Youth-led summit, backed by council, promotes rangatahi leadership
South Waikato’s next generation is stepping into the spotlight this week, with up to 120 young people, volunteers and community leaders set to take part in Te Pūtake – South Waikato Youth Summit 2026, a three-day, youth-led event running from 21–23 January.
Hosted across Papa o Te Aroha Marae and the South Waikato Events Centre, Te Pūtake is notable for its approach: a summit designed and led by rangatahi, with South Waikato District Council supporting from the side rather than leading from the front.
The summit brings together rangatahi aged 14–17 from across the district to explore identity, belonging and leadership, while co-designing ideas for what the future of South Waikato could look like.
The summit comes as South Waikato looks ahead to its next chapter, with a strong focus on rebuilding confidence, connection and opportunity for young people across the district.
South Waikato District Council is supporting the summit alongside local partners as part of its wider commitment to youth wellbeing, pathways and community resilience backing a kaupapa that places youth voice and leadership at the centre.
Mayor Gary Petley said Te Pūtake reflects a shift in how the district is choosing to work alongside rangatahi.
“After a challenging year for South Waikato, it’s important we keep investing in our young people and their belief in this place. Te Pūtake is about listening to rangatahi, backing their ideas and giving them a genuine role in shaping what comes next for our district.”
The summit is free of charge to attend. As of last week, 45 rangatahi were registered, with organisers aiming for 60 youth participants, supported by around 30 volunteers for the duration of the noho marae and activities.
Delivered by YMCA South Waikato, SWPICS, Raukawa, WORKIT, Interactionz, Kia Mau and WACT, Te Pūtake is guided by a Youth Advisory Group and designed for youth, by youth.
Julius Daniels, Chief Executive of YMCA South Waikato, said the summit is about creating space for young people to be heard — and taken seriously.
“This summit is about getting rangatahi in a room together and asking the big questions: who are we, where do we belong, and what do we want South Waikato to be? It’s about reducing isolation, building confidence, and creating real pathways forward for every young person, across the spectrum.”
Over three days, participants will take part in pōwhiri, workshops, creative sessions and group activities, including a district-wide Amazing Race designed to reconnect youth with
different parts of South Waikato. They will also hear from people who have grown up in the district and gone on to leadership and professional roles, offering inspiration and practical insight.
Te Pūtake is a youth-led summit for rangatahi in South Waikato, designed for rangatahi, by rangatahi, with a focus on:
· Building leadership, confidence and purpose
· Strengthening identity, belonging and connection to culture and whānau
· Co-designing ideas and solutions for South Waikato
· Influencing local and regional decision-making
· Creating long-term pathways for youth leadership beyond the event
The summit is designed to be a starting point, with youth leadership and engagement continuing beyond the three-day event.
Elected members from South Waikato District Council will attend the opening and closing of the summit, with council staff present throughout the three days.
Te Pūtake – South Waikato Youth Summit runs from Wednesday 21 January to Friday 23 January 2026.
