Celebrating achievement – the Maungakiekie Youth Award2 min read

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Maungakiekie youth were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and service to the community, at the inaugural Maungakiekie Youth Awards in December last year. The awards were created to recognise and celebrate the passion, success, and commitment of youth aged 13 to 24 years who are leading change, innovation, and creating solutions in the local community.

 

The awards were founded by Synergy Projects and Jade Davis of the Oranga Community Centre, and sponsored by Kainga Ora, To Wāhi, Onehunga Business Association (OBA), Maungakiekie Community Sports and the Maungakiekie Tãmaki Local Board (Debbie Burrows and Constable Don Allen).

Ron Muavae of Synergy Projects says, “After collaborating with various youth organisations and schools in the Maungakiekie area, we were impressed with the high level of achievers. We want to run these awards each year to build more leaders within our community. Huge thanks to our major sponsors, and our Synergy Projects Team led by Donna Muavae. Other organisations who contributed were Ren Joe of Rautautoko, Malo Tiatia Sumich of Sports Auckland, and the team at Alive International Church in Oranga.”

To Wāhi in Oranga sponsored the Volunteer Award, which celebrates the commitment of those who make a significant contribution to their community through volunteering. The award went to Uluaki Foueti, one of Oranga’s amazing local Tongan youth.

To Wāhi‘s community-led development practitioner, Tessa Roberts, says, “All of the nominees were very well-deserving, but Uluaki Foueti was chosen because of his tireless effort and help towards local organisations, and vulnerable families and individuals in his home area of Oranga. We strongly believe that it is important to recognise our rangatahi, because they are the next generation that will lead our country.”

 

Congratulations to the following award winners for 2019:

 

Kainga Ora Leadership Award:

Winner – John Tagi from Tongan Youth Trust Onehunga. Runner Up – Tommy Khalia Short of Royal Oak Intermediate School

MCS Sports Award:

Winner – Nathaniel Tangimataiti of Onehunga High School. Runner Up – Blake Costley of Onehunga High School

OBA Innovation Award:

Winner – Rangatahi Leads of 312 Hub Onehunga. Runner Up – Cycle – Onehunga High School Business Unit

To Wāhi Volunteer Award:

Winner – Uluaki Foueti of One Tree Hill College. Runner Up – Elijah Amituanai of 312 Hub

MTLB Champion Award:

Winner – Alyssa Baxter of Onehunga High School. Runner Up – Rose Lasham of Raise Up Onehunga