Tauranga, are you ready to shine? Last year, YouthFest 2024 was unforgettable.

Nina kicked off the event with raw talent and pure energy. The Mochaccinos wowed the crowd with their live-looping skills, while Quann, Requiem, and Blah Blah Uh Huh Boo Hoos set the stage on fire.

This year, it could be you.

"Whether you’ve picked up a mic, strummed a chord, danced like no one was watching, rapped in front of your mirror, or had a song in your head that the world needs to hear - now’s your chance to step into the spotlight," a YouthVoicesAction spokesperson said.

"We’re looking for musicians, singers, dancers, spoken word artists, and performers of all kinds to take the stage at YouthFest 2025, happening on Saturday, May 24, at the Tauranga CBD Waterfront.

How to Audition:

1. Upload a video showcasing your talent (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok—whatever works).
2. DM or tag @YouthVoicesAction so they can see it.
3. Fill out the form at youthvoicesaction.org.nz/youth-fest to let them know you’ve submitted your audition.

YouthFest 2024 is open to all talent this year, so… do you have what it takes?

More than just a stage - this is youth taking the lead

Last year marked a milestone for YVA’s Youth Panel.

For Ara Robinson and Adam McLean, YouthFest 2024 wasn’t just about watching the action - it was about making it happen. Both took to the mic as first-time MCs, showing the world that young people can own the stage in more ways than one.

“My highlight was being on stage, because I don’t really do that type of thing,” said Robinson.

“I like to see people my age - our youth in general - learning more about what’s going on in their town,” said McLean.

But YouthFest isn’t just about performing - this entire event is planned by young people, for young people.

The YVA Youth Panel behind YouthFest said it isn’t just hosting the event, they’re shaping the future of youth-driven events in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.

"We're making sure young voices are heard, ideas come to life, and new opportunities are created for the next generation of talent."

ONE NZ is on the hunt for talent

"We’re stoked to announce ONE NZ as our Platinum Sponsor, backing YouthFest 2025 and searching for Tauranga’s next big youth talent. And a huge thank you to the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, whose support has made it possible to bring this entire event to life! This is your chance to get noticed, get heard, and get on stage," a YVA spokesperson said.

"Whether you’re a solo act, a band, a dancer, a poet, or something we’ve never seen before, we want to see what you’ve got. The crowd will be there. The energy will be electric. The only question is: Are you in?"

Register and submit your video today here youthvoicesaction.org.nz/youth-fest  

Tag YVA on social media: @YouthVoicesAction

YouthFest 2025. Tauranga’s Biggest Youth-Led Festival. Be There. Be Heard.