A group of Porirua’s inspiring young students were celebrated today for their leadership and service in their schools
and community.
The Rotary Clubs of Porirua and Porirua City Council presented Primary School Leadership Awards to 58 local school
children at a ceremony at Elim Church.
The awards were presented by Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, and Rotary District Governor Gillian Jones who presented each
student with a Rotary International theme pin for 2020-2021.
Mayor Anita Baker applauded the young award recipients for their can-do attitude, integrity and community spirit.
"The tamariki in Porirua are truly inspiring and it just goes to show that you are never too young to make a big
difference. Thank you for all you do for others, you are shining lights in our community and I believe the future of
Porirua is in good hands with positive role models such as yourself."
The President of the Rotary Club of Plimmerton, Bill McAulay says that the objective of the Awards is to place young
students at the centre of our thinking by recognising their outstanding leadership skills and by encouraging them to
continue developing their leadership abilities within the schools and communities.
Children’s Commissioner, Judge Andrew Becroft, who spoke at the event, agreed.
"A great occasion to affirm and celebrate leaders of today - who have enormous potential to be the great leaders for
tomorrow, as well."
The children were selected by principals from primary schools throughout Porirua. Two senior students from each school
were chosen based on leadership, service above self, and being role models.
The students had been involved in a range of activities including sports, kapa haka, dance, community work, academic
pursuits, environmental efforts and supporting and caring for other students.
The main organiser of the event, Wendy Betteridge said that she initiated it in 2015 as a celebration of the 50th
Anniversary of Porirua City. More than 300 students have now been recognised over the last six events. It is a joy to
see the pride that whanau show in their young leaders.
This year there were approximately 350 people in the audience.
A list of recipients is attached.
For a testimonial on each student, or other queries, please contact Wendy Betteridge at Rotary on 021 417576 or wendy@lastingimpact.co.nz2020 Award Recipients:Adventure School
Caelan Davidson
Geneve BrodyBishop Viard College
Muriel Iosefa
Rayshanna TautuBrandon Intermediate School
David Talivai
Mikayla Aitogi-WilsonCannons Creek School
Aliyah Frost
Eh Nay KawCorinna School
Praise Lamsam
Jahzelle SchusterDiscovery School
Jake Gribben
Sophie KloppenbergGlenview School
Taloi Tealei
Joe TanieluHoly Family School
Nikolah Teofilo
El-Shaddai PetauMaraeroa School
Ayesha-Storm Asiata
Kupa LihoneNatone Park School
Phomozah Tanuvasa
Manaia TanerauNgāti Toa School
Emiliia Laavasa
Hine Temo-NaeraPapakowhai School
Anna Betham
Ruby SimkinParemata School
Jessica Best
Eamonn GallagherPauatahanui School
Amber Sceats
Alicia JuddPlimmerton School
Gaby Verran
Daniel WoodsidePorirua East School
Tyler Abbot
Fusi WilliamsPorirua School
Terrance Taitapanui
Leroy Barnes-Su'aPukerua Bay School
Mackay Thomson
Sacha KilmisterRangikura School
Luke Stade
Manaia-Rain VardeyRussell School
Hiraina Rua
Koreti PoaiSt Pius X School
Georgia Collins
Joshua ToelupeSt Theresa’s School
Isabel Taylor
Hunter TomlinsonTe Kura Maori o Porirua
Maia Waitakaro Harding
Te Ataakura Te Iwi Ngaro KupengaTitahi Bay Intermediate
Austin Arnold-Mackie
Gypsy TyrrellTitahi Bay North School
Sidd Winder
Kennedi BoxTitahi Bay School
Tane Mill
Sarah LeachWellington Seventh Day Adventist School
Lesieli Finau
Hadessa SaenaWhitby Collegiate
Jack Payne
Darcie Skidmore-StoneWindley School
Saja Al Laham
Pinati Manila