Outstanding Whanganui student wins young leader award

Kayley Ngataierua with her Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Award, and Rutherford Junior High principal Diane Henare. Photo / Stuart Munro

Rutherford Junior High student Kayley Ngataierua is an outstanding leader in her school.

And it's those leadership qualities that have earned her a Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leader Award.

Kayley was presented with her certificate and medal at a school assembly on Thursday, an experience she describes as "nerve-wracking".

But she was very happy to learn she had won the award.

"I was pleased and really surprised."

Kayley's principal, Diane Henare, said the school only nominated those students they believe are "outstanding" - and Kayley fits that word.

"She has the ability to be a good role model for others. She gets on does things without being told. And she's a very humble person," Ms Henare said.

"She has very high standards for herself, and she does her best to live out our school values."

The Sir Peter Blake Trust partners with Westpac for the awards, which celebrate young people whose outstanding leadership uplifts their school community.

Kayley's mother, Bea Ngataierua, said she was "very proud" of her daughter.