Nina Griffiths says it is important the opinions of young people be heard when it comes to suicide prevention plans.
So when the Kaitaia teenager was asked to attend a youth conference on suicide prevention in Wellington she also used a scholarship to take Far North youth - Quintin Moeke, Tangaroa Kapa, Billy Rutherford, Sammy Hokianga and Joe Wells - with her.
"These are opportunities that don't get awarded often.
"These boys are leaders in their kapa haka groups, in their families, in dance and art and drama. They're amazing guys and they represent what it is to be from Northland. It's a chance for them to network," she said.
The 18-year-old has been a strong campaigner for youth suicide prevention in the Far North since losing friends to suicide.