YOUR VOICE MATTERS, EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW IT YET.

He mea nui tō reo, ahakoa kāore anō koe kia mōhio.

At YVA, we help young people who feel stuck or unsure find their voice and make real change.

We believe every young person has something important to say, even if they don’t know it yet. We’re here to help you build confidence, connect with others, and be part of shaping the Bay of Plenty’s future.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make a difference.

YOUth, ARE OUR LIFE FORCE

At YVA, you’re not just included, you lead. We create spaces where rangatahi can belong, grow skills, and be heard. Our programmes cover what matters most to you: mental health and wellbeing, leadership, education and social media advocacy. Whether you want to build confidence, gain experience, or connect with like-minded people, YVA is where those pathways open.

HOW WE WORK WITH YOUth

We don’t just run programmes for you, we design them with you. Our Youth Panel and co-design approach put rangatahi at the centre of decisions. Along the way, you’ll connect with mentors, organisations, and peers from different backgrounds who can open new doors.

We also make sure youth voices shape change beyond YVA. Through our Youth Voice Research Project, including “The Lost Middle,” your perspectives inform schools, councils, iwi, and services. That means what you share with us doesn’t stop here, it helps build a better system for all young people.

Our goal is simple: to empower you, connect you, and equip you with the skills, networks, and confidence you need to thrive now and in the future..