The voice, the poetry, and the people
Action Ed is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading arts-based youth development organisation, structured around the medium of spoken word poetry.
We believe creativity and our ability to express who we are is fundamental to our wellbeing.
A blend of traditional poetry, storytelling, theatre, and even music – spoken word is a powerful and moving medium that carries impact.
Layers within each of us run deep, as do our connections with our whakapapa. Action Ed provide safe, accessible spaces, with an ever growing, community that support individuals to explore and voice these layers through words.
Once voiced, words, and the emotions they carry, can vibrate through the ether, gathering momentum and becoming change agents for societal and political issues.
Everyone has a story to tell
We provide platforms and opportunities for people to connect, reflect and express who they are – without judgement. Our skilled team provide a range of creative programmes that benefit students, teachers and professional teams.
Learn more about our creative programmes
We need your support
For more than 40 years our programmes have engaged, nurtured, and inspired rangatahi. Through story telling we aim to break down stereotypes, build community connection and resilience within individuals and groups.
Our methods have been developed to resonate with and re-engage youth in their journey of self-development, education, personal growth, and self-expression. We also work with adults in corporate and community sectors to do the same.
We are grateful that our mahi is supported by many organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. With their help, we are able to facilitate life-changing experiences, which provide a compass to navigate future pathways.
If you would like to be part of our journey, support us and become part of our growing community.
604 SPOKEN-WORD WORKSHOPS IN 2023
29 EVENTS IN 2024
9091 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
“Honestly, I went in not thinking it would turn into much and I didn’t think I’d get that much out of it. I went up and I did my first poem, and from that moment the amount of support that Action Ed gave me as a young performing artist… it sent me on a journey that leaves me a bit speechless.”
Billy McCarthy
“Action Ed offers a platform for rangatahi to talk about a broad spectrum of issues that are happening currently in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the political landscape, but also internalised issues as young adults.”
Piremina Ngapera
“I wouldn’t be who I am without Action Ed. It has offered me so many opportunities and made me who I am today, with this passion for poetry and creativity and art.”
Koromiko Jacob-Williams
South Summit
Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Fri 14th March, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taking registrations for the 2025 South Summit on Friday 14th March!
Action Education & Fonua Ola present South Summit 2025, a FREE day-long spoken word event for Pasifika secondary school students in South Auckland! 🌟
Featuring Melodownz, Daisy Speaks, Denyce Su’a, Luani Nansen, Noah Tauti & more! Students will enjoy performances, take part in workshops, and share their own work. Kai & drinks provided!
