Six Instep Young Leaders were part of the action at YouthFest 2026, joining rangatahi from across the community to celebrate youth voice, creativity and connection.

Held on Sunday 17 May, YouthFest marked the beginning of Youth Week 2026 and embraced this year’s theme: Our Voices Matter – We Deserve to Be Heard | Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi!

Designed by young people, for the community, YouthFest created a vibrant and inclusive space for rangatahi to express themselves, share ideas and be heard. The day featured live performances, creative showcases, interactive activities, youth-led stalls and community connections, including Whai Basketball.

For the Instep Young Leaders, the event was an opportunity to step into a hands-on role, connect with other young people and help tell the story of the day through a youth lens.

Year 13 Papamoa College student and Instep Young Leader Emily Mardon said the group had a great time being part of the event.

“I had a great time at YouthFest,” Emily said. “We went around to different people and interviewed them about what they were doing at the different stalls, and we also interviewed the artists after their performances.”

Emily said the day gave the Young Leaders a chance to meet a wide range of people, learn more about the different activities and creative work on display, and help capture the energy of the festival.

Tauranga Girls’ College student and Instep Young Leader Molly Lobb was also part of the volunteer team, helping film content, answer questions and gather survey responses throughout the day.

“Having the opportunity to get involved with YouthFest 2026, even as a volunteer, was an enlightening and engaging experience that opened my eyes to the emerging talent, voice and importance of youth in Tauranga,” Molly said.

Throughout the event, Molly had a close-up view of the way young people moved between performances, stalls and activities, with the festival creating a visible sense of energy and participation.

“The live music kept spirits high, and I loved seeing crowds form to watch the amazing bands and singers perform,” she said.

For Molly, the day also highlighted the role Youth Voices Action is playing in creating spaces where young people can connect with opportunities, organisations and each other.

“Seeing the next generation of Tauranga get involved with the many stalls and activities really proved to me the impact YVA is making in creating spaces for youth to thrive and feel seen,” she said.

Molly said she also discovered new opportunities for young people across the Bay of Plenty and spoke with organisations motivated to support rangatahi.

The involvement of the Instep Young Leaders reflected the wider purpose of YouthFest: creating space for young people to participate, contribute and lead. By speaking with stallholders, performers and other participants, the Young Leaders helped highlight the range of talent, ideas and perspectives young people bring to the community.

YouthFest 2026 was a reminder that youth voice is not something to be talked about from a distance. It is something to be actively heard, supported and celebrated.

For Instep, the event provided another opportunity to support rangatahi leadership in action and to help young people build confidence, connections and real-world experience. When young people are given the platform to lead, ask questions, share stories and take up space, everyone benefits.