Seventeen-year-old Ilai was also part of suicide prevention group RAID, and was continually looking to better himself, on the field, at school and in his community.
The other winners were:
Maori achievement
Recognition: Te Mahara Parata, a student in the Taipuna (immersion) group at Taipa Area School who participates in Manu Korero every year and is a key part of the kapa haka group. A self-motivated and independent learner, he is viewed by other students as a leader whose advice is often sought about their studies, particularly te reo Maori.
Winner: Uirakohu Matthews.
Leadership
Recognition: Shylah Nixon, Year 13 student and head girl at Abundant Life School, who said her leadership position enabled her to form deeper bonds with her peers. She also led by example, encouraging other students to serve, whether by picking up rubbish or serving in the kitchen.
She is passionate about developing future leaders and helping them see their potential.
Winner: Manaaki Hoepo, a youth leader and mentor who shows strong leadership qualities and commitment to his peers.
He was involved in the development of youth community newsletters, supported the teaching of bush survival skills at the latest youth leadership camp, volunteers his time at the youth triathlon, mentors youth through wananga and workshops, and is involved in a project to encourage and support youth to vote in this year's election.
Teachers described him as a fine young man who would go on to become an even finer adult, and a selfless, remarkable young man, a great role model for youth in Kaitaia.
Empowerment
Recognition: Mariah Herbert.
Winner: Quintin Moeke, born in Auckland but raised initially at Pawarenga then Awanui.
Now 18, he says that at age 14 he was getting into trouble, going from stealing to dealing and fighting, he was thrown out of home because he was "too cool to follow his mother's rules".
Since then he has nurtured a passion for the medical health sector, finding work experience as a healthcare assistant at Te Hiku Hauora then securing a scholarship, working with Dr Lance O'Sullivan.
Earlier this year he travelled to the USA with Moko Foundation CEO Deidre Otene, which was life-changing.
He is now about to begin a bridging course at Unitec, before enrolling at AUT.
Volunteering
Recognition: Anthony Walker, a long-serving member of Far North Surf Rescue.
Winner: Dani Elliot, service committee co-captain at Kaitaia College, a member of the breakfast club and an enthusiastic competitive level coach at the Kaitaia Gymnastics Club.
Inspired by her grandfather and great-grandfather, who worked in Search and Rescue and Civil Defence, Dani, at 16, joined the Kaitaia Fire Brigade. She is currently taking sign language lessons so she can communicate with the deaf.
She hopes to volunteer in Fiji or Thailand next year, and would like to return to Kaitaia as a volunteer firefighter and a police officer.
Entrepreneur
Winner: Norman Walker, a former student at Taipa Area School, where he was head boy last year.
He has displayed real leadership qualities, and is a Far North Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) award winner as the managing director of Te Hiku Biosecurity Monitors, formed to monitor and clean the hulls of boats, which won the Innovation and Growth Potential category, and was nominated in all four award categories.
Creativity
Recognition: Willa McCartney, a Year 13 student and all-rounder at Abundant Life School, who is about to begin studies in music or art.
Winner: Canary Herbert, whose passion for music has seen her participate at events including the Mangonui Festival, Colour Splash and Music in the Park.
She has submitted a song for the E Tu Whanau competition, and teaches vocals to children and youth. She is preparing to go abroad to continue her dream to excel as an artist.
Group
Winner: Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro, whose students are to be seen helping at almost every community, youth, sport, arts or culture event in Kaitaia. Nga tamariki o Pukemiro have volunteered by cleaning, setting-up, packing down, performing or entertaining at community and youth events, they've assisted at the A&P shows, Christmas carnivals, community concerts, and have continued the Te Houtaewa marathon kaupapa.
Brothers Karis Roberts and D'angelo Tahitahi have busked for more than three years and entertained at numerous community event, and co-ordinated Kaitaia's first Movies in the Park earlier this year.
All current Pukemiro students give their time, love and energy to make things happen in Kaitaia and Te Hiku, organisers said.
