Year Two of the Y25

Last year, amid the chaos of Covid lockdowns and uncertainty, we launched our first ever Y25 group.  We put their perspectives, accomplishments and passion for change in the spotlight and they demonstrated what an amazing generation of wāhine toa is emerging. 

We have learnt a great deal from these wāhine in the past twelve months. They don’t just care about the world they are maturing into, they raise their voices and dedicate their mahi to making things better.  Many of these young women are rejecting the status quo and doing the hard work and smart thinking to make real change happen.

From working with the 2020 Y25 over the last 12 months we can see that we need to not only pay attention and listen to these young fresh perspectives, but we also need to work together, across the generations to change the structures that hold back this much-needed change.

Now in 2021, we have another amazing 25 young women to introduce to you. We tapped into all corners of our communities - schools, employers, sports clubs, community groups, whānau and friends - to find many remarkable young wāhine often not seen. The nationwide search and nomination process produced a rich list of community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, environmentalists, activists and changemakers for our judging panel to get to know. 

Our aim with the Y25 is to create a community of support and growth. We want all 25 to feel connected and build whakawhanaungatanga so they can support each other year after year to keep doing their mahi, raising their voices, and fighting for a fairer Aotearoa. 

The Y25 programme is a year of online and in-person connections, with support and opportunities tailored to young wāhine. The two-day residential wananga brings all 25 together and it’s where real bonds form and you can witness growth and learning happen right in front of you.

We have learnt a great deal about resilience, hope and commitment from the Y25 and we’re excited for you to get to know the 2021 group. There’s no doubt that they will refill your sense of what is possible with fresh eyes, energy and wisdom.