Shining a Light on Manawatū District’s Young Achievers
Manawatū District’s rangatahi are painting a bright future for our community, as celebrated at the 2025 Young Achievers Awards ceremony. The Feilding Civic Centre was full of energy, celebration and recognition for the nominated youth who are busy doing great things in our community.
Organised by the Manawatū District Youth Council with help from MDC's staff, the Young Achievers Awards showcase future leaders and celebrate their efforts to the community. Nominations are put forward by schools, clubs and community members, with a whopping 137 nominations received this year. This year’s nominations highlighted achievements ranging from leadership and support with classmates, volunteering inside and outside of the classroom, schedules packed with extracurricular activities and active participation in the community.
This year, Manawatū District Youth Council themed the awards as ‘The Youth of Today, The Leaders of Tomorrow’ with six award categories: Manukura (Leadership), Raukura (Inclusion), Tuao (Volunteer), Iho Pūmanawa (Whakamana Tangata), Auaha (Innovation) and Taiao (Commitment to the Environment). Each category was sponsored by local businesses and awarded for two age groups, 5-12 and 13+, awarding all nominees a certificate. The winners received a certificate, a gift and a trophy made by a local Feilding business. Plenty of smiles were seen on stage, as the youth embraced the clapping, cheering and recognition from their loved ones and the wider community.
There were over 600 in attendance with inspirational kōrero from guest speakers including Mayor Helen Worboys, and a keynote speech from Councillor Bridget Bell on leadership. "Every year this kaupapa gets bigger, but it’s our rangatahi who continue to grow the most in strength, in voice, in mana”, MDC’s Youth Engagement Coordinator Joey Mckechnie commented. “Their courage and leadership light up the stage and remind us all why we show up, year after year”. MDC is proud to support the Young Achievers Awards, acknowledging the hard work of Manawatū District Youth Council, ensuring our rangatahi get the recognition they deserve – and a fun event to champion it!
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for 2025. Thank you to the generous sponsors who helped make the night possible: Farmers Weekly, KPA Properties, Rosebowl Bakery and Cafe, Feilding Oroua Rotary Club, EF Evolve Fitness, Collective Intelligence.
Taiao (Commitment to the Environment) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Taiao (Commitment to the Environment) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Tuao (Volunteer) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Tuao (Volunteer) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Raukura (Inclusion) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Raukura (Inclusion) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Manukura (Leadership) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Manukura (Leadership) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Auaha (Innovation) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Auaha (Innovation) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Iho Pūmanawa (Whakamana Tangata) Award, ages 5 to 12: Nominees and winner (on far left).
Iho Pūmanawa (Whakamana Tangata) Award, ages 13+: Nominees and winner (on far left).