There’s never been a more important time to invest in our future, than now.
At Inspiring Stories, we believe in the power of young people to create change. Do you?
We support young New Zealanders to connect, be inspired, build capability, and take action to make a difference for our future. From creating solutions for climate and community resilience, to mental health and wellbeing, to building the next generation of impact-driven businesses. If you care about Aotearoa’s young people and making a difference for our future – get involved.
What we do, and how you can get involved.
We run a range of high-impact programmes and events that support young people aged 16–30 with the connections, capability and resources to lead change. As a small charity, we depend on the generosity and support of our community – if you’d like to help in some way, get in touch!
Attend Festival for the Future – Aotearoa’s biggest leadership and innovation summit, offering an action-packed programme of inspirational speakers, future-focused panels, workshops, and entertainment.
8-9th June 2023 | Wellington
Learn more >
Take part in The Impact Challenge – brand new in 2023, the inaugural challenge will back young people with the skills, confidence, connections and support to create solutions to climate change and community resilience.
Running June–Sept 2023 | Nationwide
Learn More >
Get involved in The Impact Awards – help us celebrate and support young people making a difference. Apply or nominate someone for the Awards, sponsor a category, or attend the Awards Ceremony.
Running June–Sept 2023 | Nationwide
Learn more >
Take part in Future Leaders – a free and accessible opportunity that runs throughout the year with access to various workshops, events and mentoring to help build capability and make a difference in your community.
Runs year-round | Nationwide
Learn more >
“Attending Festival and The Impact Awards was a life-changing experience.”
Sophie Weenink-Smith, Alumni
Our Impact.
15,000+
People have taken part in our events & programmes.
180+
Community projects and ventures we’ve supported.
$2.5M+
In-kind scholarship support we’ve provided.
$100K+
We’ve given out in funding as awards and prizes.
A few of our alumni & Impact Award recipients.
Mary Moeono-Kolio, Co-founder Pacific Climate Warriors Aotearoa, leading action on climate change.
Matenga Ashby, working to increase access to affordable housing and prefab homes for whānau in Kaikohe.
Talei Bryant, founder of the Find Your Fish Movement supporting rangatahi in the Bay of Plenty.
Tanemahuta and Teakaraupo Pakeha-Heke, harnessing their musical talents (‘Twin Harmony’) to stop domestic and family violence.
Ezra Hirawani, Co-founder of Nau Mai Rā – Aotearoa’s first Māori-owned electricity retailer.
Sophie Handford, Founder of the School Strikes 4 Climate NZ, and Councillor at Kāpiti District Council.
Ali Muhammad, former refugee and advocate for youth voice, increasing access to sport for young refugees.
Sophie Weenink-Smith, champion for the environment and rainbow community.
Jazz Thornton, mental health advocate, international speaker, film director and author.
Shaneel Lal, LGBT rights activist and co-founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group.
Jacinta Gulasekharam, co-founder of Dignity NZ improving access to sanitary products in schools.
Ihorangi Reweti-Peters, advocating for systems change, and better support for rangatahi in state care.
Heidi Parks, champion for accessibility and disability awareness from Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty.
Shay Wright, co-founder of Te Whare Hukahuka, passionate about Māori business and social enterprise.
Sarah Tuck, co-founder of CoLiberate, providing training and support to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Shaquille Shortland, founder of Tūapapa Māori language academy and consultancy.
Featured videos.
We’ve brought together some incredible people to share their experiences and insights – from world class entrepreneurs to leaders of business and government, to young people leading change in grass roots communities. A few examples below, or click here for more.
Co-founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group, Shaneel Lal has been at the the forefront of leading the campaign for a ban on conversion therapy.
Sophie Handford founded the School Strikes for Climate in Aotearoa, which later went on to see 170,000 Kiwis marching on the streets to demand greater action on climate change.
At just 14-years-of-age Georgia Latu founded the world’s largest poi company, founded on the principles of connecting to kaupapa, inclusivity and sustainability.
Mental health activist, film director and author, Jazz Thornton is using her lived experience and powerful storytelling to reach millions of people around the world.
An award-winning journalist, Miriama Kamo is the presenter for TVNZ’s flagship current affairs programme, Sunday.
Through spoken word poetry, Takunda Muzondiwa expresses the confusion about her own cultural identity, feeling her Zimbabwean culture beginning to fade.