Our Impact.

Thanks to support from our community, we’ve been able to make a difference for thousands of young New Zealanders.

**15,000+**
People have taken part in our events & programmes.

**180+**
Community projects and ventures we’ve supported.

**$2.5M+**
In-kind scholarship support we’ve provided.

**$100K+**
We’ve given out in funding as awards and prizes.

”It’s been a life-changing experience.”

Sophie Weenink-Smith, Alumni

What some of our alumni say...

“Before taking part in Future Leaders I never really knew what potential I had. I’ve always been one to doubt myself. Even when others seen that potential, I just never could. I’ve had a lot of adversity in my 24 years of life – two kids at age 17; unhealthy and abusive upbringing; and for me to come out on the other side taking the right path is such an accomplishment. My mindset has definitely shifted.”
***– Gayle Moana-Johnson***

“I am a big fan of the work Inspiring Stories does, and it has played a massive role in the person that I am today. The opportunities are highly mana-enhancing and show you light to possibilities. I believe every young person must attend Festival for the Future where they will get 3 years of knowledge and networks in 3 days. I would highly encourage every young person to be part of Future leaders.”
***– Ali Muhammad, Palmerston North***

“The most positive impact was the connections I made with different people all over Aotearoa. I have made lifelong friends and support networks that I know have my back and I will cherish forever. Attending the Festival actually inspired me to think about climate change more and take better care of our world. None of us had never really thought about climate change before.”
***– Jaysin Walker, Ōpōtiki***

“What I love about Inspiring Stories is that there are so many ways to get involved. I’ve been involved in the Future Leaders programme, and I’ve been to Festival for the Future and The Impact Awards now on multiple occasions. The first time I went to Festival was absolutely mind-blowing. All of the things I’ve been involved with at Inspiring Stories have been really empowering.”
***– Sophie Handford, Kāpiti Coast***

Trying to make change in my community it could feel like an isolating experience. This all changed when I connected with Inspiring Stories. Attending Festival for the Future and The Impact Awards I met so many people with similar values and passion for making positive change. It was a true high point of my life feeling so supported and uplifted, and gave me the drive to keep going with my mission.
***– Sophie Weenink-Smith, Nelson***

“I believe that the mahi that Inspiring Stories does will change the future of Aotearoa for the best. I’ve been involved in Festival for the Future, the Future Leaders programme and The Impact Awards – the opportunities, the networking and the skills you learn are vital for the youth of today. Being involved with Inspiring Stories has changed my life in the best way possible.”
***– Talei Bryant, Whakatāne***

“I’m not really the type to stand up and speak – taking part in the Future Leaders programme and attending Festival for the Future has changed that for me. It’s given me a platform to speak and share my thoughts. It’s inspired me to do more with my life – seeing all these people trying to achieve what they want to achieve makes me want to do the same – it’s opened my mind heaps.”
***– Davis Kereone, Kaikohe***

Recent reports & publications.

A record-level 1,500+ people attended Festival for the Future 2023 – including from every region of Aotearoa, as well as Australia, the Cook Islands, Indonesia and the Philippines. Thanks to generosity and support from our community, we were also able to increase access to this incredible experience supporting a record-level 400+ young people through scholarship support. Learn more about the experience and outcomes. See the Report >

5-min video – The next chapter: Inspiring Stories & Festival for the Future

This video tells the story of Festival for the Future growing from a tiny 100-person event to becoming the first official event at Tākina – Wellington's new convention centre in 2023. Hear from the Founder of Inspiring Stories and the Festival, Guy Ryan, as he shares the journey and hands the baton over to the new CEO, Devon Murphy-Davids, who shares her vision for the kaupapa and journey ahead.