A poem written by a Kaikohe teenager urging people to reject negative stereotypes of her school, her home town and Maoridom has been read as far away as Parliament.
Maori Party co-founder Tariana Turia described the story about Shania Howard and her poem, published in Saturday's Advocate, as inspirational and "a gift that keeps on giving".
Mrs Turia was moved to write to Shania and the newspaper to say how excited she was to be reminded of the creative talent, leadership potential and determination she saw each day in Maori youth around the country.
"They encourage us to know our future is in great hands and for that we can all feel thankful that Shania has spoken up in the beautiful expression of her dreams for tomorrow."
Shania's poem was a powerful example of someone who was confident in herself and understood that her culture provided a foundation of strength for life. "That's the type of news I want to read every day," Mrs Turia wrote.