Opportunity to reward youngsters

Jessie Murphy won the supreme award at the 2014 Whangarei Youth Awards and this year will be part of the judging panel. Photo / John Stone

The time has come to nominate young people making a great contribution in Whangarei.

Whangarei mayor Sheryl Mai said she urged people to look around them, notice the great things young people were doing and nominate accordingly.

The recent Whangarei District Council Civic Awards recognised four citizens who have contributed to their communities for more than 20 years.

"It is almost overwhelming to consider the huge contribution they have made to so many causes in that time. The Youth Awards are a chance to spot some of these people as they are setting out on the long paths of contribution and to recognise their leadership," Ms Mai said.

The awards were also an opportunity to catch a preview of what the Whangarei community would value in future, she said.

"It gives us a chance to showcase achievements that many people might not know about, and to give the community a glimpse into the priorities, concerns and drivers of young people."

The awards, put on by Whangarei District Council's Youth Advisory Group, will be held for the second year this year, with winners selected by a panel of community leaders who are involved with youth.

Nominations are open until October 9, 5pm and will be presented on December 5 at the Northland Events Centre (Toll Stadium).

The awards are open to anyone aged 12-24 living in the Whangarei District, with six categories: Leadership/Rangatiratanga; Empowerment/Whakamana; Volunteer/Kai Tuao; Team Player/Kaiawhina; Group Award/Mahi Ropu and Change-maker/Kaihanga Rereke.

Nomination forms from Whangarei Central Library or the council website.