Nominations Open for 2007 Young Achievers’ Awards

The spotlight is turned onto the youth of New Plymouth District with the opening of nominations tomorrow (Friday) for the 2007 Young Achievers’ Awards.


Organised by New Plymouth District Council’s Youth Subcommittee, the Young Achievers’ Awards highlight the great work and positive efforts of young people in the district aged between 12 and 25.

And this year features a new category: The Youth-Endorsed Space Award.

“This is for businesses that are making a concerted effort to engage with young people by providing a genuinely ‘youth friendly’ space and service for young people in the district,” says Manager Community Development Bry Kopu.

“The more businesses there are that make a concerted effort to engage with young people, the easier it will be for young people to be part of this community.”

The overall aim of the Young Achievers’ Awards is to identify youths who are excelling in a variety of areas in the community and officially recognise the positive effect they have in the district.

“There are a lot of young people who are leading the way in the arts, in community work, in sports and the like, but much of what they’re doing is under the radar – yet these people are role models for both their peers and adults,” says Mr Kopu.

“Their achievements can inspire other young people and encourage those in the wings to build on their talent, because they can see that young people are valued in our community.”

An awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 25 October. Nomination forms can be picked up from NPDC’s Community Development Office in the TopTown Complex, district high schools and libraries, or on this website. Nominations close on 15 October.

The categories for this year’s Young Achievers Awards are: Youth Development, Employee of the Year, Most Outstanding Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Community Service, Arts, Music, Cultural Development, Environmental, Young Entrepreneur, Sports Achievement and Youth-Endorsed Space.