Hundreds turn out for Youth Awards
15 September 2015
The district's most outstanding young people were celebrated in style at this year's Taupo District Youth Awards last night at the Great Lake Centre.
Mayor David Trewavas welcomed the nominees, parents and supporters to the awards and said the community should be proud of all the outstanding young people nominated. He said it was fantastic to see the huge number of supporters who turned out for the occasion.
These young people are the future of our district and it's great to see we are in good hands, he said. I congratulate all those who won awards and wish them all the best.
Young people from years 7-13 were nominated in five categories - arts, academic, sports, innovation and resilience. The categories were split into three age groups: years 7-8, years 9-11 and years 12-13. There was a leadership award for each year group, an inspirational award and an overall all-rounder award.
The overall all-rounder award went to Sian Moffitt, who also won the years 12-13 innovation and sports awards. Sian is a champion for environmental sustainability and mentors the Kids Greening Taupo Group, has set up and run a litter initiative at Tauhara College and is school photographer. She was nominated by the school's academic dean, Vicki Witton, who said Sian's sporting achievements were extensive and included representing New Zealand in three different disciplines of rock climbing. Sian is a motivated athlete and competitor who strives to be the best she can be not only in sport, but also in academic and environmental areas of her life, Ms Witton said.
The inspirational award was won by Taupo-nui-a-Tia College head boy Gabriel Wharehinga. Despite poor health, leading to a recent cancer diagnosis, Gabriel has been competing in waka ama, athletics and cultural activities, while also carrying out his head student duties and school studies. His nomination, by teacher Hilary Graham, described Gabriel as highly regarded by his teachers and peers. He is a young man of fortitude, resilience, with a strong sense of duty, Ms Graham said in her nomination.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupo District Council
www.taupo.govt.nz