We love events, and we know you do too! There’s nothing better than getting the community together so that you, your friends and whanau can have a good time.
Kahu Youth Trust’s programme of events includes our now famous Matariki celebration at the lakefront each year.
Six such events are outlined below. Check them out …
Northlake Skate Jam
Kahu Youth was proud to present the 2022 Northlake Skate Jam. This community event celebrates the sport of skateboarding encourages youth to get involved and active.
Check out the 2022 Northlake Skate Jam – click here!

Youth Volunteer Awards
The Upper Clutha Youth Council with Kahu Youth proudly present each year the Youth Volunteer Awards. This is a for-youth, by-youth celebration of all the positive things our local young people do in the community. It is a great way for youth to recognised the great work they do and to appreciate each other.
To nominate a youth for the Youth Volunteer Awards – click here!

The Amazing Cardboard Boat Race
For 12 years, Kahu Youth has run the annual Amazing Cardboard Boat Race. As the name suggests, it’s a boat race – but if your boat is not made out of cardboard, you get disqualified. This family favourite event sees friends get together to form cabin crews that create innovative, ingenious, hilarious and downright ridiculous cardboard boats and race them against each other on Lake Wānaka – just for fun and a good laugh.
Check out the 2022 Amazing Cardboard Boat Race – click here!

Matariki Celebrations
Since 2010 Kahu Youth has proudly celebrated Matariki by facilitating a major annual event for our community. Te Kāhui o Matariki is a cluster of stars that rises in mid-winter, marking the start of the Māori New Year. The New Year celebrations provide an opportunity for whanau and communities to come together to reflect on the year that has been and refresh, reset and rise for the year ahead. With our community we celebrate Matariki with whakangahau (performances), fireworks, hangi and fun, free activities for youth to learn about and engage in Māori culture. The event is made possible and brought to life by our incredible volunteers, local youth and our supportive community.

Takin’ over Amigos
Amigos Restaurant kindly allows Kahu Youth Trust to “take over” the front of house, running the restaurant for a few nights, and serving members of the general public. This is a great experience for all youth involved, and is also an important fundraising activity in our annual calendar.

Wānaka A&P Show
10-11 March 2023
The annual A&P show is undoubtedly a highlight on many calendars in the Upper Clutha. Each year, Kahu Youth Trust is present at the event to connect with the local community, raise awareness of our programmes and services, and talk with the young people at the show.
