Hinemoa Rakete (15) was awarded the top prize at a New Zealand police leadership course held at the Burnham Army military base in Christchurch, last week.
She was presented with the award for most improved student at the end of the Blue Light life skills camp on Friday.
''I thought they were joking. It's my first big award,'' Hinemoa said yesterday. She attended the camp at the suggestion of Dunedin police iwi-Pacific liaison Senior Constable Toni Wall, following a family group conference.
''I want to give a big shout-out to my family and Toni. I didn't want to do it at first but, once I did it, I only wanted to do it more,'' Hinemoa said.
''I really loved it. I learnt a lot about self-discipline and that there's a better way of doing things. We were up every day at 7am, whereas I usually get up at 9am or 10am. I feel fitter now and I want to keep that up. I've even been getting to my course early.
''It also brought up my confidence to do stuff. Like jumping off buildings. None of us wanted to do the abseiling at first. But I knew that if I did it, the rest of the group would do it. When we did do it, it was a real adrenaline rush.''
Hinemoa had been a standout for the award, Blue Light life skills co-ordinator Valarie Tiatia-Seath said.
''Camp staff felt that she had significant and consistent improvement in attitude, self-discipline, self-confidence, participation and team work.''
Since attending the course, Hinemoa has a life goal firmly in mind.
''I want to join the army now. I want to get to do all the crazy things they do. I want to try all sorts of different things now.''
Blue Light was established to teach 14- to 17-year-olds about life skills and leadership and to enhance community relationships.
