When young people see someone like them leading, everything changes.

At Youthtown, many of the people inspiring rangatahi today once stood in their shoes. Over 40% of Youthtown’s staff are aged 24 or under - a reflection of our belief that young people aren’t just participants in our programmes, they’re part of leading them.

Youth sector research in Aotearoa supports this approach. Ara Taiohi’s Mana Taiohi framework - the nationally recognised youth development principles - emphasises that when rangatahi are supported to have voice, agency and leadership opportunities, their development and wellbeing are strengthened. Positive, youth-led experiences help build confidence, skills, relationships and a strong sense of belonging in young people.

From Her Move to Ngā Puāwāi and Youth Employability programmes, young leaders bring lived experience, energy and relatability to every session. They know what it feels like to take that first step into something new, and they use that understanding to encourage others to do the same.

But being close in age isn’t the only factor that makes a youth leader effective. True leadership comes from trust - from standing alongside young people, listening to their ideas, and helping them shape their own experiences. At Youthtown, our young staff don’t lead for young people; they lead with them, creating spaces where everyone’s voice matters.

Mal Grey (Team Leader, Christchurch), says this approach is what makes Youthtown’s programmes so powerful. “Leading programmes at 21 taught me a lot about connection and determination. Working with young people came easily, but proving myself to others was a challenge. It pushed me to show that, even though I was often much younger than those around me, I had the skills and knowledge to support tamariki and rangatahi. Most importantly, I made sure young people’s voices and ideas guided the work we did.”

For many Youthtown staff, this journey starts with being part of a programme themselves. Over time, they step up to volunteer, then take on paid roles, gaining qualifications, experience and mentoring along the way. It’s an approach that grows leadership from within, ensuring Youthtown continues to reflect the voices and realities of the young people it serves.

As Aaron Harrison (Programme Lead, Upper Hutt) put it, “I was once a lost teenager searching for my purpose. The youth workers who guided me changed everything - and now I get to do the same for young people finding their way today.”

Across Aotearoa, Youthtown is continuing to strengthen pathways for young people to step into leadership roles - whether that’s through mentoring or programme delivery. It’s part of our long-standing belief that when young people lead, communities flourish.

Article added: Monday 19 January 2026