Young Maori achievers from secondary schools throughout Otago have been recognised in a ceremony at the University of Otago College of Education Auditorium, Dunedin.
The annual Mana Pounamu Young Achievers Awards were established in 2001. Organisers have said the main objective was to recognise achievements by Maori young people, to identify potential role models and to encourage more young Maori to pursue tertiary education.
The event is co-sponsored by the Ngai Tahu Development Corporation, three local runanga, the Otago Polytechnic and Otago University.
University Maori Centre manager Pearl Barron said Mana Pounamu was the vision of the late Ngai Tahu elder Alva Kapa, and reflected the importance Maori placed on education.
Award winners, who were nominated by their schools, were: Jemaig Miller, Anita van der Loo (South Otago High School); Tom Gallaher, Clair Scott (Kavanagh College); Charlie Joy Beattie, Glen Beadle (Taieri College); Tyron Sanz Te Ohaki Pelasio, Corwin Newall (Kaikorai Valley College); Nicole Bradley, Matoia Wilson (Queens High School); Nathan Huddleston, Cobie Stringer (Maniototo Area School); Samuel O'Callaghan, Benjamin Smid (Cromwell College); Jessica Hohaia, Rebecca Hohaia (Logan Park High School); Laura Manson (Columba College); Arihana Taiaroa (Bayfield High School); Caleb Gray, Matthew Bradley (Kings High School); Laurie Hawea, Morgan Nathan (Otago Boys High School); Kate Ellison, Anna McDonald (St Hildas Collegiate School); Whina Pomana, Kahlan Tutaha (Blue Mountain College); Anna Hulme (Waitaki Girls High School); Nakia Randle, Monique Nees (Dunstan High School); Lewis Benseman (Wakatipu High School); Kotahi Parata ( East Otago High School); Breiana Bennetts, Annalise Casper (Roxburgh Area High School); Aaron Shields (John McGlashan College); Teisha Billie-Jae Seymor, Sophia Calteaux (Tokomairiro High School); Dayna Turnbull, Olivia Bates (Otago Girls High School).
