Kids have pride in community

Four Far North high school students have been recognised for their outstanding community spirit.
Tim Bandi of Kaitaia, Jadin Leslie of Oruaiti and Natasha Murray and Harry Muunu of Okaihau were finalists in the TrustPower Far North Community Spirit Award.
The winner, Jadin Leslie, was announced during the Far North Community Awards held in the vintage railway shed in Kawakawa on Monday night. The award is open to all Year 13 students in the Far North, with the winner taking home $250 plus $250 to donate to a community group. The judges described Jadin as a diligent and efficient leader able to care for all age groups.
He is the deputy head boy at Taipa Area School, helped organise two school balls, and has been the student representative on the school board of trustees. He has helped school fundraisers such as $ for Christchurch, 40 Hour Famine and Red Sock leadership week, has been involved with the school production for the past four years and is now making a zombie movie called Fear North.
Jadin is heavily involved in his youth group and Doubtless Bay Scouts, where he is the Venturer chairman, has helped with fundraisers, attended jamborees and achieved the Chief Scout Award.
He told the judges he liked to get involved in the community because it was a great way of making friends while making a positive difference.
Jadin chose the Doubtless Bay Scout and Guide Group to receive the $250.
Tim Bandi, of Kaitaia Abundant Life School, was described as a genuine, caring, personable young man who is always polite, respectful and cheerful. He is his school's head boy and student representative on the board of trustees. He has represented his school at Anzac Day events and represents Northland in volleyball and soccer. Last year he was a house captain and took part in a mentoring programme for junior kids. He is a strong supporter of fundraising events for his school, church, World Vision and people affected by the Christchurch earthquakes. In 2006 he topped a national competition and won $10,000 worth of computer equipment for his school.
Natasha Murray, of Okaihau College, was described as a great ambassador for her school and community. At school, she is a peer support leader, He Ara Tika mentor and kapa haka group member. This year she is the deputy head girl, student representative on the board of trustees and student council member. She has been involved in talent quests, concerts and drama productions, and helped at the Tai Tokerau Festival, Nga Manu Korero competition and Northern Crossing multisport event. She plays netball and has a black belt in taekwondo.
Harry Muunu, of Kerikeri High School, was described as a diplomat and leader able to organise others into co-operative units. As a Year 13 prefect he leads Year 9 students and organises assemblies and sports. He has been a class representative, a mau rakau tutor at his school and Kerikeri Primary School, kapa haka tutor, jazz band leader, guitar tutor and peer support leader.
He loves music and Maori culture and plans to fuse the two worlds in his own way. Last year he represented New Zealand in the men's ki-o-rahi team which travelled to Europe in the sport's first ever international tour.