Cody Makaua, she added, was a special kind of student, who, despite a busy academic programme and sporting commitments, chose to lend his time to a variety of projects and causes at his school and in the community.
"At his kura this sees him twice a week teaching his peers kapa haka and mau rakau, a martial art based on traditional Maori weapons that establishes a foundation of cultural identity. If it weren't for Cody's lessons many of these students would not be involved in any extracurricular activities after school," Ms Somerville said.
"A big advocate for a student voice, Cody is also a board of trustees student representative, is the male leader for the school's kapa haka group, leads various haka and waiata and is the group's guitarist. As an accomplished Nga Manu Korero speech competition winner, and through his contributions to performing arts, he is a positive role model for Polynesian and Maori rangatahi."
In the community he was a member of the Kohukohu Volunteer Fire Brigade and male leader of the Northland Catholic Youth Group, where he helped teach Christian values in fun ways to youth, organise activities and a camp.
"As a coach, student representative and humble, unassuming leader, he is a very deserving winner of this award, and it is an absolute pleasure to highlight some of his achievements tonight," she added.
Cody received a trophy, a framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of his choice.
Caring
Ms Somerville described Melissa Chapman as a very caring young lady with a strong drive and desire to support and contribute to her school and community, to which she dedicate many hours of her time. She was one of Springbank School's academic, mentoring and charity leaders, a position that she took very seriously, and which sas her organise charity events and fundraisers such as the annual Valentine's Day event, which raised money for the Heart Foundation. She was part of the school ball committee, coached two netball teams and organised activities and events that lifted school spirit, such as the middle school disco that she had helped organise for the past two years.
"Out in the community, over her school holidays Melissa has volunteered at the Hospice Shop in Kerikeri, she has participated in the 40-hour famine since she was eight, raising big sums for this great cause, and she is currently in the process of developing an application that will help teenagers in combating depression," Ms Somerville added.
"Melissa is motivated by her desire help people achieve a positive state of mental health, and she is a great ambassador for her school and community. We wish her the very best with her Bachelor of Business next year, and thank her for adding so much spirit to her school community."
