3
MusicFest provided an opportunity for young musicians in Ōrākei to showcase their talents to a live audience. As the largest YOO event to date, it attracted approximately 109 attendees. Performers ranged from solo artists to music groups and were judged by two music teachers from local high schools, who provided constructive feedback and awarded prizes. Through this event, we created a supportive space where young musicians could connect with like-minded peers, build confidence, and celebrate their shared passion for music.
Race Around Ōrākei Domain
October 2026
Team 3
RAOD is a bingo-style scavenger hunt that encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones while exploring the local area. Working in teams, rangatahi will solve mini challenges, complete activities and compete for prizes. Alongside promoting physical activity and teamwork, the event introduces participants to the history and heritage of Ōrākei, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the local community.
Clothing Swap Spot
May 2026
Team 4
Clothing Swap Spot was a two-day event where young people donated and exchanged pre-loved clothing, encouraging more sustainable fashion choices and reducing clothing waste. The event connected rangatahi with others who shared an interest in sustainability, while any remaining clothing was donated to the Auckland City Mission to support those in need!
Student Leadership Summit
June 2026
Team 4
Our Student Leadership Summit was designed for Year 11 and 12 students who aspire to become future leaders. Through an interactive public speaking workshop delivered by the iSpeak Trust and a leadership panel featuring community leaders Ava Dilly, Dan te Whenua Walker, and Holly Bennett, participants developed practical leadership skills, built confidence, and connected with like-minded students from across the community.
Ōrākei Through My Eyes
September 2026
Team 4
Ōrākei Through My Eyes will be a digital storytelling project that invites young people to share their pepeha and personal stories about places that are meaningful to them within the local Ōrākei community. Participants will submit short videos online that will be ombined into a community montage, celebrating the people, places, and stories that make our community so unique!
Game on Ōrākei!
September 2026
Team 4
Game On Ōrākei will be a multi-sports event that brings young people together through various sports which may include football, volleyball, basketball, relay races, and other team activities. The event will promote physical wellbeing, teamwork, and create new friendships while providing a fun break from end-of-year exam studies.