Latest news with #WhaiWāhitanga
Otago Daily Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Young creatives can show identity in Y art exhibition
Y Southland Youth Development co-ordinator Michael Gilbert. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Y Southland is calling on young creatives to share their talents in a Youth Week art exhibition this month — and is preparing to transform its Tay St reception area into a vibrant pop-up gallery to showcase their work. Paintings, photography, sketches, drawings and other visual art forms are all welcome, with the exhibition set to run from May 19-25 as part of Youth Week celebrations. Entries should reflect this year's Youth Week theme: Taking Our Place — Whai Wāhitanga, interpreted in each artist's own way. Submissions are open to people aged 12-24. Y Southland Youth Development co-ordinator Michael Gilbert said the exhibition was all about giving young people a voice through creative expression. "We had a lot of ideas about how to celebrate Youth Week, but the art exhibition really ticked all the boxes," he said. "It gives young people an outlet to share their creativity — and we know there are some incredibly talented artists out there, as well as those who simply enjoy creating. ''But it's also a chance for them to reflect on what the theme 'Taking Our Place – Whai Wāhitanga' means to them. So they're not only showcasing their talent, but their perspective and identity." The exhibition will be on display for the entire Youth Week, and community members will be encouraged to stop by and take in the artwork. While the focus is on the exhibition and showcasing youth creativity, there will be two winners announced at the Block Takeover event on May 25, and their artwork will stay on display at the Y for two weeks. The Y has some free canvases available from its reception, and artwork can be submitted at any time. To get involved, visit the Y at 77 Tay St, Invercargill or email The Y Southland's youth development co-ordinator Michael Gilbert at — APL
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Stratford Youth Week 2025: Crafternoon, On The Bus, And Pop-up Cinema Events!
Stratford district's rangatahi aged 12 to 18 are in for some next-level fun, with 3 free or low-cost events planned for this year's Youth Week; a national celebration of Aotearoa's young people from 19 May to 25 May 2025. Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) Co-Chair Tatjana Hanne says, 'The national theme for Youth Week 2025 is Whai Wāhitanga – Take our Place. It's all about encouraging young people to stand up and speak up. We should be proud of ourselves as we are now, while also not being afraid to help create the future we want to see.' 'As Youth Councillors, we help support a lot of events, but Youth Week is a highlight of the year. We've got an epic mix of events, with something for everyone; crafters, 90s movie enthusiasts, and laser tag legends included!' On Tuesday 20 May, rangatahi can jump On the Bus to Bowlarama with SDYC from 4.30pm – 9.30pm for laser tag, bowling, and pizza. The cost is $5 per person, thanks to support from the Taranaki Electricity Trust. Seats on the bus are limited, with bookings available through Thursday 22 May, the Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre is holding a free drop-in Crafternoon from 3.30pm – 4.45pm. The library team will have plenty of creative materials, activities, and snacks on offer, but if people can't stay, takeaway craft packs will be available to take home. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The SDYC free Pop-up Cinema opens on Sunday 25 May in the Function Facility of the Stratford War Memorial Centre. The nostalgic animated film, Bee Movie, screens at 5.30pm and 90s cult-classic, Clueless, from 7.30pm. Movie goers can expect professional sound quality, a massive screen, and free pizza and drinks. 'Bring your own bean bags, cushions, and beach chairs for a comfy viewing experience,' says Tatjana. 'Coming to the Pop-up Cinema is free, but make sure you register at so we can order enough pizza.' More information about Stratford's Youth Week events is available at with event updates available through the Stratford District Youth Council Instagram and Facebook pages.
