31 Aug 2010

New Zealand Awards for young Pacific Island high achievers announced

1:32 pm on 31 August 2010

The New Zealand Prime Minister has announced three awards for high achieving young Pacific Islanders to spur them into leadership roles.

John Key says the Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards recognise and encourage leadership, creativity and inspiration.

Mr Key says a large part of New Zealand's international competitiveness will depend on making the most of the skills and talents of the growing population of Pacific New Zealanders.

Mr Key says the University of Auckland will sponsor the leadership award which recognises those who motivate the community, have lead a project at school or church and met significant challenges.

He says the Weta Workshop award is for someone demonstrating significant creativity either in the arts or to solve a community problem.

Mr Key says the award from software company Cogita Business Systems will go to someone who has made either an inspirational change in their own life or others, plus overcome adversity.