Events & conferences > Celebrating Everyday Young New Zealanders > Profiles > Central North Island Profiles

Central North Island Profiles

See below for summary profiles of young New Zealanders from the Central North Island who have all made positive contributions in their communities.

Mel McCarty

Mel McCarty is in Year 13 at Melville High School in Hamilton and is focussed on getting fellow students to make healthier food choices. Mel is the driver of the ‘Fuelled for Food Challenge’ for her school. Mel has had to exercise a variety of skills to get this Challenge going. This has included formulating a survey to discover attitudes to healthy food options and leading focus groups from survey results. Mel, with another Year 13 student, undertook individual interviews with students. They then attended the Mission-On workshop in Wellington and analysed interview results. After finding 37% of students don’t eat breakfast, Mel has decided to run exercise sessions and a Breakfast Club for Year 9 students, which is now underway. These are pilot initiatives, which if successful, will roll out to the rest of the school in Term 3. Mel has also liaised with the Canteen Manager at Melville, to make sure the school is meeting the requirements of the new National Guidelines around healthy food choices. Mel has had to develop good organisational and communication skills to take this on, but she is rising to the challenge of making her school a healthier environment.

George Jensen

George Jensen is a Year 13 secondary school student and fire fighter with the Dannevirke Volunteer Fire Brigade. He is high achieving, a prefect, an avid sportsman, and still finds time to play the flugal for the Dannevirke Brass Band at many public events. George has made the local papers a few times now, a testament to his pro-active and enthusiastic attitude to life. He gained his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, and is now working towards his Silver. He is involved with his Student Council and is helping with fundraising efforts for causes as varied as funding Guide Dogs and leukaemia research. He is a valued advocate for his local fire station, and recently got involved in a successful recruitment drive at his school that has seen new members join the ranks of the Dannevirke Volunteer Brigade. His community spirit has been noticed and appreciated.

Ricky Malcolm

Ricky Malcolm is a 19 year old New Plymouth peer support worker whose drive and energy is directed at health and human rights. He works at WAVES; a New Plymouth based youth health service, is the president of Youth Organised and United (YOU) and sits on the board of the Taranaki Youth Health Trust. His love of documentaries created the WAVES motion picture group that covers youth and community events in Taranaki. At the moment this group is working on a documentary about rural life for young people in the area. Ricky’s formidable timetable includes him being a WAVES management team member, initiating many different projects for the organisation. Ricky is a committed advocate for young people, whether it’s sitting in on family group conferences or setting up and coordinating a WAVES library, he does not shy away from challenging bureaucracy and power structures. He is deeply valued by his work mates. His ability and desire to connect with people from many cultures and backgrounds shows true maturity and compassion.

Pene Clark

20 year old Pene Clark grew up in Te Karaka, north of Gisborne. Pene is in her third year of study with Te Rangakura Teaching Programme run by Te Wananga O Raukawa, based in the Gisborne region. Pene is training to become a Te Reo Maori teacher and would like to work at her local Kohanga Reo or at Waikohu College. Pene’s ambition grew after her time at Te Ao Maori, a youth training course, where she was voted Best Female Student. Pene was then encouraged by her tutors to follow her dream and become a Te Reo teacher. She was acknowledged as a hard worker and was chosen to be an ambassador for the Kokiri Taiohi programme funded by the Ministry of Youth Development. This programme inspires Maori youth within the Turanganui A Kiwa to access higher education and develop skills for employment. Pene has excelled as an ambassador. Her new-found skills and confidence will assist her in her attaining her teaching goal. Pene still lives in Te Karaka and contributes to her community by being a senior member of the local youth group.

Richard Whale

Richard Whale is 18 and from Whitianga. He is a Mercury Bay Area School student who participates in the Young New Zealanders’ Challenge Mercury Bay Independent Group (YNZMBIG). He is motivated and aims to complete his Bronze Exploration sections in the activity of kayaking. His inclusive personality and ability to connect with younger members of the YNZMBIG is a reason to recognise and celebrate his development. Well liked by his peers, Richard has overcome some difficult times and the experience has given him insight into others’ situations. He has been motivating his peers to participate in the YNZMBIG and is a regular contributor to his local Community Resource Centre.

Tegan Bain

Tegan Bain is a Te Puke High School student who is showing that being of service to your community can be both fun and rewarding. She is a Youth Leader of the Te Puke Scout Group and is of support to other Cub Leaders of the Group. Tegan is becoming a skilled leader in her organisation of activities, games and camps. She is currently working towards awards in Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Without Tegan’s contribution to the Scout Group, the Cub Pack wouldn’t have a Youth Leader who can relate to younger Scout members. Scouting emphasises community service and Tegan’s leadership is demonstrating the value of reaching out to our communities.

Piri Mona Nepia

Piri Mona Nepia has recently joined the NZ Navy and has undertaken basic training to become a Navy Diver, a job that requires great physical and mental perseverance. Piri is 18 and was born in Gisborne. He had to battle different health issues throughout his childhood, but despite these hurdles persevered to become a prefect at Gisborne Boys High. These early set backs didn’t stop him achieving athletically either. Piri played for the Gisborne Boys High School First XV, who went on to win the National Secondary Schools Competition in 2007. He was also a member of the Tairawhiti Maori Rugby Team. These sporting and social achievements placed Piri in the spotlight and he began to use his status in a positive way. Piri became part of the Kokiri Taiohi Ambassador Team, an initiative between the Gisborne District Council and Te Runanga O Turanganui A Kiwa and funded by the Ministry of Youth Development. Kokiri Taiohi is a community initiative that provides positive advice to other young people. Piri has humility and spiritual awareness; he acknowledges his Maori heritage and uses the aroha, manaaki and awhi he has gained to give back to others.

Abbie Maree Fowler

Abbie Maree Fowler is an environmental warrior. She is a Year 13 student at Inglewood High School in Taranaki, but her CV is already formidable. Abbie is a high achieving student and multi-talented sportswoman. She represented Taranaki at the North Island Schools Athletic Champs when she was in Year 9. She coaches and umpires netball teams. She is a school whanau student leader and has completed peer support training. Abbie was hand picked to represent Inglewood High School students on the school’s Enviropower Committee. This committee is a national school precedent for educating and empowering people in energy conservation and sustainable living. This role requires her to give presentations and one event was in front of an assembly of high profile people including MP Jeanette Fitzsimons and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Taranaki. Abbie also had speaking engagements before smaller groups. She is preparing for a presentation about sustainable living for the Venture Taranaki Board of Trustees this June. Abbie’s mission is to make sustainable living a present, not future, reality.

Frank Baker

Frank Baker is 18 and in his final year of high school at Rotorua Boys’ High School. He has become a positive role model for younger students and sees his future as one of training in the area of youth work in New Zealand. Frank is a keen volleyball player who plays for his school. His role as a prefect at Rotorua Boys’ High School means others have recognised his leadership skills, but Frank takes it upon himself to volunteer for many activities in his wider community. This keen attitude to give freely of his time and talents means Frank is gaining an understanding of the value of community. Frank is a good team member and sits on the Rotorua District Youth Council for a second year this year. Others recognise Frank as a generous and hard working young man who has a quiet but effective influence on others. He may be involved in many different groups, but gives fully to each one.

Danniell Kenny

Danniell Kenny grew up around horses. At age 16 she is now a skilled horse rider and Polocross player. She is of Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu and Pakeha descent, attends Piopio College and lives in Te Kuiti. Danniell has a great knowledge of horses, farm life and hunting. She has progressed through the ranks of Pony and Rodeo Clubs to become a Polocross player of note. She represents Tuwharetoa in Polocross and has the potential to represent New Zealand in her chosen sport. Danniell has a strong drive and gives her all on the field, traits that can only help her in a competitive environment. She is hoping to be selected for the New Zealand Youth Polocross Team, and has the opportunity to attend a training camp in Australia later this year. Danniell’s rural upbringing gave her a love of the outdoors, but it’s her physical and athletic skills and positive attitude that have got her noticed and respected in her community.

Renee McGregor

Renee McGregor is a young mother of two and an enthusiastic and capable youth worker. She is 17 and lives in Waihi. It’s here she leads the Y-hee Uth XL (the Waihi Community Resource Centre’s youth committee) where her role is one of planning and implementing youth events, fundraising drives and doing community work. Renee plans the Waihi Community Resource Centre’s teen mother’s group activities. This group supplies young mothers with parenting education and peer support. Renee’s methodical approach, leadership and organisational skills are the driving force behind this venture. Renee has a natural talent in front of crowds, having planned and MC’ed the Waihi Hip Hop Expo 2007 event which attracted hundreds of young people. Renee did not have an easy childhood, but is proving herself to be a motivated and positive woman. She knows the value of commitment and hard work. Renee and her partner have bought a new home for their young family. Renee is an example of someone who leads by example and works to strengthen community ties.

Jessica Lea

Jessica Lea is a 17 year old Sacred Heart College student and a promising Surf Life Guard who won Rookie of the Year in 2007. Jessica is a natural sportsperson whose talent behind a netball whistle saw her awarded Waikato Umpire of the Year 2007, an award given across all sporting codes. Recently she has been busy gaining the technical skills required for life saving, her VHF Radio Certificate and her Crewmans Certificate. Jessica spent all summer at Whangamata Surf Club as a volunteer. She gives freely of her time to netball too, umpiring at all grades of the sport most weekends. She was in charge of the final at last year’s Secondary School Upper North Island Champs, one of the first secondary school students to umpire at a final in over six years. Umpiring is a far from easy job. As a life guard Jessica has had to respond to stressful situations with quick and accurate judgement. Jessica is an extremely skilled and generous volunteer in her community who is aiming to become a professional Surf Life Guard.

Bianca Aldridge

Bianca Aldridge grew up in Taranaki. She is a 23 year old youth mentor in the Opunake and Taranaki region. A talented performer, she toured New Zealand as a dancer and a vocalist after attending the Excel Performing Arts School in Auckland. Bianca is Youth Development Facilitator at the South Taranaki District Council. The ‘Get Connected Project’ involves Bianca and a group of 16 youth representatives from eight different rural towns within South Taranaki. The group provides the opportunity for service providers to get to know each other and for youth to connect with these valuable services. Within this process good relationships are building between the community and local teenagers. The Coastal Youth Core Inc is an initiative looking to build a $122,000 skate park for local skaters. This group of people are seen as anti-social and threatening, but Bianca has been a driving force in changing perceptions and getting the group to become self-motivating and ambitious. This demonstrates Bianca’s proactive approach to Taranaki youth and her belief in listening to the needs of young people.

Stacey Gilbert

Stacey Gilbert is a 17 year old water skier from Karapiro. She is a Year 13 student at St. Peters School in Cambridge and has represented her country in her sport. Stacey’s talent on the water has seen her chosen for the Under 17 team to the Junior World Championships in France and the Under 21 team for Chile. These overseas opportunities have given Stacey an insight into competing in her sport in an international environment. Stacey has won New Zealand Girls Division for the slalom and the jump and was an overall winner. She competed last year and will again this year, in the slalom and jump at the Moomba Masters in Melbourne. She was recently selected for the under 17 team to compete at the next Junior Worlds in Peru in January 2009. Stacey has learnt to appreciate the challenges of the hard work that is required for achievement at a high level in sport. Learning to win, and lose, in a positive way is also a key skill Stacey has acquired.

Paige Hareb

Paige Hareb is on her way to becoming a surfing world champion. This 18 year old from Oakura shocked the international surfing world when she reached the final of the Billabong World Pro Junior competition in Sydney, having entered on a sponsor’s wild card. Paige was beaten by the current world junior champion, but put in an amazing surfing performance that made the surfing world take notice. She attended New Plymouth Girls High School, completing Year 12 before leaving to focus on her surfing career. She was an excellent body boarder and after her Dad taught her to surf – she joined the Oakura Boardriders Club and entered in local competitions. Paige’s natural surfing talent quickly came to the fore. Paige is committed to her physical fitness and her surfing career. She has had to deal with media attention and is using her profile positively as the face of the environmental initiative ‘Sea Week’. Paige shows huge composure in the face of attention, as well as commitment to her sport and the environment she enjoys.

Mitchell Spence

Mitchell Spence is an accomplished tenor horn and trombone player from Whakatane. He is 14 and of Tuhoe, Ngati Ruapani, Kai Tahu, and Ngati Kahungunu descent. Mitchell plays with Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass. He has performed at many local events including Anzac Day Services, Christmas Parades and Carols by Candlelight. He is often asked to play with other entertainment groups in the Whakatane region for performances that are usually community related. His talent is considerable. He won an Under 15 solo when he was 12 and was placed third in the 2007 under 19 Tenor Horn Section of national competitions. Mitchell has been tutored by members of the NZ Brass Band and the NZSO. In January this year Mitchell was part of the National Youth Band of New Zealand, with players under the age of 23 years selected from all around New Zealand. Mitchell’s discipline extends to school, where he is a keen debater and public speaker, winning his regional Manu Korero Speech competition. Mitchell has many talents and his participation in community events is much appreciated.

Paora Hudson

Paora Hudson has determination. His desire is to train and find work in the farming industry. He is 16 and grew up in Opotiki before moving to Rotorua a year ago. He has been resilient in the face of opposition, leaving Rotorua Boys High School when he has 15 with no qualifications to speak of and low expectations of himself. He linked himself with Youth Transition Services in Rotorua and since then has been working on his 44-week Agriculture New Zealand Rural Skills course on a sponsor farm outside Rotorua. This course requires mental toughness and a resourceful attitude. Paora sleeps alone in a shearing quarters and cooks for and looks after himself. He has shown determination to see this course through as he wishes be a good example to his younger brother in Rotorua and to support his mother. He wants others to realise that although they may face extremely trying attitudes and circumstances, they can find a path that is right for them in life and achieve work skills that will take them far.

Faenza Hewett

Faenza Hewett is recognised as a talented singer and youth advocate. She is 20, and was brought up in Manutuke, just out of Gisborne. She joined her Kapa Haka roopu at age 5 and was female leader of this group in 2001. She got involved in music, performing arts and Te Reo at her High School and in 2004 became part of the Turanga Wahine, Turanga Tane Kapa Haka Roopu who were placed second overall at the Secondary School National Kapa Haka Competition in Wellington. In her last year at High School, Faenza was the Kaitiaki Wahine (first female) for the Kapa Haka team who went to the national competition and achieved ninth place. She was a member of the band ‘Rhythm and Soul’ who in 2005 were selected to go to the National Beats competition held in Wellington. Faenza attended the Excel School of Performing Arts in Auckland in 2007, majoring in vocals. Now she is an administrator in Gisborne at Turanga Ararau for the Kokiri Taiohi Initiative team, organising various youth events. Faenza’s beautiful voice and her promotion of the Kokiri Taiohi team is much admired by her community.

Morgan Bamford

Morgan Bamford is an outstanding Scottish Highland dancer who has been Juvenile World Champ since 2005. She is 15 and attends New Plymouth Girls High School. Morgan was always sporty, but her special talent for dance stood out early on. She has been a Scottish Highland Dance Champion since 2001 at age 9. She is the current New Plymouth and New Zealand champion and is a SPARC National Future Champion. Such high achievement demands dedication and practice and Morgan has her sights firmly set on further international dance success, as well as being an ambassador for dance in New Zealand. Morgan mentors and coaches younger dancers. She has also lobbied the educational system to allow secondary students to gain STAR scheme points and to achieve credits towards NCEA. As a Youth Ambassador for New Plymouth district she performs at many community events, rest homes, sports and social clubs throughout the Taranaki region. She is a talented and generous young performer.

Chris Swney

Chris Swney is 17 and a student at Taupo-Nui-a-Tia School. Chris is Chairman of the newly formed Taupo Youth Council and a talented public speaker, actor and communicator. Chris’s activities centre around communication, whether it is attending the National Youth Drama School, being a member of the Student Council, or his position as Chairman for the Taupo Youth Council. He has made the role his own, displaying outstanding leadership qualities and intelligence. He was fully involved in the Council’s ‘Life 2 Tha Max’ youth festival last year, programming the activities for the four day event and actively promoting it as the event MC. Chris is now working on a number of youth events, including an idea for a ‘Silent Concert’ later this year. Chris and the other members of the Youth Council have had to face reserved and sometimes biased attitudes towards youth in their community. However Chris’s communication skills and confidence have bridged any gaps in perception. He shows a maturity and a positivity that directly affects colleagues and the public. Chris is admired for his input into his community and for providing an articulate view of youth for Taupo.

Jackie Crawford

Jackie Crawford is an organised and inspirational 23 year old Girl Guide volunteer and community worker. She lives in New Plymouth and studied at Massey University, attaining her Bachelor of Science. She currently volunteers as a Brownie leader, gymnastics coach, a cycle group leader and a netball coach. Jackie wanted to give back to the Guide movement as she rates a trip to Mexico with the Girl Guides as a personal highlight. She ran a Brownie unit when she was studying in Palmerston North and now runs the unit she attended as a child. Jackie inspired a group of women who hadn’t ridden a bike for 20 plus years, to form a Cycle Group and get some laughter and exercise. The group has been a huge success. Her work as a gymnastics coach is with children aged 4 to 14 and she loves developing their confidence and skill levels. Jackie is always looking to up-skill and recently travelled to Canada for an International Guide Leaders Camp. This was predominantly self-funded. Jackie’s community involvement is impressive. She nurtures confidence in others and this is appreciated.

Hamish Carter

Hamish Carter has his sights set on being part of Search and Rescue NZ, an organisation that provides a highly skilled and respected service to New Zealanders. He is 16 and lives in Hamilton. He enjoys mountain biking and waterskiing. He is in Year 12 and changed schools in Year 11 so he could study more of the subjects he needs for his goal. He wants to help other people and work outdoors. He is a member of Youth Search and Rescue, a big commitment which requires attendance at meetings and training sessions every week and camps every other weekend – this all on top of school, homework and sporting activities. Hamish also mentors other youth joining YSR. His passion for the environment started with his work with the Maungatautari Conservation Trust. Hamish then went on to Youth Search and Rescue and his mind was made up. Hamish aims to get the required qualifications needed for Search and Rescue in the next couple of years. His desire to help people in a such a demanding way shows great community spirit.

Shaun Libeau

Shaun Libeau believes his role in life is to serve his community and ‘give it all he has’. He is currently employed as a case worker at WINZ and is working towards a National Certificate in Public Sector Service. He has a long association with the Western Community Centre in Hamilton, where he lives. He is just 20 but has already contributed much to Hamilton, helping with holiday programmes, OSCAR programmes and the regular event ‘Treats in the Park’ – an alternative safe option for kids at Halloween. His role here requires managing a team of other volunteers. He prepares and supervises traffic safety management plans and security. Shaun is currently the Chair of the Hamilton Youth Council and is a regular volunteer at many Hamilton City Council events. He has become extremely knowledgeable about community development. Shaun has worked with many young people, giving energy to a whole range of events. Shaun expresses a rare feeling for community work and Hamilton benefits from his generous spirit.

Laura Lincoln

Laura Lincoln was only 14 when she instigated the first pet food drive. She is now in Year 13 at Karamu High School in Hastings, where she is Head Girl, Deputy Chair of the Youth Council, is involved with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Youth Enviro Council and is a Board of Trustees representative. Since 2005 Laura has co-ordinated events directed at animal welfare organisations. Her pet food drives, where students offer either a sachet of pet food, or a gold coin donation, have benefited local RSPCA’s. In 2007 despite one week to organise the fundraiser Laura managed to raise 1800 cans of pet food, a mountain of boxed and bagged biscuits and $603.30, which was spent on pet food and donated to Stephen Brockie, who cycled around Lake Taupo to raise money for guide dog sponsorship. Laura is focussed on this year’s fundraiser, and approached the Hastings District Council to get involved. They will be having a casual clothes day, where staff donate coins and pet food for the cause. Laura has been communicating with staff, students, the Councils and RSPCA’s for this initiative. Her pro-active attitude has made a big impact within her school, and her wider community.

Kieran Scott

Kieran Scott McHugh is a well loved and respected Head Boy at John Paul College in Rotorua. He has been a Waterpolo captain and a youth mentor and sat on the Youth Council in 2007. He has sporting and public speaking skills, preparing the Thank You speech on behalf of 80 students at the World Enterprise Challenge. He was voted in as CEO to represent New Zealand in that same Challenge. Kieran is a natural mentor for younger students and spends many hours coaching and guiding his waterpolo teams. The students in turn have a high regard for his efforts. Kieran used his marketing skills to promote a waterpolo calendar to raise money for their needs. His communication skills and confidence were seen in his impromptu speaking event at the O’Shea Shield Competition. He also persuaded the Labour Party Leader John Key to come and speak with senior students and visit John Paul College’s Business School. Kieran has a mature and balanced outlook on life. Others have recognised and celebrate his natural leadership abilities. He looks outside his school community and works hard at representing his peers in the best possible way.

Luke Lolesi

Luke Lolesi is a hard working and generous student at Hamilton Christian School, who demonstrates love for his family and community through his music and public speaking. He is 14 and lives in Te Awamutu with his family. Luke knows the reality of a working life and pays for his own education by working in a restaurant for 18 hours a week. He assists his family in a direct way and has a natural empathy with people. Luke is musically gifted and plays a huge variety of styles. His gift for communication saw him be a campaign speaker for the Every Child Counts National Campaign in 2005. His words challenged communities, Parliament and Councils to sit up and take action on behalf of children in New Zealand. Luke is an Emerging Maori Artist 2008. He is recording a CD of his original music, working with Barnados.  Luke is modest, but uses his leadership skills through his music and by his actions. He has talent and an understanding of what is really important in life.

Nikki Mott

Nikki Mott was the first young Dannevirke representative of the Wairarapa electorate at the Youth Parliament 2007. She is in Year 13 at Dannevirke High School, and is committed to the physical and mental well being of young people in her community. Nikki hopes to study medicine or youth work. She is the Deputy Head Girl at her school and is involved with the Knox Church Youth Group as a Leader. She participates in youth events with the Tararua Community Youth Services Team and is a local representative hockey player. Nikki’s youth advocacy can clearly be seen in her involvement in developing the Adolescent Health Strategy for the local District health Board, the first youth model of its kind in the Tararua District. Nikki is especially keen to promote youth participation in District Councils and in developing youth services in communities. Nikki has had to promote the Youth Parliament to peers in her area and push it as a valuable way to exercise political participation. Nikki is actively working for and towards good services for youth at a local and national level.

Jessica Douglas

Jessica Douglas has been working with younger people with significant hurdles ahead of them. At 19 she is developing into a valued youth mentor. Jessica now mentors at the school she attended in the Coromandel area and has a great relationship with its students. Jessica has become a mentor through the Ministry of Education’s Interim Response Fund. The two children Jessica has been assisting are extremely challenged socially, so her role requires much patience, empathy and application. She loves the outdoor life and has been involved in outdoor education. She trained in this area when she left school. Jessica has upskilled with mentor training via Project K. She has recently run a school holiday programme in Hamilton. The parents of the students and the students themselves have benefited from Jessica’s involvement in their lives and she is regarded as someone with valuable communication skills.

Dominic Bird

Dominic Bird has worked hard to overcome obstacles to become a well loved, well rounded student at Central Hawkes Bay College in Waipukurau. He is Deputy Head Boy this year and has completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Dominic has worked hard on his physical and personal challenges. He was involved in Project K – one of Foundation for Youth Development’s programmes – at his school and attained national prominence at the Project K Excellence Awards. Dominic is a talented sportsman and has been selected for the New Zealand Under 17 Rugby Squad. What stands out is his commitment to service in his community. In a smaller community like Waipukurau this quality is much appreciated. His top service awards show he is appreciated, but they also show someone who sets goals and works hard to achieve them. He empowers other members of his community as he does so.

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