A Northland teenager who wants to ensure no more lives are lost to suicide has now won a $10,000 scholarship to go towards creating a hub for youth in Kaitaia.
After losing two friends to suspected suicides Nina Griffiths, 18, has been campaigning about suicide prevention in Kaitaia to ensure no more lives are lost.
"I've had some amazing mentors who have really inspired me ... I'm also doing it for my mates because I don't want anyone to have to lose a friend like I have," she said.
Ms Griffiths wanted to establish a safe place where youth could hang out, or get advice. The youth space in Kaitaia was a pop-up youth space and the contract ran out this year. So Nina applied for a $10,000 AMP scholarship to restart it.
"I really didn't expect it. I was really proud and I didn't feel like I had won it. I felt like it was a win for the community."