BUILDING A COMMUNITY AROUND YOUTH VOICES
We believe every young person has the potential to make a difference when they’re given the right tools, connections, and a safe space to speak.
Youth Voices Action (YVA) is a youth charity based in Tauranga, supporting youth with development and opportunities in collaboration with organisations across the Bay of Plenty.
YVA began because many rangatahi felt unseen. They had ideas and insight but were not always given the chance to share them. Our work helps change that.
Our journey started as the Tauranga Youth Development Team (TYDT), which was formed in 2010 to strengthen coordination and collaboration across the youth sector in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty. We saw early on that when organisations work together, young people access support sooner, feel more confident, and take part in shaping their communities.
For more than 15 years, TYDT built trusted relationships and elevated youth voice. When another charity adopted a similar name, we took the opportunity to refresh our identity and step into the next phase of our mahi. That is how YVA was created.
Today, we bring together rangatahi, whānau, schools, iwi, councils, and youth services across our region. We support young people to share their ideas, and we help organisations listen and act in ways that lead to real change. Our mahi is not about one programme. It is about building a community where youth voices guide decisions and youth development is strengthened through collaboration.
Together, we can grow a connected and confident future for rangatahi in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
Mission & Vision
FOR YOUth
Our mission is to make sure young people never feel like they have to walk alone. We create spaces where rangatahi can find their voice, build confidence, and connect with people and opportunities that help them thrive.
Mission & Vision
FOR ORGANISATIONS
Our mission is to help organisations listen better and work together. By connecting services, schools, iwi, and community groups with youth voice, we reduce silos and spark collaboration.
WHAT WE DO
Youth Voices Action is the connector for rangatahi in the Bay of Plenty. We empower young people (aged 13–24) to lead, learn, and thrive, while also weaving together the services and organisations that support them. Our programmes include YouthFest, FluroFest, Clean It Up, He Wānanga Waiora, Teen Tools, and our Youth Panel and Mentorship Programme. All are built around connection, co-design, and collaboration.
HOW WE DO IT
We do more than run programmes - we connect the dots. YVA brings together rangatahi, whānau, schools, iwi, councils, and services so young people experience clear pathways instead of closed doors.
Our approach combines three things:
- Youth-led design: young people shape the kaupapa.
- Collaboration: we convene the sector so resources are shared and impact is multiplied.
- Insight: our Youth Voice Research, including The Lost Middle, gives us the evidence to advocate for better policy and practice.
By building a culture of partnership and amplifying youth voices, we’re creating a stronger, more connected Bay of Plenty where every young person has the opportunity to belong, lead, and make a difference.
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VALUES
Our values guide how we connect people, services, and youth voices across the Bay of Plenty.
1.
EVERY Voice Matters
Mana Kōrero
We believe in mana kōrero -EVERY young person has something important to say.
We’re here to ensure those voices are heard, respected, and acted upon.
2.
Action Through Collaborations
Mahi Tahi
Mahi tahi, or working together, drives real change. We build partnerships to create meaningful actions led by youth voices.
3.
Honest Conversations
Kōrero Pono
We value kōrero pono - open, honest conversations, even when they’re tough. This is a space for real talk,where all perspectives are welcome.
4.
Inclusion Always
Kotahitanga
Kotahitanga, or unity, means EVERYONE belongs. We actively create spaces where ALL young people feel welcome and supported, no matter their background or confidence.
Building a more engaged community TOGETHER
Get in Touch
THE HISTORIC VILLAGE
159 Seventeenth Ave
Tauranga South 3112
MAILING ADDRESS
PO BOX 841, Tauranga 3144
