Celebrating Youth Week events

Next week, from 19-25 May, Aotearoa celebrates Youth Week – a nationwide festival of events that recognises and celebrates the contributions and achievements of young people, along with the whānau, mentors, and organisations that support them. 

Youth Week empowers rangatahi to take the lead by encouraging them to design, deliver, and evaluate activities throughout the week.  

For many rangatahi, involvement in sport and recreation is often their first experience of leadership – whether as coaches, team managers, or simply learning to balance the competing demands of school, work, and extracurricular commitments. These experiences help develop valuable life skills and resilience. 

Sport Whanganui proudly champions the ‘Balance is Better’ philosophy, an evidence-based approach that supports quality sporting experiences for all young people, regardless of their abilities, goals, or motivations. One of its core principles is offering a variety of participation and development opportunities, which aligns closely with the goals of Youth Week. 

We are proud to support the young people and community organisations who have put together a range of fun and inclusive events during Youth Week. 

What’s on in Youth Week?

• Battle of the Codes, Tawhero Golf Course, Tuesday 20 May – A relay event with a twist, students from local secondary schools will compete in mixed teams of four on behalf of their chosen winter sports code. Entry is via school sport coordinators. Thanks to our hosts Rivercity Golf and to Pak n’ Save Whanganui for sponsoring the sausage sizzle and supporting this youth-led event! 

• Women Who Lead – Youth Edition, Barracks Bar, 5.30pm Tuesday 20 May – 17-year-old Mollie King, fresh from placing third in the world for 87+ Youth Weightlifting in Peru, shares her journey of strength, leadership, and resilience. Interviewing her is none other than her mum, Tania King, CE of Sport Whanganui, offering a powerful mother-daughter conversation. Brought to you by Sport Whanganui and Women’s Network Whanganui. 

• Midnight Basketball, from 8.30pm Friday 23 May, Springvale Stadium – Basketball Whanganui and Ngā Tai o te Awa are teaming up once again to bring the vibes at Midnight Basketball. Register on the night or check out Whanganui Basketball on Facebook to scan the QR code and sign up. 

• ‘Koea’ Colour Run, 12pm-3pm Sunday 25 May, Springvale Park – New to Youth Week this year, the Koea Colour Run is an exciting, community-focused event filled with colour and fun. Hosted by rangatahi leaders, there will be free food, music, and colourful fun for all – wear white and bring eyewear to get the most out of the day! Under-10’s must be supervised by an adult. Contact events@teoranganui.co.nz for more info and to register a team. 

For more information about any of the events mentioned, please contact Quinn at quinn@sportwhanganui.co.nz.