Leadership Programme
Helping rangatahi develop new skills, gain confidence, and explore leadership opportunities.
Through structured workshops, inspiring speakers, and a dedicated leadership camp, you'll gain valuable experience in teamwork, advocacy, and personal growth, while connecting with other rangatahi who share similar experiences.
Leadership
Programme
Canteen has a proud history of youth leadership, which continues to shape how we design and deliver our programmes and services.
Our Local Leadership Teams bring together rangatahi who want to contribute their voices, grow their confidence, and help shape experiences for other young people in the Canteen community.
Across Aotearoa, there are three Local Leadership Teams: the South Hub covering Te Waipounamu (South Island), the Central Hub covering the lower North Island, and the North Hub covering the upper North Island.
Speak with your Canteen Keyworker if you're interested in joining Canteen's Leadership Programme.
Rangatahi Voice
"Something special I find about leadership is that you form connections with so many amazing people. I keep doing the leadership programme every year because I learn more about myself and get to meet and work alongside an extremely great group of humans." - Braeden
Leadership
Workshops
Leadership Workshops are a key space for connection, learning, and sharing within the programme. These are places for rangatahi to gain new knowledge, practice leadership skills, and share ideas with others.
Workshops may feature guest speakers, activity-based learning, or group discussions. These will alternate between local leadership groups and full national gatherings. Rangatahi can expect a good mix of meaningful kōrero, practical skills, and things to take back to their hub and life outside of Canteen.
Peer Support
Events
Leaders play a big part in creating the right vibe at Canteen events. Whether it’s online or in-person, this is where you can demonstrate manaakitanga and whanaungatanga - being welcoming, showing initiative, and helping others feel at ease.
Opportunities might include hub days, regional events, online gatherings, or any time we’re hosting guests at a leadership workshop. Staff will always be there to support you.
Leadership
Camp
Once a year, we come together kanohi ki te kanohi for Leadership Camp. It’s a weekend focused on connection, building relationships, and strengthening the rangatahi voice within Canteen.
Canteen's Leadership Camp is equal parts fun and informative. We make sure it’s a relaxed, safe, and welcoming space for everyone.
Member
Directors
Canteen is a rangatahi-led organisation, ensuring that young people have a voice at every level of decision-making. Our governance structure includes rangatahi representation on the Board of Directors, with Member Directors—young people who have been part of Canteen—helping to oversee the organisation’s operations. We actively support and empower rangatahi to take on these leadership roles, making sure their experiences and perspectives shape the direction of Canteen.
Find out more
To learn more about our Leadership Programme and development pathways, drop us an email.