KJ had been performing kapa haka for as long as she could remember, first going on stage as a 5-year-old.
She continued to perform in her own right - and hoped to head off on an overseas culture trip to Italy next year with the Te Tono a Te Taurapa senior kapa haka group, after competing in the regional kapa haka competition.
"I realised I am busy and I am a role model. I really like coming to Te Aka; watching them [the kids] grow and knowing I can help them because I've been where they are," KJ said.
She has big plans for the future - including travel; plans her nominator and Te Aka Charitable Trust kaihautu/chief executive and founder Alayna Hokianga is convinced she would achieve.
"Her strength and passion cannot be overstated. KJ has become confident in herself and her abilities and has so much to offer. She is a caring and kind-hearted young person who many of our younger children look up to. Along with her very support whanau, we are all proud of KJ's achievements."
It was the sixth year of the awards. This year's speakers included Miss New Zealand Harlem-Cruze Ihaia and Te Aka cultural adviser and facilitator Thompson Hokianga.
Youth Council liaison councillor Malcolm Dixon said the speakers were exceptional.
"They had come from similar backgrounds to some of these youth and they were able to talk to them about the benefits of continuing to try, setting goals, so that you can achieve.
"These youngsters, despite the challenges they have faced, have a strong work ethic. It's important we recognise effort and achievement at all levels, and these awards are part of that."
This year's award recipients were Alycia Harris (Hastings District Youth Council); Caleb Fussell (Hastings District Youth Council); KJ Kemp (Te Aka); Keisha Rarere (Te Aka); Tatiana Whare-Fletcher (Te Aka); Tu-Matangaro Hokianga (Te Aka); Conrad Anderson (Giants Boxing); Sam Nicol (Giants Boxing); Rongo Maaka (Basketball Academy); Jershon Tatana (Basketball Academy); Dreh Dahl (Basketball Academy); Tzar Smiler (Basketball Academy); Phoenix Pomana (Basketball Academy); Te Aratika basketball team (Te Aratika).