Inspiring youth conference at Kaitupeka Marae
This article has been shared by the North Island Regional Bahá’í Council, Te Kaunihera Bahá’í ā-Rohe o Te Ika-a-Māui.
Some 120 participants gather at Kaitupeka Marae for inspiring three-day youth conference
Taumarunui, Ruapehu cluster – More than 120 participants comprised of 85 youth, 20 youth facilitators and 15 adult helpers, gathered at Kaitupeka Marae, just outside Taumarunui, for an uplifting and spiritually enriching three-day youth conference from 12 to 14 April. The conference was arranged by the central and southern group of clusters teams, who spent many hours planning and preparing the identified youth facilitators, bringing together youth from 11 out of 13 clusters across the region. This additional measure to infuse the youth movement with energy was inspired by Auckland’s youth conference, which has been held each summer over the last couple of years. The youth facilitators reached out to youth in their localities, engaging them in conversations based on the youth conference themes with which they prepared, and inviting them to come along to learn and serve.
The conference opened with a stirring pōwhiri led by tangata whenua, setting a tone of reverence and unity. The presence of three kaumātua and one kuia who spoke on behalf of the manuhiri (guests) provided a deeply meaningful bridge between the visiting youth and the hosting community. Their heartfelt words honoured the mana of Kaitupeka Marae and created a sense of whanaungatanga from the outset. Kaitupeka Marae is in the Ruapehu cluster which has a goal of traversing the second milestone by Ridván 2026.
A spirit of unity and purpose was felt throughout, aligning with the insight shared in a 2021 message from the Universal House of Justice: “It is by strengthening their dynamic relationships with one another that their powers are combined and multiplied. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that the more the qualities of cooperation and mutual assistance are manifested by a people, “the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity”; in the Faith, this principle distinguishes and shapes the interactions of individuals, institutions, and communities, and it endows the body of the Cause with moral vigour and spiritual health.” (Universal House of Justice, 30 December 2021)
The conference invited youth to explore their identity, the social forces shaping their lives, and the unique role they play in contributing to vibrant, service-oriented communities. Four central themes, taken from the original 2013 youth conference materials, guided the participants’ learning and consultations:
The Period of Youth
Community Building and Fostering Mutual Support
Early Adolescence
Contributing to the Advancement of Civilisation
These themes were explored through study, reflection, creative expression, and group consultation, helping youth connect spiritual principles with action in their communities. Use of the arts was woven into every session and allowed participants to deeply explore these themes – song writing, skits, drama, poetry and drawing were some examples of artistic expression.
The Kaitupeka Marae youth conference was not only a learning experience—it was a collective spiritual journey. By combining study, service, culture, and friendship, the youth conference gave youth a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to positive change in their communities.
Some reflections from participants and facilitators:
We saw glimpses of the society-building power of the Faith manifested. There really is hope for the future. Facilitators working in pairs created a beautiful dynamic and this had an impact on the participants in their groups. They also built new capacities. When youth are given the opportunity to serve, they rise to the challenge magnificently.
We just contacted the youth or talked to them during youth nights to explain what the conference will be like and why they should go. After, there was a push to get those that attended the conference to start coming to youth nights more regularly.
I enjoyed the arts portion because I am not much of an artist, so it was always nice to see the participants come up with ideas or even lead the activities.
We integrated the arts primarily through skits and songs but also with a few poems and drawn images.
Before the Youth Conference, I have had minimal experience with facilitating and supporting youth, as I am a recent Bahá'í. I was facilitating youth nights in Wellington at a smaller scale. However, it was beneficial to be already involved in Youth Nights with Bruce and Tessa facilitating readings with the Palmy youth. But a few days before the conference, I was very worried about how that would look like and how I could personalise it into my own style.
What I enjoyed most about serving as a facilitator was learning from others. There were plenty of times in which perspectives explored were very different and similar. Hearing the youth contributions, has also helped me as a facilitator to consolidate my understanding of the Writings and have an enhanced worldview. I also enjoyed teamwork and laughing a lot with the youth, it was amazing! Felt good to be with people who shared values that encompass love, kindness, compassion, and service.
I integrated the use of art into my sessions through collaboration. I ensured that everyone wanted to express the same medium or form of art. This started with the discussion in what we had learned from the Writings, brainstormed ideas, selected the main ideas together and brainstormed the arts that we wanted to do. Incorporating and combining everyone’s ideas creatively we also rationalised how we could successfully complete these arts within the given time. My job as facilitator was to make sure everyone was seen and that their idea was included, in sharing Bahá'u'lláh’s Revelation/Writings.
Outcomes of the conference
Wellington: Youth returned inspired and immediately shared their experiences at the Cluster Reflection Meeting (CRM). Plans were made to support five or six youth who could not attend and to strengthen efforts in Tawa, an emerging neighbourhood setting.
Hawke’s Bay: Youth quickly organised a junior youth festival after returning home, bringing the energy and insights of the conference into action. Young facilitators confidently led without adult oversight, applying what they had learned. One participant is now considering declaring their faith—a testament to the spiritual impact of the experience.
Palmerston North: Participants came back enthusiastic and energised. For some, the ideas were new; for others, they were reaffirmations of past learning. The group has already met twice, initiated a reflection session, and is beginning Book 1 of the institute process. They’ve also launched a weekly music night, incorporating devotional songs from the conference.
Wairarapa: Two Wellington youth helped run a junior youth camp in Masterton right after the conference, demonstrating immediate application of their learning. Two local youths who attended the conference expressed their joy at learning alongside new friends from around the North Island.
Waikato: Immediately after the conference Waikato held a youth intensive at Kaitupeka Marae. Youth from Taumarunui, Tairawhiti and Opotiki also participated.
