About Inspiring Stories

 

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.

 
 
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Over the past decade more than 13,000+ people have taken part in our programmes. We’ve been able to invest more than $2M in scholarship support to increase access to life-changing opportunities, and award more than $100,000 in funding for some of Aotearoa’s most inspirational young changemakers to amplify their impact. As a small charity – we need your support. Become a champion, and help us back more young New Zealanders!

 
Festival for the Future is a showcase of what’s possible – of leadership and innovation for impact. The 3-day summit features inspiring speakers, workshops, entertainment and more. Learn more >>

Aotearoa’s biggest summit on leadership and innovation for impact. Network with entrepreneurs and leaders. Engage in the conversations that matter. Build ideas and skills to transform our world for the better.
www.festivalforthefuture.co

The Impact Awards celebrates young New Zealanders making a difference for our future with $25K in prizes awarded across five major categories – climate, enterprise, inclusion and wellbeing. Learn more >>

The Impact Awards celebrate and support young New Zealanders making a difference. Since 2019 we’ve been able to award more than with $100K in prizes to support Aotearoa’s young changemakers.
Learn More >>

Supporting young people in rural and provincial communities to explore big issues that affect their future, build leadership skills, and make a difference in their backyard. Learn more >>

Our Future Leaders programme runs year-round in rural and provincial communities supporting young people to build their entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and make a difference in their backyard.
Learn More >>

Inspiring Speakers is a social enterprise speaker bureau representing top Kiwi talent for paid speaking opportunities, with the profits helping to provide scholarship support for young people. Learn more >>

Inspiring Speakers is a social enterprise speaker bureau that connects businesses with inspirational people to speak at events and conferences, and puts the profit back into scholarship support for young people.
Learn More >>

 
 
 
 
 
 

Backing young New Zealanders.

From tackling poverty, to leading action on climate change, to building the next generation of purpose-driven businesses – our alumni are dreaming big, and pushing boundaries to make a difference for our communities, country and beyond. With your help, we can achieve more.

 
 

 Our 10+ years of impact.

 

Alumni have taken part in our events & programmes.

Projects & ventures we’ve helped to spark & support.

Scholarship support provided.

Funding & prizes awarded to young changemakers.

 
 
 
 
 

“Festival was the highlight of my year. I feel so inspired. I’m ready to do anything!”

MJ Tuwairoa, Future Leaders participant and scholarship recipient to Festival 2021

 
 

Download our 2023 Reports.

Festival & The Impact Awards 2023 // Download.pdf

In 2023, Festival for the Future ran in Wellington from 8th - 9th June. It was the opening event for Tākina. More than 1,400+ people were involved in the 3-day social innovation summit, as well as a global audience tuning into the livestream experience online.

The Impact Awards// Download.pdf

In 2023 the Impact Awards supported and celebrated Aotearoa’s inspiring young people. We awarded prizes across 5 major categories - Climate, Wellbeing, Inclusion, Enterprise and Local impact. Read more about the winners above