Forty-six of Rotorua’s brightest talent have been recognised with the presentation of the 2019 Rotorua Young Achievers at a function at the Energy Events Centre last night.
With a board range of talents from kapa haka to conservation, the students have been selected for academic, cultural, sporting, leadership and community service achievements.
The Achiever’s programme was established by Rotorua photographer, the late Owen Howard, 29 years ago and is now run by a group of Rotorua organisations including the Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Trust. The distinctive action photography that adds to the occasion is taken by Andrew Warner.
Around 1500 Rotorua students have been recognized over the years.
Rotorua Trust manager Tony Gill says involvement with the Young Achievers is one of the highlights of the year for the Trust.
“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate some of Rotorua’s outstanding students. The caliber of the students and what they’re achieving while they’re still at secondary school is quite humbling – and we look forward to seeing what they’ll achieve in the years to come.
“The reaction we get on social media from the Young Achiever photos and profiles shows just how proud our community is of these students.”
Mr Gill says the Trust particularly enjoys hearing of the achievements of past students.
“This year we’re lucky to have Fisher Wang, one of last year’s Young Achievers, join us as a new councillor. He’s a fantastic example for these students of just what can be achieved.”
Mayor Steve Chadwick says it is an outstanding group of local students and she is particularly in awe of how representative they are of our modern Rotorua that is proudly bi-cultural but increasingly multicultural.
“They are the face of New Zealand’s future; and they are equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills that they will need to thrive and face the challenges ahead.”
The Young Achievers portraits are on display at Pak’ n Save through until 24 November, and then at Rotorua Library – Te Aka Mauri from 26 November to 7 December.
Work is underway preparing for the 30th anniversary, with past Young Achievers encouraged to update their details with the Trust ahead of the celebrations.