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The Y25 programme is a celebration of self-identified wāhine and tāhine, 25 years and under, doing incredible things for their communities and world.

What's it all about?

Each year the Y25 programme brings together 25 of our rising trailblazers. We are looking for self-identified wāhine and tāhine, 25 years and under, doing incredible things for their communities and world. They are raising their voices, challenging the status quo, and fighting for a fairer Aotearoa. The doers, makers, shakers, change-makers and community leaders. They may have just started out or already be kicking goals, but wherever they are on the journey we want to celebrate them! We ask the public to help us by nominating wāhine and tāhine in their life, aged 15 - 25. Or for those amazing youth to nominate themselves! It's free to enter.

What you get from the Y25 


Being one of the selected Y25 is not just about being 'on the list' and appearing in the media. Yes it's that, but we want to make sure you feel supported for the year to really thrive and smash those goals you have.

We want to help plug you into other leaders who can help you on your path and, more importantly, connect with other like-minded youth like yourself so you can cheer each other on.

It can be lonely trying to change the world sometimes and together we’re always stronger.

As part of the Y25 you get to:

  • Share in a six-month programme with 25 other amazing youngwāhine and tāhine to dream big together and support each other’s wairua and vision for a more equitable Aotearoa
  • Attend the three-day Y25 wānanga held in Auckland with a commitment to whakawhanaungatanga, realising your potential and having some fun as you do
  • Gain access to support and opportunities from the Y’s networks throughout the year
  • Attend online learning sessions and panels about a variety subjects, from imposter syndrome to living in the binary to building a legacy to avoiding burnout
  • Become part of the exclusive Y25 alumni at the end of the 6-month programme. Our relationship with you and your relationships with each other continues far beyond the duration of the programme

Ngā mihi nui to our Partners