A Tauranga youth programme has received a 2016 Youth Award at Parliament today.
Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue won the Change Maker - Community Safety category in this year's round of youth awards.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has congratulated them on the win, saying he was delighted it had been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the community.
"These awards are a great initiative that recognise young people doing great things, and also those who support or champion young people."
All up there were nine award categories, which celebrated qualities such as leadership and the creation of positive change in areas from the arts and culture to sport and the environment.
"There are 45 award recipients from around New Zealand, so it was great to see the Tauranga community represented in Parliament today."
Mr Bridges said a large number of nominations were received for this year's awards.
"This shows that there's a large number of young people in our community doing great work, as well as others who are prepared to give young people the help and support they need to reach their goals."
Chairman Steve Campbell said it was fantastic to be nominated and that it was great recognition of what Youth Search and Rescue was doing locally.
"It's a confirmation for us that what we're doing it a benefit for young people here."
He said he was taking one current student and two ex-students down to Wellington to receive the award.
Details of award recipients and more information about the 2016 Youth Awards are available on the Ministry of Youth Development's website.