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Auckland. Waitangi. Roturua. Wellington. Sydney.
The Aotearoa Tour (AT) is a two-week tour to New Zealand in April to explore the indigenous rights, culture and reconciliation.
The Aotearoa Leadership Tour (ALT) is an opportunity for high school students to explore Australia’s relationship with its first peoples through an intercultural tour of New Zealand. It aims to support delegates in gaining awareness and understanding of the issues Indigenous peoples face at home and abroad, and in developing the necessary skills to take action on these issues in their communities.
How can we learn from New Zealand's approach to create peace at home?
ALT examines recent Australian efforts to implement constitutional change, such as the results of the First Nations National Constitutional Convention held in 2017 and the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. In New Zealand, we will get to learn about the long standing relations between the government and the Maori people, formalised in the Treaty of Waitangi, and how this basis has impacted historical and current day efforts towards further reconciliation.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about Indigenous rights, culture, and reconciliation.
Across the Tour, you’ll meet and engage with key players in international diplomacy – from UN representatives, European politicians, diplomates, embassies, leading thinkers and exports, NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about diplomacy in the past and the 21st century.
Discover the Tour’s theme, cities and sites in the itinerary below.
International Activities designed for young people, by young people
UN Youth Australia’s International Activities are educational trips designed for high school students to explore the critical ideas and forces affecting today’s complex international society. Selected from all across Australia, ‘Delegates’ (our nickname for participants) embark on a tour to a country or region of countries to challenge their understanding and perspectives on issues and themes of global importance.
Tours are led by Facilitators and Welfare-trained UN Youth Australia volunteers and generally include:
- Workshops, designed by UN Youth Australia's education team.
- Consultations with relevant organisations, non-profits, and governments including their representations.
- Site Visits, to explore the history and current reality of how global themes and ideas have shaped our evolving societies.
- And general exploration of cities and cultural sites to immerse you in the country and its society.
CURRENT ITINERARY
Dates and cities of the trip. This itinerary is a good indication, but may slightly shift depending on operational requirements.
05 - 08 April
Sydney, Australia
Delegates will fly into Sydney from their nearest capital city where they will explore the cultural and historical background of Indigenous Australia as well as current reconciliation efforts in Australia through a variety of workshops and consultations.
08 - 11 April
Wellington, New Zealand
In New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, delegates will engage in various consultations with political groups, discussing the integration of the Maori people into the New Zealand political system. Visiting the NZ Parliament, national library and museum, delegates will be prompted to imagine the future of Indigenous relations in Australia as modelled by New Zealand’s institutional interaction with the Maori.
11 - 13 April
Rotorua, New Zealand
Delegates will then move to the hub of Maori culture, Rotorua, where they will explore the impact of tourism on the preservation of Maori cultural practices. They will explore indigenous traditions, and get to discuss these issues with locals, as well as learn about commercialisation of indigenous culture, and about appropriate alternatives to explore indigenous traditions and lifestyles.
13 - 14 April
Auckland, New Zealand
Delegates will travel to Auckland to explore the cultural and historical background of Aotearoa through a variety of workshops and consultations. They will also investigate current reconciliation efforts in New Zealand through a variety of workshops and consultations.
14 - 15 April
Waitangi, New Zealand
Delegates will take a memorable tour through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
15 - 18 April
Auckland, New Zealand
This stop will see delegates continue to investigate current reconcilitation efforts in New Zealand through a variety of workshops and consultations. They will also partake in future actions workshop before heading home.
Tour Gallery
Interested? This is how the application process works.
Every tour has its own selection process to pick the delegates for the tour. You will be supported and guided at every step of the application process.
Step Two
Apply by completing all questions on the application form!
Step Three
If successful, complete Round Two and Three of your application.
Step Four
Selection! Welcome to the Tour. Enjoy your journey.
Applications to join this International Activity are currently
CLOSED
Express your Interest
for future International Activities. Open to all young people in High School across Australia.
Beginning your application to join the Tour
Due to the high interest and demand of our International Activities, delegates (young people/participants) are selected from an application process to attend their nominated Tour. The application process asks questions about your interests, understandings, and what you want to get out of attending this International Activity.
Applications are open to the following young people:
- All school aged students, in Years 10 to 12 (or equivalent year or age).
- Those residing in any Australian State or Territory.
You will need the following information to complete your application:
- Information about you (e.g. your name, age, and postcode).
- Answers to each question as outlined in the application form.
Applications typically open 8 to 12 months before an International Activitiy, depending on its region and duration of trip. Express your interested to be notified when applications open next.
Have a Question?
Get in touch with the Tour Convenor and our International Operations team with any questions you have about the tour.
Alternatively, you can email internationalactivities@unyouth.org.au and a team member will reach out.
Your information will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy.