Applications Now Open For 2013 Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards

Hannah Mihaere and Merekite Wahitapu at the 2012 awards ceremony

The Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards Ceremony, which recognises the achievements and potential of rakatahi Maori (Maori youth) in secondary schools across Otago, will be held on Friday 1 November in Dunedin.

The objectives of these awards are to:

• Celebrate the success and achievement of rakatahi Maori;
• Encourage rakatahi Maori to participate in tertiary study;
• Identify leadership potential; and
• Provide positive role models to rakatahi Maori.

The Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards were realised through the vision of the late Taua, Alva Kapa, a local Kai Tahu educator.  The celebration was given this name because it was first held in 2001, the Year of Mana Pounamu.  It is a Kai Tahu initiative supported by Ka Papatipu Runaka ki Araiteuru, the University of Otago, the Otago Polytechnic, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the Ministry of Education.

Students with Maori decent can apply to be considered for this award.  Application forms will be available from the school office and must be completed and returned to the office by Wednesday 21st August.  Students will need to state their Iwi and bullet point their academic, sporting, cultural and leadership achievements.  Year Level Deans will undergo a selection process to award one Junior (Yr 9-11) and one Senior (Yr 12-13) recipient.