Youth with Disability Award

Rachel Berry Rachel was a Youth Worker Intern for Magnet at Deaf Aotearoa. She organised a number of Deaf youth camps, running workshops on leadership, identity, and social media. Rachel has also helped a number of youth in Auckland transition from their last year in high school to further study and/or work. Recently Rachel was made President of the Auckland Deaf Youth Group. She has also been selected to represent New Zealand at the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section Camp in Turkey this July.

“Rachel’s contribution to the Deaf community has been very significant. Whether at a youth leadership camp, a Magnet youth event and/or through the Transition programme, Deaf youth have been encouraged and challenged to become active leaders in their communities.”

Youth with Disability Award

Amber-Lee Lawrie

Amber-Lee organised a weekly wheelchair basketball event with the help of the Auckland Wheelbreakers and Halberg New Zealand. She contributes to raising awareness of disabilities by speaking in front of the school about the wheelchair basketball event, and in particular CanTeen. This year she has begun tutoring younger students to help them with their NCEA exams.

“Amber-Lee has made an amazing contribution towards raising awareness of disabilities, and in particular disability sport within our school.”

Youth with Disability Award

Muskan Devta

At 14 years old, Muskan is already a published author, radio host and international columnist while living with partial hemiplegia. She donated the proceeds of her autobiography ‘I Dream’ to Starship Hospital - $500 was raised through sales. Muskan has aspirations of building a school in her homeland of India for young women.

“Muskan has reached thousands of people through her TED talk on borrowing courage and is involved in many community fundraising events. Her Book 'I Dream' proves a great read and is a support to teenagers living with disability.”

Youth with Disability Award

Leroy Wilson-Sadler Leroy is a leader in his school community. He is a member of the Student Support Centre at James Hargest College and as such is a role model for all the other students with Special Needs. As Captain of the Special Olympics team he looks after a number of other Special Needs students and he does so with a great deal of empathy, patience and understanding.

“The impact that Leroy has on his community is mostly about inclusion. He is fully accepted among his peers and he helps others to learn to accept his other friends who may be disabled.”

Youth with Disability Award

Emma Paton

Emma saw a gap in the support networks for young deaf people in her area, especially once they had left school, so helped establish a support group—Otago Deaf Youth. This group helps young deaf people to participate in activities they might not usually get the chance to do, and establish support networks. Emma is bi-laterally profoundly deaf. Emma is talented in sports and is ranked as the No.5 woman table tennis player in Otago. At the recent Network Waitaki Sports Awards Emma won the Athlete with a Disability Award and was a finalist in the Sports Person of the Year Award.

“Emma is a wonderful role model for both deaf children and their parents. They see Emma’s achievements and see that the same is achievable for them or their children.”

Anzac Youth Award

Julie Russell Over the last year, Julie has helped a significant number of small communities around Southland research their war history, beautify their war memorials, and plan World War I commemorative celebrations. She is also an advisor to the Southland District Council International Relations Committee, and she has been influential in making trans-Tasman connections occur around the Anzac commemorations.

“Her impact in the small rural Southland communities has been huge, in bringing together people who would not ordinarily work together on projects, including Youth Councillors who have wanted to contribute to WW100.”

Anzac Youth Award

Alfriston College

Over the past year, students from Alfriston College have re-created the landscape of 1915 Gallipoli in Minecraft®, working with Auckland Museum staff. This project involved the students working to a brief to create an education resource that could be used in schools by teachers and students and help young people to connect and learn about the events in Gallipoli.

“The Gallipoli in Minecraft® Project has been so successful in connecting and engaging young people that an exhibition has been created directly from the work of the students and is being shown at Auckland Museum.“

Anzac Youth Award

Grace Brebner Over the past year Grace has written four songs about World War I and the impact it has at a human level. These songs have been performed at many locations and have encouraged other students to write and perform music. Grace has volunteered several hundred hours composing, rehearsing and performing her songs to raise awareness of World War I and the ANZACs. As a result she has been asked to be a Youth Peace Ambassador for The Peace Foundation NZ.

“Every time her music is performed, Grace receives requests to perform her music for another organisation. Grace has performed the music in many arenas bringing a focus to WWI.“

Anzac Youth Award

OneChance Youth Project The students of the 2015 OneChance Youth Project (OCYP) created a free event to commemorate the centennial anniversary of World War I in remembrance of our fallen soldiers by hosting the OCYP Anzac Kite Festival on Anzac Day. They involved other trusts and organisations from Rotorua to be involved such as Rotorua Youth Voices, the Intergenerational Project and John Paul College Musical team.

“The impact was massive. Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and MP Todd McClay were impressed with the community turn out. They made a huge positive impact on the lives of the young volunteers who were involved.”

Anzac Youth Award

Lucy Xie

Lucy has been instrumental in establishing the MEMRIBOX Project. This project aims to capture on video the war time stories of our remaining World War II veterans. She has involved youth volunteers who had little understanding of subsequent conflicts let alone World Wars I and II.

“Thanks to the commitment and tireless effort by Lucy to this initiative ... many of the veterans who were interviewed told their stories for the first time.”

Change Maker Award

Josiah Tualamali’i Josiah has made a positive contribution to his community by promoting youth participation and advocacy, diversity, and the voice of Pacific Youth. Josiah is also the Chairperson of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Council (PYLAT). He works hard to enhance the wellbeing of Pacific Youth in all aspects and ensure their voices are being heard in decision-making. He is also the Pasifika Youth Guide for Youth Voice Canterbury and recently joined the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Group.

“Josiah's impact on the Pacific community, especially youth, is huge. Because he is so incredibly passionate and driven Josiah has the ability to motivate and engage others to also take action to address identified needs.”

Change Maker Award

Sharnay Cocup

Sharnay is the youth co-ordinator of the Taupiri Youth Group. Under her leadership this youth group has encouraged local young people to do good things and believe in themselves; to show them that anything is possible to achieve. The Waikato District Council is working hand-in-hand with her and the Taupiri Youth Group. People and businesses are now starting to get involved and support the youth in their community.

“Sharnay has formed a trust on her own ... she is keeping the kids off the street by giving the kids the opportunity of participating in their community.”

Change Maker Award Charlizza Harris

Charlizza founded 2FACE Drama in 2012 to build leadership and life skills amongst young people in order for them to share their knowledge of kapahaka, choreography, drama and music. Charlizza's philosophy is to encourage other youth to take on leadership positions, and by empowering volunteers through understanding the principles of youth development. Between 2009-2012 she created three companies through the Young Enterprise Scheme that were focused on addressing social issues affecting young people in her community.

“Charlizza has demonstrated outstanding

leadership in a range of initiatives … through her enterprise activities she has lobbied support from local organisations that enabled her to produce youth friendly resources targeting bullying, sexual health and cultural diversity.” These resources are still being used in schools and communities.”

Change Maker Award

Shreya Geiji In early 2012, Shreya started Prayas Youth Theatre. The youth theatre company formed as a response to a stifled local theatre industry that had little space and opportunity for young ethnic Kiwis to explore their creative interests. The theatre company was invited by a local NGO ‘Shakti’ to perform at their annual fundraiser, where Shreya devised, wrote, produced and directed a play on domestic violence, narrating the story of a victim’s journey from oppression to emancipation through dialogue and dance.

“Shreya wrote a play in Hindi that was performed by an entirely non-Hindi speaking cast, who she individually taught the language ... thus breaking down barriers and offering young Kiwis access to regional languages through cultural theatrical experiences.”

Change Maker Award

Katerina Clark

Kat Clark has been a volunteer with RainbowYOUTH since March 2014 started a peer support group for young queer and trans people in Tauranga. The group, called TaurangaPryde, this is the first group for young queer and trans people in Tauranga. Kat has worked hard over the last year to create a safe and supportive group for the local Tauranga LGBT+ community. She has put endless amounts of time and effort in to get the group established.

“Kat is hugely passionate about this group and working with young people, as is evidenced by her commitment to the TaurangaPryde group while undertaking full time study to become a Social Worker.”

Leadership Award

Anneke Van Heyningen

Anneke founded the organisation “Special Friends” in 2012 when she was 12 years old. Driven by her own experiences in hospital, she wanted to provide a service that brought happiness to other children and young people in long-term care. Anneke is also involved with volunteering services through her school, encouraging other young people to support those who are most in need. Last year she was awarded a philanthropy award for her contributions.

“Anneke shares her resources and time to help numerous children through her visits to hospital and has also shared the concept of service to others at her school.”

Leadership Award

Florence Reynolds Florence founded the youth organization “Plastic Diet”, dedicated to addressing the issue of plastic pollution in New Zealand. The initiative also provides young people with opportunities to build volunteering and leadership skills. Florence has participated in the Live the Dream youth social enterprise challenge and has received a University of Auckland “Blue” Leadership award.

“Florence's work has had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young people and the natural environment.”

Leadership Award

Kate Lunn

Kate is founder of internet blog site “We Are Hamilton”, which provides an unfiltered voice for Hamilton’s diverse and under-represented youth population. This has inspired many young Hamiltonians to take ownership of their community through civic participation. Alongside her own study commitments, Kate is also deputy chair of the Hamilton Youth Council Advisory Panel, a director on the board of the Waikato Students' Union and vice president of education on the Waikato Law Students' Association.

“Kate is a very effective and passionate advocate for her peers, as well as someone who inspires people with her vision for a better future.”

Leadership Award

Gina Yukich

Gina was the co-ordinator for the Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2015 conference, which provided a platform for young New Zealanders to voice their opinions on a range of public policy areas. Her leadership role in this initiative not only engaged a number of significant organisations around Auckland but also provided young people with the chance to learn more about civics education and youth advocacy. Gina is also involved in UN Youth and volunteers for a number of causes including the P3 Foundation.

“Gina has been working tirelessly to bring the Youth Declaration to the forefront of discussion and has motivated young people to take the document to their local councils and MPs.”

Leadership Award

Ben Dowdle

Ben founded Unmask Palm Oil with the aim of changing Australian and New Zealand food labelling laws. He has since become an expert speaker on this issue, regularly travelling around New Zealand and Australia to lead discussions on sustainable practices. Ben is a former ambassador for UNICEF New Zealand, has been on the Auckland Youth Advisory Panel and was the sole youth representative to the Auckland Social Policy Forum. Ben was also semi-finalist for the 2015 Young New Zealander of the Year award.

“Ben gives up an enormous amount of time and money to make New Zealand and the world a better place.”

Giving Back Award

Natalie Germann Natalie gives back to her community in many ways. She volunteers in crisis support at Youthline, co-ordinates activities at Auckland City Hospital’s Acute Mental Health Ward and is a volunteer prison mentor. She also assists at Starjam which run musical workshops for youth with disabilities, and fundraises for Rotaract In addition, she is a student representative on Auckland University’s Ethics committee, and a member of the Post-Graduate Student Association. Natalie is employed in alcohol and drug rehabilitation services (Odyssey House), as well as in youth respite care for mental health, while training to become a clinical psychologist.

“Natalie uses her training in counselling to be there for those around her and help them feel connected and supported. She is the person that everyone calls when they are struggling to cope, and Natalie always knows what to say and do in times of crisis.”

Giving Back Award

Chelsea Dowling

Since February 2011 Chelsea has volunteered over 500 hours at Youthline Central North Island. She has become our first volunteer to pass on her knowledge to train our new mentors, assisting Youthline to plan new training programmes that will provide consistency across the teams. Chelsea also helps out with Youthline’s seminars for schools and community groups in addition to studying towards a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Massey University.

“Chelsea is one of our long-standing volunteers. She is always ready to help when needed. Chelsea is always at our events lending a hand running activities, setting up equipment or helping to prepare food. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Chelsea.”

Giving Back Award

Sulani Helg

Sulani gives back to her community in many ways. She is a Youth Ambassador for Rheumatic Fever and Save the Children and a member of the Youth Advisory Group for the Ministry of Youth Development. Sulani plays a large role in Manurewa High School where she is part of Humanitarian Aid Leadership Programme, is a student representative on the school Board of Trustees and runs the Breakfast Club, which organises donations of food and provides nutritious breakfasts for all students.

“Sulani’s humanitarian aid trip to Laos and Thailand confirmed a life path for her in contributing to development in second and third world countries. At only 16, not only has she demonstrated she understands HOW to do this, she also understands WHY she wants to do it.”

Giving Back Award

Leah Hoffman

At the age of 15 Leah successfully completed the 2014 Youth in Emergency Services programme. On her 16th birthday Leah joined the Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade as a recruit Fire Fighter. Call outs range from motor vehicle accidents, medical calls, and hazardous substance calls through to actual structure fires. Leah always has her hand up for local community events and those activities outside the area - Kiwi Culture Day, A&P Show, fundraising for Blood cancer and leukemia and many others.

“Leah has been able to absorb all of the training given to

her and then use it to benefit others. She was a mentor for the YES programme 2015 and demonstrated to others what they can achieve, just like her, if they put their minds to it.”

Giving Back Award

Gabby Devine

Over the last two years Gabby put smiles on the faces of kids with cancer by sending them boredom boxes, giving out super hero capes, and handing out goodies on the ward all the while going through cancer treatment herself. Gabby created a Facebook page called "Starlit HOPE" which provides random acts of kindness to oncology families in Starship and New Plymouth hospital. Sadly Gabby passed away recently.

“The impact Gabby and Starlit HOPE has made is huge! It’s hard to put into words until you see the light in the kids eyes when they received the gifts from Gabby, even such a small act of kindness makes a massive difference when it comes to the children dealing with this challenging sickness.”

Working for Youth Award

Emma Dolfing

Emma leads a group of around 20 young people in drama and film related activities teaching them skills in these areas. She has a great ability to motivate, engage and positively influence others. She has completed short film which promoted the environmental sustainability of the paua population at Tauroa point near Ahipara. Environmental education is an identified need for that community. Emma has also directed numerous drama productions including some with a charity focus in which she has raised funds for young people with cancer in the Te Hiku community. Emma also promoted and supported “Shave for a Cure”.

“She is a fabulous young person who is incredibly organised and passionate about performance in all its aspects.”

Working for Youth Award

Katerina Clark

Katerina is an active member of RainbowYOUTH, working closely with her local group “Tauranga Pryde”. Balancing study and work with her efforts in the community, Katerina has proven her commitment to giving young LGBT+ people a voice. As a mentor, facilitator and leader, Katerina has played a significant role in helping the youth LGBT+ community in Tauranga feel safe, confident and free to be themselves.

“Katerina shows a clear commitment to the members of the Tauranga Pryde group. She is their supporter, educator and inspiration.”

Working for Youth Award

Rebecca Wan

Rebecca has dedicated her time to providing opportunities for young people. She recently founded the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Art Competition and has helped create an international student buddy and mentoring programme through her school. Rebecca is also a volunteer for Trade Aid and Sistema Aotearoa, highlighting her passion for fair trade, human rights and helping underprivileged young people get ahead by learning music.

“Rebecca is genuinely passionate and enthusiastic about young people and their potential to achieve greatness and make a significant difference.”

Working for Youth Award

Liam McLeavey

Recognising unemployment as being one of the biggest issues affecting young people, Liam founded “Youth Jobs Horowhenua”, an initiative aimed at helping young people find jobs in the Horowhenua district. Liam is the deputy chairperson of the Horowhenua Youth Council and provided a youth voice on local government issues including the Horowhenua Psychoactive Substances Policy. He is also a member of the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Group.

“Liam really does work for youth and dedicates many hours to making the Horowhenua a better place for young people.”

Working for Youth Award

Catherine Chen

As a student leader, mentor, project co-ordinator and facilitator, Catherine has been actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability throughout the Auckland region. Catherine is also a strong advocate for youth leadership and volunteering, founding non-profit organisation Asia-Pacific Connection. Alongside her commitment to environmental sustainability, Catherine is also a tutor at InZone, helping young Māori and Pacific students become empowered through education.

“Catherine shows enthusiasm when working to involve more youth in environmental sustainability. She acts as a role model herself in sustainable practices, and helps others to stay motivated in pursuing their dreams.”

Youth Group Award

The Plastic Bottle Kayak

The Plastic Bottle Kayak team have done amazing work raising awareness throughout New Zealand (and around the world) about the need for sustainability by juxtaposing the prevalence of waste with the beautiful environments that we value. The awe-inspiring expeditions show off some of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa’s environment in kayaks made from plastic bottles which has generated a large amount of media interest.

“The biggest area of impact from the project is with young Kiwis and schools - we have engaged with over 2,500 young people around the country via our unique educational programme.”

Youth Group Award

2FACE Drama

Wellington based 2Face Drama developed initiatives to raise awareness around alcohol and violence, using performing arts as the platform to promote social change. Over 2,000 people saw the production, 'A Christmas Dream' which was produced by young people with lived experience of alcohol and violence. On- going work has grown from this initiative.

“2Face Drama was established in 2012 as a social enterprise targeted at engaging young people in social change initiatives. 2Face Drama has produced three successful productions all aimed at strengthening cultural identity and raising awareness of social justice - using performing arts as the vehicle.”

Youth Group Award

Christchurch Youth Council Christchurch Youth Council exists to support a stronger youth voice in the Christchurch area. It does this by hosting events, running consultations, writing submissions and creating a safe environment for young people to have their say about the rebuild. The group’s activities have ranged from working behind the scenes in the youth sector to contribute to Youth Voice Canterbury, to organising and running face-to-face events in the local community, to learning how to become an incorporated society that works on a professional level.

“Christchurch Youth Council has gone from a small group of young people running their activities under the roof of a local youth trust to a fully-fledged, independent and professional organisation that is making a name for itself in quite a few different circles.”

Youth Group Award

Ruapehu Youth Council Ruapehu Youth Council’s mission is to enable young people in Ruapehu to be adequately represented in order to aid the development of their individual potential and their community’s wellbeing. The Ruapehu Youth Council is made up of youth ambassadors from Waimarino-Waiouru and Taumarunui-Ohura. Projects have included seeking funding for buying and distributing Christmas presents to those in need. This is part of wider work on poverty.

“The Youth Council does not limit their work solely to benefit youth; a wider perspective is always in mind for the benefits to the wider community.”

Youth Group Award

Limitless Youth Group

Limitless Youth Leadership Group is made up of young people from Manurewa Marae who wish to help other young people in Manurewa. One of their goals is to discourage young people from falling into negative activities such as drugs, alcohol and gang-related activities which have a high prevalence in Manurewa. They have coordinated youth-led events in the community based on their own ideas and aspirations for other young people in Manurewa.

“An incredible group of youth leaders who continue to break stereotypes, support youth in the community and be themselves. They are continuously developing new initiatives and events that they believe are beneficial for other youth in the community.”

Youth Champion Award

Raven Maeder Raven developed a youth based, interschool environmental actions group, Nelson Youth Climate Action, after attending New Zealand’s first Youth Climate Summit in 2012. The Nelson Youth Climate Action Group now has 130 online members. Raven has taken on a very active and positive role towards making youth aware of environmental issues and the actions they can take.

“Raven is one of those young people who is respected by all age groups. She is completely selfless. She is most concerned about causes, especially environmental and showing youth how they can make a difference in a positive and constructive way.”

Youth Champion Award

SavY Charitable Trust The SavY management team of 15 volunteer university students has worked tirelessly and passionately to help build young New Zealanders financial literacy skills. In addition to their studies, the team has developed free financial literacy (money management) workshops, trained and managed 40+ student facilitators, and facilitated more than 250 workshops with young people.

“SavY equips young people with the ability to make informed decisions that pave the way to personal success and financial stability. Feedback has been highly complimentary including many students reporting raising discussions about money with their families.”

Youth Champion Award

Xavier Muao Breed

Xavier does a lot to get Maori/Pasifika youth involved within our community, and promotes a culturally diverse and accepting view. He organised the attendance of Kura Kaupapa students at the Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2015 and New Zealand Model United Nations 2014. Xavier is the Maori/Pasifika Liaison for UNYouth Auckland.

“Xavier has essentially opened the eyes of those around him to more cultures, and encapsulates what it means to be truly culturally diverse. Xavier has helped other youth express their opinions and voices.”

Youth Champion Award

Fenella Colyer Fenella is a teacher at Manurewa High School where she has raised the profile of science, especially physics, among South Auckland students. In the past four years 51 of her students have won awards, trips, camps and competitions, and Fenella gained $100,000 for the school in the Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Award 2013.

“Fenella’s skills and passion have led to record numbers of Pasifika and Maori choosing to study physics - 43% of year 12’s. She has brought science to the community via a science fair forum, where members of public are able to view science in action.”

Youth Champion Award

Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute

The Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute is a volunteer-run organisation that exists to connect young New Zealanders to opportunities that grow their leadership skills. The Institute is training and inspiring a new generation of New Zealand leaders by giving them the opportunity to attend the world’s most significant international conferences.

“Participants have had life-changing personal experiences: they have addressed the UN, been offered internships, and learned from international leaders in government, policy, industry and civil society.”