Community spirit of youth recognised

Kaikoura's inspiring youth were honoured on Saturday evening for their ongoing efforts to support their community.

More than 20 young people and some of the adults who support them received awards at the two-yearly Kaikoura Youth Awards on Saturday evening.

Kaikoura District Council youth co-ordinator Vicki Gulleford said the evening's highlight was an inspirational speech from guest master of ceremonies Ezekiel Raui.

''We are really exciting about having him down and that our youth had the opportunity to spend some time with him, which I think was really valuable.''

Ezekiel is a young mental health advocate from Northland, of Te Rarawa descent.

He has received a Queen's Young Leaders' Award at Buckingham Palace and has been named in the ''Forbes 30 Under-30 Social Entrepreneurs List''.

Award recipients included Kaikoura High School head boy Noah Bentley and the school's TeenAg club chairman, Henry Bartrum, who received leadership awards.

Eilish Smith received a volunteering award for her efforts in girl-guiding as a Ranger and Pippin leader and volunteering for Kaikoura Red Cross.

Taylah Eagle's efforts as a Kaikoura St John first responder saw her receive a volunteering award.

Summer Fissenden received a junior volunteering award for her efforts as a Girl Guide, Ranger and Pippin leader, while Alex Fissenden was recognised for her efforts as a sports coach and umpire.

Environmental volunteers Tyler Perry and Olivia Doughty received awards for helping protect banded dotterels and fur seals, respectively.

Haylee Tehuia-Claxton and Gus Hislop received awards for their efforts to support wellbeing in their community.

Kaikoura Youth Award recipients:

Inspiring child (sponsored by Seaward Lions): Kasius Rijkers, Mia Smith.

Contribution to the arts (Te Runanga o Kaikoura): Theo Rae, Charlotte Comer.

Customer service (Bean Me Up): Isobel Scott, Owen Thornton.

Environmental (Innovative Waste Kaikoura): Tyler Perry, Olivia Doughty.

Cultural leadership (Whale Watch Kaikoura): Manaia Tai-rakena, Miriama Teahipuia Allen.

Leadership (Proctor Olives): Noah Bentley, Harry Bartrum.

Positivity (Kaikoura District Council): Jacob Smith, Hineari Kahu.

Junior volunteers (Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura): Summer Fissenden, Alex Fissenden. Honourable mention: James and Hamish Morgan.

Senior volunteers (Environment Canterbury): Eilish Smith, Taylah Eagle.

Wellbeing (Kaikoura Healthcare): Haylee Tehuia-Claxton, Gus Hislop.

Adults who support youth (Te Whare Putea Trust): Casey Davis, David Barrett, Jaana Kahu, Eva Seres, Chantal Mackle, Renee van Velthooven.