About

INVOLVE is the national conference for youth health and development in Aotearoa. It is the biggest event in the youth sector’s calendar!

How INVOLVE is organised

INVOLVE is proudly hosted by Ara Taiohi, in-conjunction with a local rōpū. 

History

The first INVOLVE conference was held in 2002 and organised by NZAAHD - New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development.

From 2002 to 2010, the conference ran every two years, gathering professionals from across the youth health and development sector. After an eight-year hiatus, INVOLVE made its return in 2018, with four organisations from the wider youth health and development sector hosting: Ara Taiohi, the NZ Youth Mentoring Network, SYHPANZ, and The Collaborative Trust.

“We wish to see the taiohi of Aotearoa thrive, and to make this happen we all need to be on the same waka, paddling in the same direction”.

Previous INVOLVE Conferences

2023

The Stars That Guide Us

14-16 August 2023
Due Drop Event Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland

Keynotes: Matekino Marshall, Anya Satyanand, Pooja Subramanian, Prof Tom Wilson, Lourdes Vano, Dr Terongonui Josie Keelan and Ramon Narayan.
Brought to you by Ara Taiohi,

2021

Our Waka, New Seas reunion

9-11 August 2021
Michael Fowler Centre, Pōneke, Wellington

Keynotes: Rod Baxter,Dr Melinda Webber, Dame Sue Bagshaw, Dr Terryann Clark, Ihorangi Reweti-Peters, Dr Eruera Tarena and Madison Simons.
Brought to you by Ara Taiohi, NZ Youth Mentoring Network, SYHPANZ and The Collaborative Trust

2020 

Our Waka, New Seas digital

17-18 August 2020
Online - Digital Conference

Keynotes: Kawiti Waetford, David Shanks, Susan Sawyer, Guled Mire and Veena Patel.
Brought to you by Ara Taiohi, NZ Youth Mentoring Network, SYHPANZ and The Collaborative Trust

2018 

Looking Back to Move Forward

13-15 August 2018
Michael Fowler Centre, Pōneke, Wellington

Keynotes: Laura O’Connell Rapira, Glenn Colquhoun, Dr Michelle Johansson, Mana Williams-Eade and Judge Andrew Becroft
Brought to you by Ara Taiohi, NZ Youth Mentoring Network, SYHPANZ and The Collaborative Trust

2010

Connect - Together we are stronger, Ma rātou ma mātou ma tātou
17-19 November 2010
Aotea Centre, Auckland

Keynote speakers: Karen Pittman, Dr Terryann Clark and Te Rawhitiroa Bosch
Brought to you by NZAAHD with support from the Ministry of Youth Development, National Youth Workers Network and Mental Health Commission.

INVOLVE conferences from 2010 - 2002

2008

Young people and quality relationships
2-4 July 2008, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

Keynote speakers: Dr Anne-Marie Tupuola, Pahia Turia, Lloyd Martin and Justin Duckworth
Brought to you by NZAAHD and National Youth Workers Network

2006

creativity | diversity | connection
1-3 November 2006. Lincoln University, Christchurch 

Keynote speakers: Michelle Dagnino (Canada), Ruth Jones, Deborah Christie (UK), Rangimoana Taylor, Whiu Whanau, Tom Wylie (UK)
Brought to you by NZAAHD and Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand

2004 

Health AND Development: the connection
20-22 September 2004, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland

Keynote speakers: Dr Sue Bagshaw, Peter Chown, Dr Miriam Kaufman, Josie Keelan, Yadana Saw, Dr Fernando Soriano, Dr Peter Watson
Brought to you by NZAAHD

2002

A conference about youth development
2-4 July 2002, Victoria University of Wellington

Keynote speaker: Geraldine Hera Harvey, Karen Pittman, Vicki Buck, Peter Slattery, Sue Bagshaw, Peter Watson and Anne Carter.
Brought to you by The Ministry of Youth Affairs and NZAAHD