Northern North Island profiles - New Zealand Ministry of Youth Development

Northern North Island profiles

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

Andrew Colgan

Andrew Colgan is a 24 year old student and youth worker, studying Law and Economics at the University of Auckland. He is a keen sportsman and youth advocate, who is using physical and organisational skills to promote important global issues. He runs weekly youth groups for 10-18 year olds at the Community of St. Luke and was the initiator of Run NZ, a group of young people who ran the length of New Zealand, raising awareness about HIV/Aids. Another project he kick-started raised funds for an orphanage in Pakpingjai, in the north of Thailand. He volunteers with Refugee and Migrant Services and is in the process of establishing the Aotearoa Development Cooperative, a micro-finance organisation created to help the poverty-stricken Zo community in rural Burma. Andrew is currently completing a Masters degree in Law, his specialist subject being issues of justice and trade in the Pacific. Andrew’s formidable energy and passion for the ‘big picture’ proves that positive change can, and does, happen.

Bo McGee

Bo McGee has exceptional talent in Mau Rakau (Maori martial art. He achieved the rare honour of achieving the second highest level in Te Whare Tuu Taua O Aotearoa, the school of ancient Maori weaponry. He is due to complete the final stage of this programme next December. Bo has been honing these skills for over 8 years, learning Te Reo at the same time and has become a competent speaker of the language. Bo started this path as an assistant tutor for a local health trust at a Northland correctional facility, gradually working his way up to running the programme himself. Over the past three years Bo has become more adept at strengthening peoples’ sense of identity and history. Currently he delivers 80% of two weekly evening classes for Te Whare Tuu Taua O Aotearoa. He continues to assist with monthly community waananga for local marae in Kaikohe, as well as being an active and supportive partner, father and family member.

Jono (Jonathan) Heaps

Jono (Jonathan) Heaps is a talented and committed singer and performer, but has also developed into a great tutor for the organisation StarJam. Jono is 21 and was born blind. He was just 14 when he tried his luck on the StarJam stage. StarJam is an organisation that creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, as well as running workshops in the Auckland and Whangarei areas. Jono is a song writer as well as a singer, co-writing Star Jam’s first single ‘Queen of Hearts’, that was released by EMI Music and gained national media attention. But it is his emerging talent as a tutor and speaker that shows Jono’s growing maturity and talent for reaching different audiences. For the past two years Jono has represented StarJam at public events and at 19 became a StarJam tutor, again proving to be highly motivated at guiding young people to musical success. He is co-tutor of ‘Velvet Vocals’ an advanced StarJam singing work shop that started this year and already has a six song repertoire including his own original material, to its name. Jono works hard to inspire young disabled people to unlock their musical skills.

Katie Treadaway

Katie Treadaway is 19 and an accomplished horse rider. For the past 18 months she has been working side by side with top New Zealand event rider Kirsten Kelly. Katie hails from Papakura and has been a member of the Clevedon Pony Club since 1999. Her love of horse riding has been matched with hard work. Katie passed her A Certificate with honours in 2006 and followed that with achievement of her H Certificate with honours in 2007. These are the highest awards that can be achieved at a pony club. The last person to achieve both honours was back in 1993. Katie competes in eventing at a national level and has qualified for the eventing national championships in May this year. Katie matches her talent with the discipline required to achieve at high levels for her sport and she happily passes her knowledge and skills onto younger riders at her club.

Chanel Hargrave

Chanel Hargrave is an aspiring equestrian with an Olympic dream. She is 20 and a member of the Clevedon Pony Club. While at Strathallan College she was a 2006 Young Sportsperson of the Year finalist and in that same year achieved fourth place in the New Zealand Young Horse Rider Trial Championships. She captained the NZPCA Dressage Champs for Clevedon in 2007 and has been part of that team since 2004. Chanel aims to ride for New Zealand at an Olympic Games, but perhaps before then become a New Zealand national champion in her events. Chanel is a 2008 Miss Manukau runner up and now a Miss World New Zealand contestant. She can also claim academic excellence and in her final year at high school achieved 100% in history. She is aware of the social issues facing New Zealand today and has contributed to fundraising efforts for Starship Hospital as a contestant for Miss New Zealand as well as for Clevedon Pony Club.

Casey Greig

Casey Greig has had to be tenacious sometimes, but at age 18 she is the youngest quarantine officer in Auckland. She is currently training a beagle as part of her goal of becoming a detector dog handler for MAF. Casey comes from Taranaki and had to leave Inglewood High School in Year 11 to deal with personal challenges. She with a coach to get the required level of academic qualifications she needed for her dream job of working for MAF. In 2007 Casey achieved the standard needed and showed determination in the face of formidable and unexpected challenges. Casey has been a volunteer member of the Youth Health Committee of Taranaki since 2004 and played a part in the opening of WAVES, the successful free youth health clinic in New Plymouth in 2007. She became a volunteer peer support person at WAVES, offering advice and personal wisdom to other young people. She shows much is possible with acceptance and support.

Joshua Raynes

Joshua Raynes is an accomplished drummer. He has his sights set on representing New Zealand at the 2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Joshua is Year 12 at Manurewa High School and discovered his talent for drumming at age 11. He put work into his hobby and five years later has a grade of P1, which is the highest grade possible for drumming. He is a founding member of Auckland Regional Drumline, who have performed extensively around the Auckland region, contributing to events like Christmas Parades and the Manukau and Waiuku ANZAC Day services. Drumline are the official drummers for the Breakers Basketball team. Joshua is busy completing his Level 3 qualifications and is looking at attending Auckland University. Joshua has an amazing musical knowledge and is writing, as well as performing for Drumline. He is also a drum tutor and gives up two nights a week to teach people of all ages and cultures in South Auckland. Joshua works outside of school to raise funds for Drumline’s trip to Edinburgh. Joshua’s energy and musical talents are undeniable, but the fact he freely gives of this talent shows a deep love of his community.

Wilson Shen

Wilson Shen has made his school community aware of the need to be energy wise through his fortnightly, self penned school-wide newsletter. He is 18 and in Year 13 at Northcote College in Auckland. His strong interest in environmental issues has seen him representing his school at regional and national conferences. Wilson is a member of the North Shore Youth Council and is involved in SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk). In 2007 Wilson helped with his college’s presentation at Youth Jam, a nation wide meeting of environmentally conscious schools. He has spread his strong organisational skills into two positions, executive representative and treasurer, for Auckland Youth Directed Environmental Organisation (AYDEO) an initiative he helped form after Youth Jam 2007. Wilson has gained specialist knowledge in these positions, a fact reflected by his selection as one of three Auckland regional representatives to attend the Sir Peter Blake Youth Environmental Forum. Wilson now has the confidence to address large groups of people and he is developing into a skilled and considered communicator.

Katherine Ball

Katherine Ball comes from Ruawai in Northland. She is 16 and has achieved her NCEA level one credits. Katherine is a talented horse rider and rides competitively. She is a member of her local pony club committee and shares her riding skills with others in her role as a coach. Her physical skills don’t end there; Katherine has a brown belt in Kempo martial arts and is a keen netball player. The fact she is captain of her team shows her leadership skills have been noticed by others and, as with horse riding, Katherine offers netball coaching to junior teams. Katherine grew up on a farm and has gained farming skills that have fed into her life and talents. Katherine has notched up her bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and is working towards her gold. These awards demand physical toughness and a community spirit. Katherine’s ambition is to become a P.E teacher. She shows commitment to the many interests of her life, a feat not always made easy by living in a small town. She also benefits her community as a volunteer.

Simon Tagiilima

Simon Tagiilima Matafai thinks big and continues to achieve brilliantly across many sectors. He is 20 and a top law and history student at the University of Auckland and a musician, Simon has a deep belief in the power of youth and communities in New Zealand. A Kiwi born Samoan, Simon was a stand out student at Avondale College. He was Deputy Head Boy and a natural leader, promoting the political voice of students. He was the student representative on the Board of Trustees and took part in a long list of activities, including debating, the Samoan Cultural Group, directing, conducting and starring in school productions. Simon directs his musical passion into the Grey Lynn group Fetu Ao Youth (Morning Star). Simon may be a visible high achiever, but is also a mentor for troubled teenagers. He is a finalist in a nationwide selection process to represent New Zealand at a World Youth Forum in Greenwich, England. Simon has addressed high profile people, fellow students and the public and promotes a positivity that comes with hard work. His goals – to be the first Pacific Island Prime Minister of New Zealand, set up his own law firm and create charitable organisations – seem entirely appropriate.

Liam McEwan

Liam McEwan has been a pioneer for his school in creating ways for lowering energy usage and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. He is 13 and in Year 8 at Murrays’ Bay Intermediate school in Mairangi Bay. He is Deputy Chairperson of his school’s Enviro group, a group that establishes environmentally friendly practises and habits for the School community. Liam took to his role with drive and energy, gathering information from websites and outside agencies to present to the group. He was an expert on the programme ‘Wasted’ and volunteered his school as a case study. When Murrays Bay was due for a new paint job he contacted Eco Paints. Liam schooled himself in carbon emissions, composting and the art of worm farming. He also became part of a waste audit, monitoring the amount of waste in classrooms. He promotes the Travelwise plan, to cut down on fossil fuel emissions. Liam has, largely through his own efforts, created an awareness of environmental consequences that has made a ripple effect in his community. He is a person of drive and promise.

Cameron Calkoen

Cameron Calkoen is breaking through physical limitations to high achievement. He is a 24 year old Aucklander with cerebral palsy who has made it his aim to reach out and assist other people. Cameron was educated at Rangitoto College and Massey University, but halfway through his tertiary studies decided to concentrate on his role as an Ambassador with the ‘Yes’ Ability Achievement Centre. ‘Yes’ assists in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities living in the Waitemata region by providing resources and support for them and their families. Cameron became the face of ‘Yes’ and spoke at many events and functions for the group, as well as being a driving force behind ‘Yes’ becoming operational. Cameron has given his time to ‘What’s Up’ a telephone counselling service for young people and in 2006 travelled to Vanuatu with members of the Rotaract group to help with the construction of a tuberculosis ward. He is also a champion of 100 and 200 metre sprinting events. Cameron has an enthusiasm and love of life that encourages others to make the most of opportunities.

Melissa Cubitt

Melissa Cubitt is a 21 year old from Auckland whose love of athletics and background in Guiding and Scouting, have given her community spirit and a growing list of skills. She attended Massey High School to Year 12 and showed a talent for marketing. She went on to the International Travel College, passed her qualifications there with excellence, and received a special award as Top in School in IT. These computer skills and her mature manner make her a valued employee at APX Corporate Travel. She has made the ‘top five’ sales list twice, the first time this has been achieved by a trainee. Since 2000, Melissa has competed athletically at the Glen Eden Athletic Club, where she has won the Sportsmanship Award and Club Personality Award. She is now Club Secretary and handles all the Club’s correspondence. She has been an official at many Athletics Auckland meets, as well as Auckland Masters Athletics. Melissa has a confidence with people of all ages, in particular with younger members of the Club. This connection has seen a rise in the number of young people involved in the Glen Eden Athletics Club.

Emma Cavanagh

Emma Cavanagh is a 14 year old from Albany, Auckland. She is a Year 10 student at Pinehurst College and is an active and talented member of her school community. Emma has musical and sporting ability, participating in netball, hockey and waterpolo. She has been part of all musicals and choirs in the school. She has taken on responsibility as a netball umpire, helping the group Kidsplay netball every Saturday morning, which is a considerable commitment. Emma is part of her school’s Enviro Council and has volunteered for Kea Crossing duty. Last year Emma was elected as Head Councillor for the Junior College, an indication of her ability. Emma has a sensitivity that others have noticed and appreciate.

Curtis McNab

Curtis McNab has a passion for history and genealogy and hopes to be a museum curator one day. He is 18 and from Ngati Moetonga, Wainui ki Ahipara. His iwi is Te Rawara from the Kaitaia area. He has been very involved in assisting his iwi with creating a process to obtain and categorise important artefacts both locally and from national museums. He has been working with a Te Rarawa Kaumatua, Patariki Briggs, to meet with Auckland Museum staff and get key taonga back for an iwi celebration in 2007. Curtis has become a registered collector of taonga. He visits farms and museums in his area, encouraging owners to return taonga found on Marae and hapu land. Curtis has a keen interest in his Whakapaka and iwi history that shows a maturity and understanding of the key needs of his community. He has encouraged the hapu of Te Paatu, Patu Koraha and Nga Tohianga to get together and form a Trust for the care of an urupa (burial site) in a local area. Curtis has been recognised by his iwi as a person who has given much in keeping the links with the past alive.

Smeaton Drive Kids

Ryan Bell, Thomas Otimi, Kodi Foster-McQueen and Levi Foster McQueen are the Smeaton Drive Kids from Whangarei. These four young people have been volunteer workers in a project to clean off graffiti on a 250 metre Bunnings Warehouse fence. The aim of the project is to provide a large, clean space for a community mural that is planned for June of this year. This team of young people go to Mania View School and Whangarei Boys High School and they are keen rugby players, Kapa Haka performers, dancers and graffiti artists. The Smeaton Drive project is an after school programme, where the kids involved help run the activities. The four people who are helping clean the fence are building confidence in themselves and developing positive relationships with adults by pitching in together to create a new and communal piece of art that is specific to their area. The Whangarei District Council is right behind the group, and the team is showing energy and enthusiasm for creating public art for their community.

Aritra Ray

Aritra Ray is 21 years old and in his fourth year of a Medical Sciences degree at the University of Auckland. He is actively involved with the planning of Converse 08, an initiative in which youth can run projects in collaboration with community agencies. It is a process of talking, listening and suggesting the best ideas to directly help youth issues. Aritra was involved with the first Converse Forum in 2005 which tackled the issue of alcohol and drug use, and this year the focus will be on reducing youth crime. This passion for action started with Aritra’s involvement with the Auckland City Youth Council and Rotaract. He says Converse has provided him with the opportunity to challenge and broaden his attitudes. He thinks the Converse Forums give Auckland youth the chance to have a real voice in issues that directly affect them and make decisions that work for them, instead of having decisions made on their behalf. Aritra has a willing, open attitude to helping his community speak for itself.

Conor Young

Conor Young lives in Titirangi in Waitakere and is a leader with the Children’s Commissioner Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG). He lives with his grandmother and shows musical and performance ability by being a keen participant in drama and Japanese drumming. He also studies Aikido. His role with the Commissioner YPRG shows he is willing to give freely of his time and energy to contribute to youth discussion and affairs. His communication and group skills have been noted and he is seen as someone with natural leadership skills. Conor also shows his belief in community values by being a member of the Amnesty Peace Group.

Katherine Rees

Katherine Rees attends Mt. Roskill Grammar School and has a passion for social justice. She is 16 and a volunteer IHC advocacy worker. The fact that Katherine has cerebral palsy doesn’t stop her from being an engaged and driven student. She is a Student Council Representative and a member of the Children’s Commissioner Young People’s Reference Group. Katherine knows more than most the needs of those with disabilities and is working at improving the integration of able-bodied and disabled people at her school. Katherine has French heritage and is fluent in the language. At the moment she is advocating strongly for ORRS funding to be reassessed so disabled people can get support to attend higher educational facilities. Katherine obviously has energy to burn and is a wheelchair tennis fan. Her warmth of personality and attitude to life affects those around her. Her work on behalf of those with disabilities is an extremely positive force in her school and wider community.

Michael Goudie

Michael Goudie is the youngest person ever to be elected to Rodney District Council. He is a gregarious and multi-talented 23 year old Councillor who is a keen sportsman. He has also achieved much academically and in the realm of business studies. Michael attended Orewa College, made the First XV and was a prefect for his school. He demonstrated social awareness and an interest in human rights as an Ambassador for Students Against Drunk Driving and as a co-ordinator of a 40-Hour Famine. He has a talent in jet skiing and was New Zealand Champion for the years 1999-2002. He was placed fourth in Pro World Jet Ski Finals in the USA. He is now a member of the NZ Property Institute, having gained his Bachelor in Business Studies Valuation and Property Management. Michael is a high profile person who, as a local Councillor, can and does reach out to young people in his area to show that they have a vital role to play in the success of a whole community. His fellow Councillors respect him for his youth advocacy.

Louise Evans

Louise Evans is raising the bar for young folk musicians in New Zealand. She is 24 and born and raised in the Hokianga. She was educated at rural schools and the New Zealand Correspondence School. She has been playing music since age 11 and her early interest in folk music traditions was fed by attending the New Zealand Gaidhealtachd Celtic Summer School each year in the Whangarei Heads. She took her passion oveseas to learn to play Cape Breton style fiddle in Canada. She later qualified in traditional European folk arts in Sweden, where she also learned the Swedish language. She demonstrates a love for community by being a key person in the formation of Jam Radio Community Station on the North Shore and playing at concerts and ceilidhs in Auckland and Northland. She has connected with and learnt from overseas folk artists and believes in strengthening relationships between generations with the power of music. Her resourcefulness has made folk music accessible for many.

Cameron Burrows

Cameron Burrows has achieved much in competitive swimming (freestyle and butterfly). He is 17 and lives in Howick, Auckland. He has recently been nominated for Counties Swimmer of the Year. He was a member of the New Zealand Trans-Tasman Team and currently holds 200, 400, and 800 metre freestyle and butterfly records for the ages of 14 to 16. Cameron is currently waiting for results of this year’s Olympic trials. He has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Oceania Champs in June 2008 and has broken many of the butterfly and freestyle records set by Olympic swimmer Danyon Loader. Cameron coaches at his Swim Club at night and facilitates races for beginner swimmers. He also coaches at the Swim Gym swimming school. His respectful attitude to swimming officials and his helpful nature at championship swim meets have been noted and appreciated. He now offers his winning knowledge to a younger group of emerging swimmers.

Merwan Ghadiali

Merwan Ghadiali set goals for his swimming that he exceeded, through his own efforts. He lives in Manukau and when he joined the Manurewa Swimming Club 5 years ago, had minimal swimming ability. But Merwan was determined to achieve some set goals and at the end of his five years training had won gold, silver and bronze medals in Division Champs. He had also broken a minute in his freestyle. Over that time he consistently achieved personal best times. An injury to his foot kept him out of the pool and competitions for four months, but he attended training sessions as an assistant coach. Now he assists in coaching a junior squad and is a qualified timekeeper and an Inspector of Turns (IOT). Merwan takes time out to help fellow swimmers at the Manurewa Club and is encouraging others to achieve their personal goals. This caring attitude is shown in his involvement with St. John’s Ambulance Service, with whom he is now a youth leader. This work involves weekly training and voluntary work at sports grounds. Merwan has been nominated for the President’s Trophy by his Swim Club, an award given for dedication, something Merwan has demonstrated admirably.

Philip Wiley

Philip Wiley gives much to Scouting and the Special Olympics in the Papatoetoe area. He is 19 and was Deputy Head Boy at Papatoetoe High School. Philip is awaiting enlistment into the Royal New Zealand Navy, where he will play in the band. He is a teacher aide at his old high school and is the Youth Media Liaison for Scouting NZ for the Counties and Manukau areas. Philip has been involved in Scouting from an early age and is now very close to achieving the Queen Scout Award. This is the highest award that can be earned in New Zealand Scouting, one that calls for service and physical skills. Philip coaches people with intellectual disabilities in basketball and athletics for the Special Olympics in Manukau. He has had to adapt in this role, as the athletes involved have varied physical skills. He has built up a great rapport with the athletes. His presence on the coaching team means they have more variety in sporting activities, as well as more individual attention. Philip has a wide set of skills, including physical, musical and communication abilities. His contribution to Scouting and people with special needs demonstrates empathy, as well as leadership skills.

Pamela Anne Moeti Minett

Pamela Anne Moeti Minett and a friend conceived and created the YMedia Challenge, an initiative to help media students get real work experience and contribute to communities. Pamela is 22 and from Albany, north of Auckland. The YMedia Challenge began when Pamela applied for and received funding from the Tindall Foundation. She brought Saatchi and Saatchi and Microsoft on board, created a website, organised prizes, got 36 applications from community groups and 11 proposals from tertiary media teams, found industry judges and mentored, guided and monitored the six winning teams to deliver a media solution for their chosen community group. She also organised an awards night and wrote the concluding report. Pamela’s outcomes were extensive. Pamela is a talented initiator who is linking community organisations with young talent and developing technology.

Cate Bell

Cate Bell has shown commitment and enthusiasm to the sport of Waterpolo. She not only plays herself but also coaches novice water polo players. She also demonstrates a great school and community spirit. She is 16 and in Year 11 at Pinehurst College in Albany. She is a talented sportsperson and has represented North Harbour Waterpolo at Under 14 and 16 levels, as well as playing basketball. Pinehurst College didn’t offer Waterpolo before Cate took it upon herself to create a Waterpolo culture at the school. She has coached teams of students for the last two years through four terms and three major tournaments. Recently one of Cate’s teams competed in a national tournament in Hamilton. Cate coached each player personally and spent many hours with them. Her leadership qualities and dedication to the team were widely noticed. Cate has furthered her coaching skills though NZ Waterpolo and has inspired her players to look after younger players coming through. Cate is also working hard at school while maintaining her own training at early hours. She has maturity and a generosity of spirit that deserves recognition.

Charles Harsono

Charles Harsono is 18 and is a crusader for a cleaner environment. He is in Year 13 at Botany Downs Secondary School and lives in Papatoetoe. Charles came to New Zealand in 2003 from Taiwan and has made a huge impact on his school community through promoting a ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ message to students and staff. Charles initiated a school plastic recycling project and single handedly provided containers so that plastics could be recycled. Formerly a shy person, Charles has made great strides as a public speaker, after addressing his school assembly and encouraging students to recycle. He has increased his knowledge about the environment and sustainability by attending the ‘Make a Difference Weekend’ organised by Auckland Regional Council and a National Youth Environment Forum organised by the Sir Peter Blake Trust. Charles is looking into other ways his school can reduce their carbon footprint, and is organising an Environment Week in June this year. Charles has been innovative in the ways he has got his school to think about their effect on the environment. His peers and school staff recognise that he is leaving a very valuable legacy for them to expand on when he leaves.

Caroline Bon

Caroline Bon is a talented golfer from Whangarei who is sharing her knowledge of the game as a Kiwigolf presenter at local Northland schools. She is 21 and in her final year of a Diploma in Sports and Recreation. She has been the highest ranked woman golfer in New Zealand for the past three years and was selected this year to represent New Zealand in the Trans Tasman and SBS Invitational tournaments. Caroline trained as a Kiwigolf presenter last year. Her role is one of introducing the sport to local primary and intermediate school pupils. The position requires organisational ability, as well as confidence in promoting the game. She has to build a rapport with the children and explain the concepts of golf. Caroline is inspirational for young players of the game and a recent girls’ golf event had a fantastic turn out, thanks largely to Caroline’s positive impact on the participants. Caroline has excelled in her Kiwigolf role with kids aged from 5 to 13. She has showed leadership in her sport and as a community sports personality.

Martin Peat

Martin Peat is a 23 year old orienteering coach and mentor. For the past four years he has volunteered as a coach at the New Zealand Junior Orienteering camp and the Development Squad camp. Martin recently graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Engineering. He has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and received the highest honour in scouting, the Queen Scout Award. He started orienteering at high school and has competed at the World University Orienteering Championships. His work with the junior orienteering teams helped them to success and his coaching programme is seeing results. He taught himself how to use the software now used to time orienteering events. He mapped the Waikato University for a world-ranking orienteering sprint event this year. Martin is a valued member of the Counties-Manukau Orienteering Club. He shows natural leadership in his sport and has gained organisational and technical skills in the process.

Craig Bott

Craig Bott is a multi-talented Year 13 student at Macleans College in Auckland. He contributes extensively to his school; he is school prefect, a choral singer, musician, band leader, German Club leader and is part of the Senior Librarian Team. He achieves high academic results, including a top world result for Cambridge Accounting in 2007. Craig has benefited his wider community by giving 11 years service in the Howick Boys Brigade and was last year awarded the Queen’s Badge by the Governor General. Craig achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in January of this year, a significant award that recognises service and physical skill. He is now co-coordinator of the Howick Boys Brigade, a role that requires supporting the participants liaising with Head Office and talking to interested parents. Craig has taught piano for two years and contributes musically to his church. He has been involved in the National Leadership Development Course and will continue working through its stages this year. Craig demonstrates a wide ranging commitment to encouraging others to be their best. He has talent and skill, and is learning the best ways to channel his energy towards his wider community.

Reuben Birch

Reuben Birch has overcome huge disincentives to be a respected youth mentor in the Kaipara area. He is 20 and lives in Dargaville. His upbringing wasn’t easy as Reuben has fought alcohol and drug addictions. Against the odds he has come out the other side as someone hoping to make a difference. He is seen now within his community as an example of someone making positive choices. A lot of the youth he affects are members of his extended whanau. He is often seen encouraging and helping younger people to believe in themselves as individuals and to make better choices in life. Reuben left the Dargaville area for a while, but returned to take up a position as youth leader for his church, as well as being a member of the Youth Leadership Programme organised by the Kaipara District Council. His current project is petitioning the Council to create a skate boarding area and park for Dargaville youth. These roles have developed Reuben’s leadership and support skills. The results can be seen in the respect in which he is held.

Jayran Mansouri

Jayran Mansouri is a great believer in everyone giving a little of their time to create of community spirit. She is 16 and in Year 11 at St. Mary’s College, Auckland. She has been involved with the Auckland City Youth Council for three years, representing youth in local Government. Jayran worked on 2005 and 2006 ANZAC Day projects, which were about raising awareness among young people about what ANZAC Day means for them. She helps in very practical ways, taking notes at a forum for youth regarding the City Council’s Long Term Community Plan 2006-2016. Jayran has been active in The Ministry’s Provoke Network since 2006, a group that encourages young people to become involved in Government issues that affect them. That same year she was chosen for the Young Peoples’ Reference Group, a group of teenagers providing advice to the Children’s Commissioner, Cindy Kiro. A particular issue for Jayran is eliminating the stereotypes likes ‘gangster’ and ‘emo’ surrounding young people today. She aims to provide a voice for youth and to encourage better relationships between Government, local bodies and their communities.

Poutu Edwards

Poutu Edwards is a talented basketball player who hopes to win a scholarship to the USA and further his basketball career. He is 18 and comes from Manurewa, Auckland. Poutu is a member of the Junior Tall Blacks men’s national basketball team. In the past two years he has played with this team overseas in Las Vegas and Germany. He has been a regional representative age group player for Counties Manukau Basketball. He is currently a member of the New Zealand Breakers Academy. This high level of sport requires dedication. Poutu has talent and has dreams to go further as a player. Poutu has travelled the world with his sport and has come a long way on his chosen path. Poutu hasn’t had a privileged upbringing, but his whanau are extremely proud of his achievements so far. They hope he can move forward to represent his country in New Zealand and overseas.

Jasmin Jackson

Jasmin Jackson supports people affected by mental illness. She is in a unique position to do this, having suffered from severe depression for eight years before recovering by way of a number of strategies. She is 23 and lives in Ellerslie, Auckland. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Jasmin is a Peer Support worker on the North Shore. The average age of mental health workers is 46, so Jasmin brings a much needed youth voice into the sector. She has started a support group for women with mental illness and one for people with mental illness under 30. The 24 to 30 age group often miss out on health initiatives as they fall out of ‘youth’ and ‘adult’ categories. Jasmin is on a committee for mental health in the Waitemata region and was on the advisory board for the development of a Level 4 NZQA Peer Support Worker Certificate. Jasmin is now very knowledgeable about mental health. Her key focus is on making concepts and ideas surrounding mental health easily understood. Jasmin uses her knowledge and her own hard won experience to make a huge difference in the mental health of a community.

Thomas Spragg

Thomas Spragg is heading for the top in football. He is 15 and attends Kings College Otahuhu in Auckland. In April this year Central United, the team he captains, won its regional and national level as well as an Australian tournament. Central United will go on to represent Oceania this coming August at the Manchester United Premier Cup 2008. Thomas is a top goal scorer and at 14 is the youngest known player to play for the National Youth League. Thomas plays with skill and intelligence; he sets up goals for his team mates and shows his leadership skills as captain of his team. Thomas shares his knowledge of football as coach of his younger brother’s football team. He also gets involved with community work through his school. His next challenge is training for the 2009 Under 17 World Cup with his New Zealand team. Thomas has outstanding sporting ability and is using his skills to uplift his team and his community.

Loren Corbett

Loren Corbett is a 16 year old young lady who has Achondroplasia, which means she is a little person. She has lived in Whangarei all her life and is very involved within her community. One of her roles is a Youth Group leader for youth with disabilities. The aim of the youth group is to support the young people to make friendships and to assist them participate in a range of activities. Loren has also been involved in organising the 2007 annual Little Peoples of New Zealand Conference, a volunteer support person for a disabled hip hop dance group, coaching netball teams and organising the 40 hour famine within the Christian Renewal School. Loren has shown amazing skills and relates in a positive and encouraging way that highlights the role in which she is presently developing. Loren expresses that having worked with young people with disabilities has allowed her to realise that everybody is an individual no matter how they are labelled by others.

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