New Zealand Youth Share Community Values Of ‘Whiria Te Tangata’ Through Sports

The New Zealand branch of the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), co-hosted the ‘Youth Peace Sports Day’ on the 18th of April at the Synergy Sports Centre in New Lynn.

IPYG is an international NGO driving youth-led peace-building and conflict prevention initiatives across 130 countries.

This event was as part of IPYG New Zealand’s 2026 theme, ‘Whiria Te Tangata’ (Weaving People Together). Approximately 30 youth from diverse cultural backgrounds attended the event to communicate and connect through the medium of sports.

Jemma Palmer, a Youth Advisor from Tuia Waitākere, opened the event with a keynote speech emphasising the importance of 'being a little bit brave' to approach and get to know new people and "stepping outside of your comfort zone, and then you find its not as uncomfortable as you thought.'

After warm-ups and ice-breaking activities led by Mixit, a youth organisation empowering youth through arts, participants competed in futsal and volleyball matches. The games focused on teamwork, mutual respect, and inclusion rather than simple competition, allowing the participants to experience a true sense of community belonging.

A Trainee Youth Leader at Mixit, shared, “I really enjoyed playing volleyball and futsal again with a new group. I felt proud of my team and was able to connect with many new people as well as my friends.”

The event was made possible through the collaboration of local organisations and businesses. Empower Youth NZ, Mixit, Tuia Waitakere, and RASNZ supported the planning and operation, while Sports Hub Community Trust and Synergy Sports Centre provided equipment. Local sponsors, including, Baker's Delight New Lynn, and Fair Food NZ, provided refreshments for the attendees.

An IPYG coordinator remarked, "Sports serve as a practical medium that allows youth to interact without prejudice. We plan to continue building a sustainable peace network with youth worldwide through various activities that ‘weave people together.’"

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