Nominations Called for Manukau Young Faces Awards

Nominations are now being called for the 1999 Manukau Young Faces Awards, which recognise excellence and endeavour in Manukau's youth.

The fourth annual Young Faces Awards are again being organised by the Rotary Club of Manukau and will recognise achievement by 15 to 24 year olds, who live or work in Manukau.

This year's five categories are the Brookfields Lawyers Business Award, Manukau Institute of Technology Education Award, New Zealand Post Community Service Award, Bartercard NZ Ambassador Award and the Rotary Club of Manukau Arts & Entertainment Award.

Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis, says he is thrilled the Awards have continued to go from strength to strength for the past four years and showcase the talent of some of the city's young people.

"The range of talents and skills the nominees demonstrate continues to impress me and obviously the judging panel," he says. "But what is most pleasing is how they give back to the community and influence their peers."

Past President of the Rotary Club of Manukau, Mark Somervell, says the Awards were established in 1996 following the launch of the Manukau Face of the Future identity. The identity celebrates Manukau's diversity as well as its talent, innovation and energy.

"Manukau is one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities, with some 43 per cent of our population under the age of 25. We have the opportunity with these awards to nurture the aspirations of young people and let them be a face of the future."

All nominations received are appraised by a panel of judges, made up of community leaders and a sponsor representative in each category. Finalists are announced publicly mid September and three finalists in each of the five categories then attend an interview with the judges.

Winners in each category are announced at a formal dinner function in October, in the presence of business and community leaders, as well as family and friends of the finalists. Winners in each category receive $2,500 cash and a specially designed trophy, and both runners-up receive $500 cash. All finalists are presented with a framed certificate.

Nomination forms are available from any New Zealand Post shop, Manukau City ward offices and libraries, or the offices of any of the sponsors.

Nomination forms must be posted, with any other background information, to FreePost 109 037, Manukau Young Faces Awards, PO Box 97 112, South Auckland Mail Centre, by August 16, 1999.

Further information is available from Rotary's Manukau Young Faces Awards organiser, David Hosking, phone (09) 262 2121, or Liana Wallace, Phoenix-PPR, phone (09) 979 2000, email: Liana_Wallace@ppr.com.au

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