South Canterbury’s younger generation will be celebrated this month as the Youth Impact Awards and Impact Art Awards join forces for a night of recognition and inspiration.
This collaborative event, hosted by The Y Central South Island, Refugee Settlement Services, the Tongan Society South Canterbury, the Timaru District Council and Multicultural Aoraki, offers a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on rangatahi aged 12-24 who give back to their community and inspire those around them.
The evening marks a cornerstone of Wiki Taiohi (Youth Week) 2026, shifting the focus away from traditional academic or sporting achievements to celebrate heart, generosity and quiet leadership.
The awards will be presented by Minister for Youth and MP for Rangitata James Meager, at a gala evening to be held at the Caroline Bay Hall on May 22.
The community’s response to this year’s call for nominations has seen 71 young people put forward for their contributions to the district.
These awards recognise those who make a meaningful difference through volunteering, kindness and a commitment to making the community a better place.
Integral to the evening’s festivities is the presentation of the Art Impact Awards — a long-standing tradition hosted by The Y.
Formerly known as the VOICE Art Awards, this initiative has been a platform for young creatives for many years, inviting artists aged 12-24 to express themselves across a diverse range of mediums.
The theme for this year’s art awards is based on the Wiki Taiohi theme of "our voices matter, we deserve to be heard — Taringa whakarongo, ki te reo o ngā taiohi".
Entries will span several categories, including painting and mixed media, drawing and printmaking, 3-D works such as sculpture and installation, digital media encompassing photography and design, and creative writing including poetry and rhyme.
The emerging disability artist award ensures that the creative voices of all young people are heard and celebrated.
Leading up to the main event, the public will have the opportunity to view the artworks at the Y Youth and Community Hub, 7-9 Sophia St, May 11-21.
The collection will then be moved to Caroline Bay Hall for the awards night, where the art exhibition will be available to view alongside the ceremony.
The evening will include performances from local youth and cultural groups. — Allied Media
