Youth awards back for 2016

Do you know bright and talented young people from Lower Hutt who are worthy of a bit of a reward and some recognition?

Now’s the time to do something about it, with nominations for the second running of the Hutt City Youth Awards opening yesterday.

The organising committee for the awards is headed up by Lower Hutt-based National List MP Chris Bishop.

Bishop convened a committee to organise the first running of the awards last year to shine a light on the successes of local young people.

Last year’s Youth Awards had shown just how much young talent there was out there, he said.

‘‘In so many different ways and so many areas, young people are making a big difference in the Hutt community.’’

Hutt City Mayor and judging panel chairman Ray Wallace said he was thrilled by the talent of last year’s crop of nominees.

‘‘We are so lucky having these young people being part of our City,’’ Wallace said.

‘‘I’m sure this year nominees will be of that same high calibre.’’

This year’s awards will again feature eight categories: leadership, contribution to sport, the arts, entrepreneurship, embracing diversity, science and technology, service to the community, and overcoming adversity.

Each category winner will be awarded a $500 cash prize at the awards ceremony, which will be held at on September 21.

Young people aged between 12 and 21 are eligible for nomination provided they have a strong connection to Lower Hutt, such as living or going to school in the area.

Nominations can be made online at www.huttcityyouthawards.co.nz until Friday August 26.