Awards celebrate young people making a difference
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03/06/2015. 13:25
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A youth worker, a disability service programme coordinator and an organisation empowering young Māori are the supreme winners of the 2015 I Am Auckland Awards.
Launched last year, the annual awards are a Youth Advisory Panel led event, supported by Auckland Council and celebrate the achievements of Auckland’s young people, recognising the individuals and organisations supporting them to do their best.
Leading the awards presentation last week were Minister of Youth Affairs Nikki Kaye and the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.
Three supreme award winners, presented by Youth Advisory Panel Chair Flora Apulu and Cr Hulse, were named as best embodying the I Am Auckland ethos.
Levi Hohua won the supreme I Am Auckland Award for young people. A youth worker with Zeal based in Henderson, Levi facilitates their after-school programme and helps to organise community meals provided by Zeal.
Levi was described by his nominator as someone of exceptional character ‘with an unbridled passion to change his community.’
Matt Alpe from Recreate NZ won the supreme I Am Auckland Award for individuals supporting youth. Recreate provide a range of services and programmes for young people with disabilities including outdoor adventure camps, school holiday programmes and other events.
Matt was nominated for his energetic and tireless approach to his work, creating a positive and safe environment for young people with disabilities. Describing Matt a young person who works with him said, ‘his smile lights up the room.’
The supreme ‘I Am Auckland Award for organisations supporting youth’ was won by Taiohi Whai Oranga. Based at Manurewa Marae, Taiohi Whai Oranga empowers Māori youth to achieve success and run resilience and anti-bullying programmes.
A young person who nominated them said: ‘They are an incredible organisation. I have been given opportunities that I otherwise would not have had, and the staff are really caring and go above and beyond the call of duty to help others.
