Ngā tohu rangatahi ā hapori o te Kahika

The Mayoral Youth Community Awards (formerly the Young Achiever Awards) provide an opportunity for students to be recognised for their stand-out achievements to their school and the wider community.

The awards have shifted focus to reflect students' contribution to the four pillars of local government in New Zealand - social, cultural, economic and environment.

Council recognises that, as well as providing core services, it has a responsibility for improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of our communities.

These awards aim to reward our young people for their contribution to civic life and in so doing, inspire them to be future leaders of their community.

'He whetū piataata koe' - 'You shine like a star'

The Mayoral Youth Community Awards recognise outstanding achievements of youth to:

• Community service (voluntary): Offering care and assistance to the community and whose voluntary contribution has been invaluable
• Arts and Culture: Outstanding achievement in the cultural field including any aspects of visual or performing art and cultural expression
• Leadership: Outstanding Community leadership - this may include sports, academic, community, cultural, environmental and/or social enterprise and science.
  *This is about contribution to the community and not personal excellence
• Environment: Outstanding contribution towards the protection or enhancement of the environment.
• Science and Technology: Outstanding Contribution to the community using science and/or technology.  

Students from Year 9 -13, attending Whakatāne District schools and/or home schools will be invited to enter the awards.

Nomination form and information on award criteria

Nominations opened on Monday, 24 July 2023 and closed on Friday, 1 September 2023. 

If you have any questions about the format for the awards or nomination forms, get in touch with us by email governance@whakatane.govt.nz or phone 07 306 0500.