The positive contributions of youth volunteers were recognised on Friday (November 24) night at an awards ceremony held at Kahu Youth’s new premises at Paetara Aspiring Central.

The Upper Clutha Youth Council and Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards highlighted an inspiring group of youth volunteering their time to make our community a better place. 

“We were thrilled to be able to shine the spotlight on an incredible bunch of young people really making a difference in the Wānaka community,” volunteer manager Kahu Youth Trust Jo Lewis said.

“The calibre of volunteering is so incredibly high … these guys are movers and shakers and the future leaders of this town.”

The awards were open to anyone in the community aged 11-24 years with nominations coming from members of the public.

Juno Gerlach entertained the award attendees.

Certificates recognised a range of young people across three age groups; 11-13 years of age, 14-16 years of age, and 17-18 years of age, with an age group winner receiving a goody bag containing items from local business sponsors.

The supreme winner was Tasmin Murphy who was nominated by Charlotte Jackson of the Mint Trust. Charlotte described Tasmin as a ‘remarkable young woman’.

“She is vibrant, positive, respectful, energetic and fun,” Charlotte said.

“She is adored by those she works with because of these qualities. Qualities that are demonstrated consistently, and rarely seen at such a high level in someone relatively young.”

When asked what she enjoys about volunteering Tasmin said “I'm not sure ... In all honesty I just really value the people and the personal connections I've gained since being involved with the MINT crew. 

“I love feeling as though I'm making a positive impact on someone’s life or even day. Volunteering seems to help me as much as it helps others, so it’s not entirely selfless.”

Wānaka Ward councillor Cody Tucker addressed the gathering at the awards expressing the value of having a purpose in life and getting involved in the community.

Queenstown Lakes councillor Cody Tucker spoke about having a purpose in life.

“Philosophically it’s (volunteering) like eating your vegetables, we all know we need to do more of it,” Cody said.

“The big thing behind purpose is responsibility. Avoiding responsibility destroys your sense of purpose so understanding that purpose comes from a connection to things that are larger than yourself has helped me navigate how I live life.”   

The Youth Awards were organised by the Upper Clutha Youth Council and Kahu Youth. 

The list of nominees is as follows:

Category One 11-13 year olds

Charlie Nesbitt 

Anika West

Oscar Searle

Luke Silipo

Blanka Lewis

Jamie Taylor

Holly Radford

Ivy Campbell

Laia Mactaggart

Charlotte Tucker

Amber Gemmell

Bess Wilson

Winner of the Category: Oscar Searle

Category Two 14-16 year olds

Sam Wilson

Juno Gerlach

Tasmin Murphy

Toby Mills

Chloe Murray

Susanah West

Lily Campbell

Winner of the Category: Toby Mills

Category Three - 17-18 year olds

Sienna Jones

Emma Lamb

Laura Watkins

Elliot Bain

Molly Wilson

Winner of the Category: Emma Lamb

PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach