Seven Far North primary school students have received Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Awards, in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities.
Sir Peter Blake Trust chief executive Shelley Campbell said fostering leadership in young people was critical for developing the future leaders of New Zealand.
"There are many styles of leadership, but this award celebrates young people who have demonstrated traits such as commitment, a sense of fun and team work, all of which Sir Peter himself had," she said.
"Great leadership can make extraordinary things happen, but it's often the last thing to be recognised and supported. This award might be what a promising young person needs to keep going or to aim higher."
Westpac Kaitaia manager Erana Dalzell said the bank was proud to be the foundation partner of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, and was right behind recognising and cultivating the country's up-and-coming leaders.
"We need great leaders, so it's important to start supporting and fostering them at an early age," she said.
"Our seven students should be very proud of their achievement, and Westpac is delighted to acknowledge them with these awards."
Ahipara School describes Brydie Harrison (pictured with Wespac's Kyle Moana and Gemma-Lee Fleet) as a natural leader with special qualities about her character and personality that draw others to her. She is caring, kind, determined, motivates and encourages others, and is patient and supportive. Her peers and teachers identify her as a positive role model who inspires others to achieve their best, always with a smile.
Che'Toa Sharp (Peria) shows promising leadership abilities and has made many contributions to his school community, demonstrating integrity in all he does and showing determination and the will to succeed. As a new entrant he was quiet and introverted but has grown into a leader and team-builder who is hard-working but knows how to have fun.
Mia Oneroa (Te Kura o Te Kao, pictured with Gemma-Lee Fleet and Erana Dalzell) is one of her school's kaiarahi (leaders), helping with karakia and waiata and assisting others to say their pepeha. Always caring and very helpful around the school, she has a very positive and caring nature towards others. She also has sporting talent, and shows great sportsmanship in individual and team events. Academically Mia strives to be the best at all areas within the curriculum, and is described as an absolute pleasure to have at her school.
Anyah Tito (Te Kura Kaupapa o Hata Maria) is describes as a quiet leader who does not put herself out in front to make people, creating an atmosphere of support and care for others before herself. She is an active participant in all areas of schooling and in the wider community including sports, kapa haka and waiata, helpful on the marae, after-school programmes, digital media workshops, as jump jam dance leader and tuakana at school.
Ariana Adams (Broadwood) has excelled in her schooling in the last two years, overcoming extreme shyness to emerge as a future leader. She has shown proficiency in literacy, numeracy, te reo Maori, information technology, food technology, kapa haka and performing arts, and is a member of the senior girls' basketball team and an accomplished all-round athlete. She is very kind and considerate to her peers and is encouraging and supportive of their needs, often before her own. Ariana also has a great sense of humour, and is very highly regarded by her teachers and peers.
Levi Popata (Oturu, pictured with Westpac's Billie-Jade Tattersall and Kyle Moana) is described as having an amazing attitude in all aspects of school life. He works hard and perseveres until he is successful, is willing to take on responsibility and he sets challenges for himself. He coaches the school's community problem-solving team and he interacts thoughtfully with students and adults, always considering others and showing total commitment. He looks and finds opportunities for himself and carries them out with integrity.
Sally Rudolph (Paparore, pictured with members of her family and Westpac representatives Gemma-Lee Fleet and Nikita Joyce-Cuttle), described as an outstanding student, respectful, responsible, and a wonderful role model to all. She always tries to the best of her ability and strives to achieve, is very empathetic and kind, and often goes out of her way to make sure people around her are okay. She loves learning new things, and her enthusiasm urges others on.
