Auckland youth supported from stage to study

A new partnership is supporting The Polyfest Trust to strengthen hundreds of at-risk young people’s educational and employment pathways through leadership development and mentoring opportunities, Youth Minister James Meager says.

The Government is investing $350,000 through the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund to support The Polyfest Trust to deliver its three-month programme to more than 350 Auckland young people aged 12 to 24.

That investment is being doubled to $700,000, through co-funding from Rangitāmiro Limited ($250,000) and One Foundation Limited ($100,000).

Mr Meager says the programme, announced as part of International Youth Day celebrations this week, will be run as part of the ASB Polyfest Māori stage.

“Through four sessions, participants will gain leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills as they prepare for the Secondary School Kapa Haka Nationals and ASB Polyfest 2027,” Mr Meager says.

“Personalised attendance and engagement plans will be developed alongside youth mentors, as the young people explore future education, training, or employment opportunities, to set them up for long-term success.

“ASB Polyfest has grown into one of the largest Pacific cultural festivals in the world and is a powerful celebration of culture, language, and identity. It provides young people with opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

“We know that culture and community play an important role in helping young people succeed. By investing in these sorts of programmes, we are supporting young people to realise their potential and build strong pathways into education, employment, and leadership.”