Address at the Celebrating Everyday Young New Zealanders Awards Ceremony, Wednesday 28 May 2008, Grand Hall, Parliament, 5.30pm

 Mihi

Acknowledgements

Teena Koutou. It’s my pleasure to welcome you all here this evening to celebrate the achievements of the 12 young people that we are recognising for their contribution to their communities

I want to acknowledge my Parliamentary colleagues, your worships the Mayors of Lower Hutt, David Ogden, and Hastings, Laurence Yule, and particularly the young people, friends and supporters who are here also.  Teenaa anoo Koutou.

 Celebrating Everyday Young New Zealanders

 The purpose of Celebrating Everyday Young New Zealanders is to recognise that there are people all over New Zealand who make a positive contribution in their families, their schools, their communities and our society and it is important that your efforts are recognised during Youth Week.

 To the 12 young people, congratulations and thank you for the important contribution you have made, which resulted in your nominations by people who wanted your hard work to be recognised.

 The overarching theme of Youth Week 08 is ‘relationships’ and you’ve shown that you’ve been able to create and maintain the relationships you’ve formed in your communities.  After all, it’s what’s on the inside that counts – hoodie day!

 As award recipients, you represent the diverse profile of young people in your communities.  You have all done amazing things and your achievements are examples of what can be achieved by young people with a bit of support, guidance, personal drive and commitment.

 You may be ‘everyday’ young New Zealanders, but you are in no way “ordinary”

 I understand that it is important for young people to grow up in an environment that affirms the importance of who you are, where you come from, your language, culture and beliefs.

 Each one of you in your own way has made a real impression on the people around you.  Only you can tell your story detailing its trials and tribulation that shape who you are and why you do the things you do.

• Tuhulu – As a young father, creating the most wonderful works of art for the benefit of your community

• Ariana – at 16, your determination to succeed at your studies is an inspiration to many in your family and whanau

• Vau – is passionate about acting and Shakespeare and your community sees you as an amazing ambassador for other Pasifika young people

• Te Rawhitiroa - A young man who is passionate about the environment and someone who has real talent to inspire other young people to care for the environment.

• Bryn – you’ve battled with autism and being seen as ‘different” – but now you’ve got a reputation as a computer whiz, helping develop the SIDS NZ website

• Sian – A young woman who set up a girls dance troupe at your school. Now you’re a peer support worker in the community, leading by example and helping others to become role models in their own schools.

• James – I understand is a keen dancer. Setting up the first Krumping Crew, teaching other young people to dance and persuading the Hawera community to get behind your effort.

• Paula Strickland-Laumemea – at 21 you’ve got a diploma in Broadcasting and you’re running your own radio station, Hollah FM, run by young people for young people. It came on air in January and already has a big audience.

• Harriet – just 15, and in spite of the fact that you’ve had to spend a lot of time in hospital – you still manage to be a leading activist for animal rights and the environment.

• Josh - you’ve combined your love of the outdoors and your leadership skills into supporting and mentoring others. Sharing your knowledge and passion with a whole lot of young people who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise to do any of this stuff.   

• Greg – you’ve been passionate about the Fire Service since you were 12. Now you’re a full member of Volunteer Fire Service in Westport, you train the new cadets and your community says that you’re great fun and a great role model.   

• Paula – you combine your faith and your organisational skills for the benefit of your school and the wider community. You lead your school’s Social Justice Committee, you’ve been instrumental in your school winning a silver heart beat award for healthy eating, and you still manage to stay on top of your studies.

I want to join with all those here tonight to acknowledge and recognise some very talented young leaders.

The Flip Side

 Young people often get a hard time, from the media and from the community.

It’s so easy to create a headline out of young people doing what young people have always done: taking risks, pushing the boundaries, driving too fast; drinking too much; making a lot of noise.  That’s one dimension of growing up. There are many, many more young people doing great things that are often not highlighted by the media.

What we tend to overlook is the flip side of all of this: the energy, the passion, the optimism of young people. 

You have brought into sharp focus the positive flipside.

Wherever you got your inspiration from, you are inspiring others in your turn.  It’s a ripple effect: you inspire the people around you and they go on to inspire others.

It’s my honour, as the Minister of Youth Affairs to Celebrate Everyday Young New Zealanders making a difference at home and in our communities. Teena Koutou Katoa.