Youth education advocate in line for leading award

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake manager Roana Bennett has been shortlisted for the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award. Photo / File

A Rotorua woman dedicated to improving the education of local youth has made the shortlist for the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award.

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake manager Roana Bennett was shortlisted as a candidate for the top award along with nine other New Zealanders at the weekend.

She was the only Rotorua nomination to get to the next stage of the award process.

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust was contracted by the Government to work with the community to identify needs and develop and implement action plans to support better educational outcomes through Excel Rotorua.

Ms Bennett said the nomination was overwhelming.

"I feel so privileged to be recognised in this way, especially considering there are so many unsung heroes in our community who equally deserve to be acknowledged for the work they do.

"When I found out I had been shortlisted for the award I couldn't believe it. We have had a phenomenal year and the success of the trust isn't mine alone.

"The people who work at Te Taumata are extraordinary and I feel very lucky to be able to work alongside them."

The awards are open to all New Zealanders and aim to recognise, encourage and reward inspirational Kiwis from all walks of life.

Ms Bennett said this year the trust had worked hard to improve the learning outcomes of local students through Excel Rotorua and looked forward to continuing that in 2015.

"There are so many moments this year that have made me proud to be a part of this trust but one of the biggest rewards for me has been seeing the local impact we've made and the positive response we've had from schools towards our innovative education initiatives."

Chief Judge Cameron Bennett said it was a tough job for the judging panel to create a shortlist of just 10 inspirational Kiwis from more than 230 nominations.

"Each of these individuals is extraordinary. Some have worked tirelessly to make other Kiwis better off, while others have inspired us through being the very best at their chosen fields."

In January, the judging panel will announce the final shortlist of three, with the overall winner announced on February 25.