Nominations open for Youth Awards

7 August 2015

Do you know a special young person who deserves recognition for their achievements? Nominate them for the Taupo District Youth Awards!

This year sees the addition of a new category - resilience - and a leadership award for each age group. Nominations for the awards open today for youth attending school and living in the Taupo District.

Democracy and community engagement manager Tina Jakes said the new category reflected the number of young people who had been nominated in the past for the way they overcame obstacles. We wanted to have an award for a young person who has achieved great things against the odds, as these are often remarkable stories, she said.

She said the awards only happened once a year, so the community should take the opportunity to support and showcase the outstanding youth in their lives.

We have so many amazing young people in our district and these awards can help them realise they have a lot to offer, Ms Jakes said.

Young people from years 7-13 are eligible for nomination in five categories - arts, academic, sports, innovation and resilience. The categories are split into three age groups: years 7-8, years 9-11 and years 12-13. A panel of judges will select a winner and runner-up for each of these age groups. There is an award for leadership for each age group and an award for overall all-rounder, with the winners of these chosen from the other five categories.

Parents, friends, school teachers, coaches and club or organisation leaders can nominate young people they think excel in any of these areas.

Nomination forms are available online at www.taupo.govt.nz. Nominations close Friday August 28, and the awards will be held on Monday, September 14 at 7pm at the Great Lake Centre.

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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

Taupō District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz