Young voices lead the way: what’s on for Youth Week 2026
Published on 29 April 2026
Youth Week runs from 18-24 May 2026, and we’re getting ready to host an exciting programme of free events and activities for Upper Hutt’s tamariki (kids) and rangatahi (teens).
This year’s official Youth Week theme is: Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard. Taringa whakarongo! Te reo o ngā taiohi.
The unique stories and personal experiences of our local young people shape the future and our community every moment, every day. We want to celebrate that by giving them the space to be creative, express themselves, and try out new things on their own terms.
What's on during Youth Week 2026
All our Youth Week events are free to attend and wheelchair-accessible.
Nau mai, haere mai – everyone is welcome to join in, no registration required.
CollaborARTive (for ages 12 and over)
Monday, 18 May 2026, 4-5pm | Central Library
STEM Explorers: Sphero Robots Edition (for ages 8 and over)
Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 4-5pm | Central Library
Slaying Sayings (for ages 12 and over)
Thursday, 21 May 2026, 4-5pm | Central Library
More to explore: programmes and resources for kids and teens
Making the library a space where kids and teens feel welcome to browse resources, read and study, meet with friends, and spend time is important to us.
If you have a young person looking for something to spark their creativity or an opportunity to learn something new, check out our list of recommendations below.
Fiero Code
Welcome to our tech playground for all ages and all levels of coding experience! Includes fun tutorials, regular challenges and a chance to win tech prizes.
Access Fiero Code for free with your Library Card.
By the river, on the go, in your safe space: read with the Libby app
Thousands of eBooks, eAudio titles, and magazines, just a tap away. Find your perfect reading spot, settle in with your phone or tablet, and let great storytelling take you places.
Find out more about the Libby app for Apple and Android.
Comics Plus
Love manga, graphic novels, and comics? Comics Plus has it all. Enjoy unlimited reads and zero wait times – instant access to your favourites and thousands of new titles, free with your Library Card.
Get ready to read with the Comics Plus app.
Short Story Competition
entries close on Sunday, 10 May 2026, 5pm
We know that Upper Hutt is home to some seriously impressive teen writing talent. There is still time to enter this year’s creative writing competition. Let your imagination soar – to something fun, something weird, something wonderful! Your voice matters.
Visit our competition page for more information.