Maia (15) and Tia (17) Wylie received the prestigious awards at the University of Otago College of Education auditorium last Friday, in a ceremony aimed at celebrating the achievement of young Maori in secondary schools throughout Otago.
They were among two pupils from each secondary school in Otago - one junior (year 9-11) and one senior (year 12-13).
Each recipient was nominated based on a broad range of achievements in cultural, leadership, academic, community and/or sporting pursuits.
Both Tia and Maia were selected for their netball achievements as well as cultural, academic and leadership skills.
Tia said she was delighted to be able to share the atmosphere of the awards ceremony with her younger sister.
''It's so nice we're getting the awards together.''
Tia said she was still on an emotional high on Friday after also receiving the Sportswoman of the Year award at the Taieri College Blues Awards last Wednesday.
For Tia, it was the second time she had won a Mana Pounamu award. She received the junior award for Taieri College in 2011.
The Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards were established in 2001 and were the initiative of the late Alva Kapa, a Kai Tahu educator.
The awards celebrate the success and achievement of young Maori, as well as encourage them to participate in tertiary study, identify leadership potential, and provide positive role models to Maori youth.
