NATIONAL HUI 2026

Saturday 9 May
10am – 3.45pm
Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, MIT, Gate 12, 53 Ōtara Rd, Auckland

The Race Unity Hui are spaces where young people advance the conversation about overcoming racism and improving race relations in Aotearoa New Zealand. The goal of the hui is that participants leave with new friendships, new understanding and new energy for the Kaupapa.

The 2026 Hui will be a forum for the national semi-finalists to share their views, deepen their understanding of the theme and build a share vision of the future of race relations in our nation. During the hui, the participants can identify the insights and ideas which they want to include in a collective statement which will be share widely.

SPEECH AWARDS TOPIC 2026

Whakarongo kia mārama
Listening to understand

TESTIMONIALS

“Everything was awesome!”

“Amazing event! Thank you so much; I went away inspired and equipped to do my bit towards achieving a racially diverse NZ.”

“… thank you for making this opportunity available to all of us …and thank you for showing me the multitude of ways we can make change in our society.”

“Keep doing what you’re doing, you have no idea how incredible this experience that you have provided for us is!”

“The whole experience was fantastic… I really enjoyed listening and comparing all the different viewpoints on how we can improve and enhance Race Relations in Aotearoa.”

REFLECTIONS

“The Race Unity platform has installed hope in me. Hope for the youth and the tangata whenua of our nation. I had a voice. You have a voice. Let’s use our voices for oneness, unity and aroha.”

“Race Unity Speech Awards encourage and empower us as the future leaders of Aotearoa to be the change that we wish to see in the world.”

HUI FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

2025 Hui

2019 Hui

2018 Hui