Young Achiever: Tauranga pupil receives Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Award

Bodhi Redwood, 12, has been recognised with a Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leader Award. Photo / George Novak

Bodhi Redwood was surprised when he was awarded a Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leader Award at his school assembly.

The modest 12-year-old Omokoroa No 1 School pupil said he just enjoys what he does.

"I was surprised," he said. "I just keep on trying to do my best."

Bodhi is the leader of his kapa haka group, the captain of his rugby team and has just made the Under-15 representative team for basketball.

The youngster plays No 8 loose forward in his school rugby team - the same jersey worn by All Blacks captain Kieran Read.

But his rugby idols are former All Blacks Richie McCaw and Buck Shelford.

"They just stood out to me," Bodhi said.

Mum Stephanie Redwood said knowing her son is one of the hundreds of young leaders nationwide to be recognised has made her extremely proud.

"He has always been grounded and very well liked. I was really humbled. It is something to add to his repertoire," she said.

"We are very proud of him, he is amazing. He taps into everything he loves and makes him happy, and he's good at it too."

Bhodi's father, Danny Redwood, said his son has played rugby for three years and been selected as captain each time.

"Bhodi has an incredibly deep soul. He is very thoughtful and fair-minded," Danny Redwood said. "He is incredibly hardworking and diligent."

Pupils from 20 schools in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty have received Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leader recognition.

WHAT IS THE SIR PETER BLAKE TRUST YOUNG LEADER AWARD?
- In partnership with Westpac, the Young Leader Awards celebrate young people whose leadership stands out in their schools and communities.
Each year, one award is offered to a Year 5–8 student in every New Zealand primary and intermediate school.