Rangatahi On Stage (ROS) is a Youth Arts New Zealand initiative connecting young performers with paid gigs, community events, and creative projects across Aotearoa.
About the project
Our mission is simple: to empower emerging talent while helping event organisers, venues, and communities discover the next generation of performers.
ROS acts as a bridge, giving rangatahi artists real-world experience on professional stages, and offering event organisers access to passionate, diverse, and well-supported young talent.
For artists
Joining Rangatahi On Stage means joining a community of rangatahi creatives gaining real, paid performance experience across Aotearoa. From intimate gigs to large-scale festivals, artists on the ROSter get support, guidance, and opportunities to share their mahi with audiences that value youth creativity.
What we do
Through Rangatahi On Stage, YANZ provides a full-scale talent-brokering service for clients and a development platform for artists. We curate authentic, vibrant performances that bring energy and connection to public spaces, festivals, and private events alike. Our team manages the full process, from artist selection and liaison to logistics and gear hire, ensuring a seamless experience for both artists and clients.
Our services include:
- Understanding your event's goals and audience
- Curating the perfect artist/s to match
- Managing all communication and logistics
- Providing PA gear, if required
- Supplying on-site YANZ staff support, if required
Notable events
Across countless events and collaborations, we've worked with partners ranging from local councils and community organisers to national festivals and major brands, bringing together musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists and circus performers to create vibrant, youth-driven experiences across Aotearoa.
Sound of our StreetsA youth performance festival: 40+ musicians and 100 hours of live music across Auckland's streets. America's Cup & Prada Cup Performances89 gigs across 25 days for 30 young musicians, performing to a global audience. Tania Dalton Foundation GalaA powerful string performance blending classical and contemporary music. Young at Art, Christmas on Queen Street & moreCreative showcases celebrating youth talent through art, music and dance.
The impact
By booking through ROS, event organisers directly support paid work for youth creatives, building confidence, professional skills, and visibility for Aotearoa's next generation of talent.
Artists gain meaningful experience performing for real audiences, and clients gain authentic, engaging entertainment that connects deeply with communities.
What people are saying
Always a really good time working with the YANZ team. We're so lucky to have an organisation like this dedicated to rangatahi in such a unique way.
I wanted to thank you so much for organising the artist for us on Saturday! He was fantastic, so talented.
The artist was wonderful and performed beautifully at our event last night. It was an absolute pleasure having her on board.
We had a great day at Silo Park. Both artists were really well received by the public. Thanks for pulling this together for us.
Getting to play at half time was incredible, a massive crowd and a fantastic vibe. The experience is one I won't forget.
Get involved
Whether you want to perform with us or book youth talent, Rangatahi On Stage is how Aotearoa's next generation of performers meet the stages they deserve.
Rangatahi On Stage is proudly delivered by Youth Arts New Zealand, championing young creatives, supporting fair pay, and building pathways for the next generation of artists.
