Young, Free & Pacific 2025 – A Celebration of Identity, Purpose, and Leadership
Auckland, May 2025 – The Young, Free & Pacific (YFP) conference returned to Tāmaki Makaurau this year with two powerful days dedicated to uplifting and empowering young Pacific students. Coordinated by Affirming Works, this annual event continues to create space for youth to celebrate their identity, connect with others, and grow in confidence as future leaders.
What is Young, Free & Pacific?
Young, Free & Pacific is a leadership and empowerment experience for Pacific youth in New Zealand. It affirms young people’s identities through a culturally grounded, values-based programme designed to strengthen self-belief, community connectedness, and a sense of purpose. The event is built around inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and creative showcases that allow students to explore who they are, where they come from, and what they can become.
Launched by Affirming Works, a Pacific-owned and led organisation, Young, Free & Pacific is now in its eleventh year. It began as a response to the need for more culturally affirming spaces for Pacific youth to thrive. What started as a one-day gathering has evolved into a movement of young people reclaiming their space and voice in schools, homes, and wider society.
Why This Event Matters
The theme for Youth Week 2025 was “Take Our Place – Whai Wāhitanga”, and that is exactly what Young, Free & Pacific helps young people do — take their rightful place. Whether that’s as leaders in their school, voices in their community, or simply as confident Pacific young people navigating the world, YFP is a space where they are reminded that they matter.
With the Wellington YFP conference just around the corner, the Auckland gathering has set the tone. It has reminded us of the power of affirming spaces and the strength of our youth when we give them the mic, the room, and the encouragement to lead.
Why Separate Days?
This year’s Auckland gathering was hosted over two days to allow both our young men and young women the opportunity to connect more meaningfully and safely with the themes and workshops presented.
- Wednesday, 21 May was Men’s Day – A day of energy, unity and encouragement.
- Thursday, 22 May was Women’s Day – A space of strength, celebration, and sisterhood.
Each day was tailored with care, ensuring the content and conversations spoke directly to our young people’s realities, challenges, and aspirations.
What Happened in Auckland?
Held at C3 Church, Ellerslie, both days brought together over 300 students from across Auckland. The programme featured keynote speakers, storytelling, creative performances, and workshops on mental wellbeing, identity, cultural pride, leadership, and future pathways.
From ice breakers and t-shirt stations at the registration tent to real-talk panels and high-energy closing items — every part of the day was designed to affirm and uplift.
Highlights & Reflections
- Students said the event made them feel seen, valued, and proud to be Pacific.
- Staff commended the intentionality and manaakitanga (hospitality) of the event.
- Young people spoke of the importance of hearing stories from people like them who had succeeded in different walks of life — whether that was university, trades, sports, the arts, or community leadership.
- Many left inspired to take up space, be better role models, and represent their families well.
“I didn’t know how much I needed this until I came here today. I feel motivated and connected to who I am.”
Next Stop: Wellington – Young, Free & Pacific 2025
Following the energy of Auckland, we now head to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The Wellington leg of Young, Free & Pacific 2025 will take place at Toi Rauwhārangi, Massey University Wellington, located at Block 1 Te Whare Pukākā, Wallace Street, Mount Cook.
📅 Dates:
- Men’s Day: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
- Women’s Day: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
We’re excited to welcome our Wellington aiga to experience what it means to be bold, rooted, and free as Pacific youth in Aotearoa.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to email our team at yfp@affirmingworks.org.nz.
For all photos and further information from Young, Free & Pacific events, we’re regularly updating our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram – be sure to follow along and stay connected!
