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 Moana, supporting rangatahi with development and opportunities through collaboration with organisations across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
Our journey began as the Tauranga Youth Development Team (TYDT), formed in 2010 to strengthen coordination and collaboration across the youth sector. 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 10 years, TYDT built trusted relationships and coordination across the youth sector and elevated youth voices in the region. When another charity adopted a similar name, we chose to refresh our identity and step clearly into the next phase of our mahi and in 2024, we officially became Youth Voices Action (YVA).
This name better reflects who we are today: a youth-led, youth-centred charity focused on action, connection, and real change. Along the way, rangatahi told us they often felt unseen. They were asked what they wanted, but too often through the lens of what adults thought they needed. That feedback shaped who we are today.
As we have evolved into Youth Voices Action, we committed to embedding youth voice into everything we do. We established our Youth Panel, created youth leadership pathways, and welcomed rangatahi onto our Board to ensure young people are not only consulted, but actively involved in shaping our direction and decision-making.
Today, YVA serves as a connector, collaborator, and champion for youth voice across our region. We work alongside young people and community partners to create opportunities, strengthen the youth sector, and ensure rangatahi have meaningful influence in the decisions that affect their lives.
Together, we are building a future where young people are connected, empowered, and at the centre of creating positive change in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty.
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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, 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 with not only youth charities in Tauranga, but organisations throughout New Zealand as well.
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 Tauranga and Bay of Plenty where every young person has the opportunity to belong, lead, and make a difference.
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General Enquiries
VALUES
Our values guide how we connect people, services, and youth voices across Tauranga and the Western 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
