The future belongs to those who create it.

At Gen-Z Aotearoa, we’re making sure rangatahi have the power to shape what comes next. We are the home of tomorrow’s leaders, creators, and changemakers.

Create Opportunities

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Drive Action

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Shape Tomorrow

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Create Opportunities • Drive Action • Shape Tomorrow •

Why we’re here

Youth-led organisations have always been powerful forces for change. But too often, they’re isolated, underfunded, and left to fight alone. The networks that once supported rangatahi have fallen apart, leaving gaps no one else is filling.

Without connection, collaboration is harder. Leadership burnout gets worse. Brilliant ideas stay small.

We believe the future needs a better system. One where youth orgs lift each other up, build together, and last longer than a funding cycle.

Gen-Z Aotearoa is building that system: a network powered by youth, led by youth, made for youth.

Our Work
Two young adults, a woman and a man, standing side by side with their arms crossed, smiling in front of a plain white background, wearing black t-shirts.

Ngā Uara - Values

  • A group of diverse young adults smiling and posing for a selfie in a conference room.

    Tūhonotanga

    The power of a genuine connection and relationships.

    We nurture strong, authentic relationships, across rangatahi movements, creating a united way forward.

  • Two women embracing in a hug, smiling, inside a decorated room with wooden paneling, a stained glass window, and marble columns. An older woman stands smiling nearby.

    Rangatiratanga

    Self-determination, leadership, and agency.

    We empower rangatahi to lead with confidence, vision, and autonomy in their own spaces.

  • Four women engaged in a discussion around a table at an indoor event. One woman in a denim jacket is pointing towards papers on the table, while another wearing a pearl necklace looks on. Two other women are leaning in, listening. A yellow sign with text and illustrations is visible in the background.

    Kotahitanga

    Unity, collective strength, and shared purpose.

    We move together with intention, collaborating to achieve greater impact together.

  • A young man with tattoos and wearing a cap and black shirt is sitting and talking to a woman with brown hair and glasses, holding a phone, in front of a patterned glass wall.

    Puāwaitanga

    The process of blossoming, thriving and reaching potential.

    We create environments where rangatahi can grow, thrive and realise their fullest selves.

Meet the team

ABOUT US
Black and white photo of a smiling young woman and a young man with tattoos, both wearing black T-shirts, sitting against a plain background.

the New Zealander of the year awards

Gen-Z Aoteaora Founder and co-Director Nate Wilbourne, alongside co-Founder and co-Director Lola Fisher have both been recognised as semi finalists for the 2026 Young New Zealander of the Year award. Learn more about their achievements and why they are in the running:

Learn more