South Wairarapa rotary Youth Awards Criteria & Nomination form

YOUTH AWARD CRITERIA

Recipients of the biennial South Wairarapa Rotary Youth Awards must be between 14 and 24 years and must have demonstrated the qualities and character of outstanding future citizens. The next awards will take place in October 2027, with nominations open from July 2027. There are seven categories of award:

• SERVICE & CARING AWARD. Awarded to a young person actively volunteering their time and skills in the local community, showing compassion and empathy towards those they serve.
• LEADERSHIP AWARD. This young person will be showing leadership, courage, and creativity while advocating for social justice and positive change, mobilising peers to stand up for the rights of vulnerable peoples.
• TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AWARD. Awarded to a youth who has demonstrated innovation through technology or design to take part in an ‘act local, think global’ initiative, committing time and effort to a project of benefit to others.
• PERSONAL COURAGE AWARD. This youth has been an inspiration to others by demonstrating courage and persistence in adversity or by overcoming personal obstacles, while remaining a vibrant and optimistic member of the community
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. Awarded to a youth who has successfully initiated or developed a business or social entrepreneurship project through the development of an innovative product or service. The recipient will have exhibited inspirational leadership in managing this project.
• LEARNING AWARD. Awarded to a young person who has gone above and beyond to succeed in a learning field, overcoming obstacles to persist in education, and has shown a passion for learning that supports or is an inspiration to others.
• SPORTS AWARD. This young person will have gone above and beyond to succeed in a chosen sport(s), overcoming obstacles to persist in sport, and shares a passion for sport to benefit others.
• ARTS and CULTURE AWARD. Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated commitment and passion for the arts and culture. This recipient will have contributed significantly to the community in one or more of these areas: kapa haka, music, visual arts, dance, and theatre/drama.