default-output-block.skip-main
National | Auckland

Young Māori stand out at 'I Am Auckland' awards

Several young Māori were named winners of the recently established 'I Am Auckland Awards' held on Friday night.

The awards celebrate the achievements of Auckland's young people, recognising the individuals and organisations supporting them to do their best.

Levi Hohua won the supreme 'I Am Auckland award for young people'. Levi is a youth worker for the Henderson based group, Zeal, and facilitates their after school programme. He helps to organise community meals provided by Zeal.

Following on from their win at last week's Youth Awards in Wellington, Manurewa Marae based youth group Taiohi Whai Oranga took out the Supreme 'I Am Auckland Award for organisations supporting youth'. Taiohi Whai Oranga empowers Māori youth to achieve success and runs resilience and anti-bullying programmes.

This year's winners are as followed:

1. Youth Voice Award Creating opportunities for youth, and empowering young people to have their say

Young person: Gauri Prabhakar
Individual: Kev Carter, YMCA Mt Albert
Organisation: Young Innovators Collective

2. Safety and Belonging Award Creating an environment where young people are safe and feel like they belong

Young person: Levi Hohua
Individual: Matt Alpe, Recreate NZ
Organisation: Friends of the Street

3. Youth Health Award Promoting healthy lifestyles and environments for young people

Young person: Jack Neal-Pratt
Individual: Sue Poupouare, Western Springs College
Organisation: Recreate

4. Youth Opportunities Award Helping young people in education, training or accessing work

Young person: Elinor Swery
Individual: Tracey Weston, Waiheke Youth Voice
Organisation: Inspiring Stories Trust

5. Get Connected Award Promoting transport and connectedness

Young person: Ben Dowdle
Individual: Tania Kauri, The Gate

6. Auckland is my Playground Award Promoting arts, culture, sports and recreation initiatives

Young person: Leki Jackson Bourke
Individual: Tania Kauri, The Gate
Organisation: In2it (Getin2Life Youth Development Trust)

7. Rangatahi Tu Rangatira Award Promoting the development and wellbeing of young Māori

Young person: Kuini Tereva
Individual: Were Maiava, Taiohi Whai Oranga
Organisation: Taiohi Whai Oranga