The enthusiasm and energy of Gore’s young people once again impressed as the District celebrated its quiet achievers at the Gore District Youth Awards on Saturday night (1 December).
echo adrotate_group(4, array("fallback" => 0, "weight" => 0, "site" => "no"));
This year’s awards attracted just under 60 nominations across the 10 categories. Organised by the Gore District Youth Council, the awards have become a popular event with young and old.
The awards celebrate the talents of young people in the community, aged between 12 years and 24 years, who aren’t typically recognised by mainstream award ceremonies.
Family and friends packed into the St James Theatre for the presentation evening, which is also a showcase of local talent with performance from individuals and groups throughout the night.
Compere this year was New Zealand comedian and television personality Guy Williams.
The results of the 2018 Gore District Youth Awards are:
Blue Light Leadership Award – Junior
• Winner – Hamish Goatley
• Joint runner-up – William Ranstead and Jakob Harrex
Blue Light Leadership Award – Senior
• Winner – Laura Smith
Community Networking Trust Inclusion and Diversity Award
• Winner – Mikayla Ferguson
Gore Pakeke Lions Commitment to the Environment Award
• Winner – Jenna Graham
The Ensign Entrepreneurship Award
• Winner – Ben Hargest
Gore Paper Plus Working for Youth Award
• Winner – Sophie King
Outstanding Youth Champion Award – Junior
• Winner – Grace Turipa
Outstanding Youth Champion Award – Senior
• Winner – Luke Hillis
Workplace Safety Southland Non-Conformist Award – Junior
• Winner – Levi Smith
• Runners-up – Kiera Ferguson and Ben Heaps
• Highly commended – Taylah Friend
Workplace Safety Southland Non-Conformist Award – Senior
• Winner – Bella Ranstead
Soroptimist International of Gore Overcomers Award – Junior
• Winner – Bridget Edwards
• Runner-up – Preston Karena
Soroptimist International of Gore Overcomers Award – Senior
• Winner – Riley Howley
Gore District Council Junior Supreme Award
• Winner – Hamish Goatley
Gore District Council Senior Supreme Award
• Winner – Luke Hillis