Council launches inaugural youth potential awards

Hastings District Council is to launch the inaugural Youth Potential Awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate the achievement and success of young people in provider programmes with a focus on youth from the Flaxmere and Camberley communities.

Hastings Mayor, Lawrence Yule says “It is important that we celebrate the success which is being achieved by the young people in our community. Many of these young people have received help from Government and community organisations and are now showing that, with strong support and encouragement, they can reach their potential”.

Lawrence Yule says “These awards will recognize those Rangatahi who have achieved in the face of personal adversity, in the hope that they will serve as an inspiration to others.”

Awards categories include the outstanding male and female, outstanding project, outstanding ambassador and outstanding group. Nominations for the youth potential awards will be made by youth providers from around the district.

A neutral judging panel which includes Lawrence Yule and representatives of various Government and community organizations will choose the winners, who will be honoured at an awards ceremony in June 2012.

The launch of the youth potential awards will be held in the Council Chambers at 6pm on Monday December 5th. Councillor Henare O’Keefe will MC the function and the key note speaker will be former Tall Black basketball player Paora Winitana. Entertainment will be provided by the Te Ora Hou Sober Talent productions team.