The youth conferences were held at the Trusts Arena and attended by Primary, Middle and Senior students. The focus was to inspire young leaders to create meaningful change in New Zealand. They learnt practical leadership skills and were inspired and encouraged by guest speakers such as Maia Wilson, a New Zealand netball international and World Vision Youth Ambassadors. They also learnt how to promote and run the 40hr Challenge within their schools. The students also had opportunities to interact and make connections with other young leaders from a range of schools in Auckland and beyond.

The following students wrote about their experience at the conference:

“I had the privilege of attending the World Vision Junior Youth Conference in 2026 at the Trust Arena. We had different people from World Vision NZ come up and speak about how young people like us can make a difference in the world. Some of the speakers told us about their journey to the Solomon Islands and how climate change was destroying their food sources. We were also encouraged to step up against modern slavery. We all wrote a letter to parliament expressing our opinions to stop forced labour. I learnt that we can all be leaders in what we do.”

Joel Bott (Year 9)

“This term, the Missions Council went on a trip to the World Vision Leaders Conference. We learnt lots about food insecurity in the Solomon Islands and how people are suffering overseas and what we can do to help. It was a really helpful day where we got to understand the beautiful cause we are supporting with our connection to World Vision, and how together we can make change and bless others.”

Ava Harris (Year 13) – Prefect and Mission Council leader

These photographs, taken by World Vision, capture the energy and encouragement experienced by our student leaders at the conference.