The self-described naughty schoolboy said he was shy and anti-social before getting involved in Project K.
"My mentor Tony saw me once a week in and out of school. He always made sure I was on track with my schoolwork and kept me out of trouble. Tony believed in me like no one else ever did and because of him, I stayed in school, went to University and now have a full-time job as an arborist ...
"The person I used to be is in the past, the mischief, the bad man, is no longer. I've looked further into the future, to where I want to be and to who I'm going to be."
Graeme Dingle Foundation co-founder Sir Graeme Dingle said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of young people throughout New Zealand, as well as the foundation's mentors and volunteers.
"Each year, these kids blow me away with their courage, determination and resilience. Above all else, it gives me a tremendous sense of joy to be able to recognise and acknowledge each and every one of our winners, who we are all really proud of."
"The ethos of our foundation is that we want all young New Zealanders to have a life full of possibilities so they can achieve their dreams and make the most of their unique talents. We want to help them build foundations for success."
The 2018 Award Recipients:
Sir Edmund Hillary Youth Achievement Award
Acer Ah Chee-Wilson, Waitakere College, West Auckland
Outstanding Kiwi Can School Award supported by Mitre 10
Bluff School
Outstanding Contribution from a Kiwi Can leader Team Award supported by NZ Steel
Taimo Patrick Matau, Papatoetoe West School, South Auckland
Brittney Falanitama, Papatoetoe West School, South Auckland
Sharon Te Hiko, Redwoodtown School, Marlborough
Angus Adams-Fyfe, Redwoodtown School, Marlborough
Stars - Outstanding Contribution from a Peer Mentor Award supported by Sanitarium
Shardey Harris, Hornby High School, Christchurch
Hawea Solomon, Tokoroa High School, Waikato
Imran Tautu, Bishop Viard College, Wellington
Fiona Blaser, Rutherford College, West Auckland
Outstanding Achievement of a Career Navigator Student Award supported by Bidfood
Rea Toma, Fairfield College, Waikato
Charlie Ryan, Ngaruawahia High School, Waikato
Project K Excellence Awards supported by Stride
Brylee Comer, Mount Maunganui College, Bay of Plenty
Kane Avery, Otumoetai College, Bay of Plenty
Enya Perese, Auckland Girls Grammar, South Auckland
Marara Havea, Auckland Girls Grammar, South Auckland
MYND – Youth Achievement Award supported by Lion
Ysrael Walters, Auckland
Kiwi Tahi Achievement Award supported by Perpetual Guardian
Q'wy Stutchburry, Papatoetoe Intermediate School, Auckland
Outstanding Programme Co-ordinator Award supported by THL
Tony Yuretich, West Auckland
Shane Spencer, Southland
Outstanding Contribution Award supported by Oji Fibre Solutions
Dan Allen-Gordon, Bay of Plenty
