This was his third year entering the competition, and the first time he had created a mask.
He competed against 79 designers, many of those adults.
His proud mother, Araiana Keelan, said her son has always had a passion for fashion and hair design.
"I remember when he was 5 years old at Whau Valley Primary he had a poster project about something he was interested in. Most of the other kids did rugby or netball but Nganeko did fashion houses of the world, a poster about Dior and Armani."
She said Nganeko has never found reading and writing interesting at school, but flourished in art and design.
"It's so wonderful he has found his place," she said.
Nganeko said he was grateful to have the support and guidance of Hayley Clark, his wearable arts teacher at the Quarry Arts Centre. He also scooped first place in the Open Wearable Art category.
Judge Duncan Lamont Brown said it was impressive to see so many young people involved with the awards.
"It's a great platform for emerging artists and designers to express themselves and their ideas.
"More schools need to get their students on board and encourage them to enter and give it a go - you never know what it may trigger in a young mind, which may inspire them for the future."
The Bernina Northland Fashion Awards is organised by the Whangarei South Rotary Club.
The winning designer is off to Wellington to see the World of Wearable Arts festival in October.
"I'm so excited to see all the amazing creations that could inspire me," he said.