Excellence in spotlight

‘‘Young people have to have hope in the future, at the moment they’ve got a huge challenge.’’

Those were the words spoken by Sir Graeme Dingle at the Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards. The event boasts a 21-year history and celebrates successful young Kiwis – for all they’ve achieved and overcome. Auckland schools and students featured in the awards.

Among those celebrated was Isaaka Teao, the winner of this year’s MYND Youth Achievement Award. MYND is a programme that focuses on getting youth offenders back on track.

Rangatahi are equipped with the knowledge and ability to make better decisions as they move forward in life.

Also winners in the ceremony were students from the Foundation’s Kiwi Tahi programme, CJ Edwards and Rico Bell.

Kiwi Tahi is a life-skill development programme, aimed at reducing the likelihood young people going down the path of delinquency and offending behaviour. The 26-week programme incorporates a mentoring and life skill component, adventure activities and social work. Edwards and Bell have both achieved significant results in Kiwi Tahi.

Also amongst the winners were Haneen Amin and Nazia Wadan, with both recognised for their ‘‘Outstanding Contribution from a Peer Mentor’’ Award in the Foundation’s Stars Programme.

Stars supports year nine students through community ‘‘I would like to nominate our neighbours Don and Margaret Holliday. Over lockdown Don has been busy putting up a speed sign to make sure people know there are children playing in our lane. He also built wooden statues around the signs for the kids in our subdivision to enjoy. Don and Margaret are also always supplying the neighbourhood with fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts from their garden. They are helpful and always give us a wave. We are very lucky to have such kind, helpful neighbours.’’