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Kaikōura Youth Awards 2025 was an awesome night! Nga Taiohi o Marokura - our local kapa haka group - opened the evening with a beautiful performance. Our Youth Council members were kept busy keeping the evening running; from our brilliant MCs - Benji, Grace, Keepa and Anna, to Oaklea and Ben on the bar, and Alpha, Izaac and Kaitlyn ushering our winners and sponsors to the stage. Amongst all the busyness, we celebrated an amazing group of young people receiving awards, had some delicious kai put on by the Kaikōura Leisure Marching Team, and made the most of Andrew Spencer's photography. We would like to say a massive thankyou, once again, to everyone who made the night happen! Starting with everyone who put in a nomination for someone - we wouldn't be able to celebrate all these local young people with the stories being sent to us! Thankyou to Hailey Timms as well as Youth Council members Anna and Ben for judging. Thankyou to all the staff at Te Hā o Mātauranga for all your help with pulling together the evening. Thankyou to Sarah Wright for the beautiful flowers, to Craig Mackle for speaking and for deep cleaning our red carpet in preparation for the night. Thankyou to Charlie and Daniel for helping out with sound and lighting. Thankyou again to the marching team for catering for us - especially to Joey for staying the whole time to pull everything together. Finally - a massive thankyou to all the sponsors, without whom we would not have been able to run these awards!Lions Club of Kaikōura Innovative Waste Kaikōura Proctor Olives Kaikōura Community Op Shop Kaikōura District Council Environment Canterbury Kaikōura Health Care New World Kaikōura Lions Club of Seaward Kaikōura Te Whare Putea Encounter Kaikōura Bendamere House The Pier Whale Watch Kaikōura |
Congratulations to our
2025 winners!
The judging panel selected two equal winners for each category.
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Team Player Award - Sponsored by the Lions Club of Kaikōura
This award celebrates a young person bringing value to the workplace as an effective team player. Someone who displays enthusiasm, respect, motivation, is hardworking & makes the workplace a fun environment.
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Casey Morris-Oswald
When Casey first joined the team at the Kaikōura District Council, she was quiet, reserved, and still finding her footing in a new environment. Over time Casey has grown into one of the most uplifting and dependable members of the workplace—a transformation that has been nothing short of inspiring. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, kindness, and creativity. She’s actively working on study outside of work, showing a strong commitment to her personal and professional development. Alongside her studies, she’s made meaningful contributions that go far beyond her role. |
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Zoe Boyce
Zoe worked at Kaikōura Healthcare last year as a Healthcare Assistant. She was an enthusiastic team member who worked hard to learn lots of new skills so she could work directly with patients supporting them with blood tests and other minor procedures. Zoe has gone to ARA this year to study nursing and we know she will be a great nurse. She was a hardworking member of the team who was always happy to help colleagues out when they needed it. |
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Customer Service - Sponsored by Kaikōura District Council
This award celebrates young people excelling in their customer facing roles. Someone who displays enthusiasm, respect, motivation, is hardworking and makes the workplace a fun environment.
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Sophia Flavell
Sophia is a standout example of what great customer service should look like. Sophia demonstrates kindness, patience, and genuine care. She’s engaging and respectful, treating every customer with the same warm approach, regardless of age or background. In a pharmacy, where people come from all walks of life and often during vulnerable moments, these qualities matter deeply. One moment that really stood out was watching her effortlessly support an elderly couple with gentle, clear guidance—then immediately turn to engage warmly with my young daughter. Her ability to connect with people of all ages is not only heart-warming but rare. Sophia brings calm, enthusiasm, and a lovely sense of humanity to her role. |
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Alpha Uedaspooner
Alpha is a bubbly person at work, who always has a smile on his face when interacting with both customers and colleagues. He is willing to go the extra mile to help out customers, ensuring they have their needs met, or sourcing a product they couldn’t find. He is responsive and willing; even when moments get intense Alpha is ready to step up. Alpha ensured that new colleagues were ‘shown the ropes’ and made sure to make them feel welcome. Alpha is polite at and outside of the workplace, and is a happy and professional member of the workplace. |
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Cultural Leadership - Sponsored by Whale Watch Kaikōura
This award celebrates a young person who embraces their own or other's cultures, shares traditions, and supports others to strengthen their understanding and knowledge. The person receiving this award should be someone that supports and stands up for differences.
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Kurapa Hawke
Kurapa works with Te Tai o Marokura, supporting people with health and social services, as well as Kapa Haka. Kurapa is involved in teaching Kapa Haka at High Schools and Primary Schools not only in the Kaikōura district but also the Hurunui districts; supporting youth all over to grow the Māori culture and perform on stage. Her latest challenge has been being part of creating the rangatahi group Te Ara Tika. This group has already held a successful camp for the rangatahi involved. Kurapa is only 18 herself so is the perfect person to be able to bridge the worlds of a rangatahi and their unique journeys. Feedback from rangatahi involved in groups with Kurapa has been beautiful; there is a genuine respect within the group for each other. |
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Mariana Columbus
Mariana is a fierce and proud advocate for her culture, her people, and Te Ao Māori. She is unapologetically Māori, standing strong in her identity and leading by example for those around her. Mari doesn’t just embrace her culture—she lives and breathes it, uplifting and encouraging her peers to do the same. She is always reminding others to be proud of who they are, where they come from, and the tūpuna who walked before them. At Kaikōura High School, Mari is a cornerstone of the kapa haka group. She has previously held the role of Kaea and continues to be a key figure in leading and supporting the group. Mariana brings her full mana to every moment, embracing every opportunity to showcase her culture with pride. Mari is often asked to represent her culture publicly—frequently shoulder tapped to open events with karakia and mihi. While it’s a big responsibility to be called upon as a cultural leader, she carries it with dignity and strength. She uses these moments not only to represent herself but to pave the way for others, reinforcing that Māori culture is something to be celebrated, respected, and upheld. Mariana is a strong, proud, and empowering leader who continuously builds cultural understanding and pride in those around her. She is a shining example of cultural strength and leadership. |
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Volunteering - Sponsored by the Kaikōura Community Op Shop
This award is for someone who helps within our community and has made a positive difference without expecting anything in return.
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Alex Fissenden
Alex is an all round role model for the young people she sees in her volunteering capacity. Alex is an active netball umpire; volunteering to travel to SISS and other away netball games. She also mentors young umpires every Saturday. Alex coaches the year 7&8 netball team ‘Crystal Queens’, taking them for practice every Wednesday, readying them for their games on Saturday. Alex is the secretary for the Kaikōura Volleyball Club, arranging fundraising as well as administering the local volleyball tournament in July. She recently ran a free ‘give volleyball a go’ session at the High School, and supports those who are interested in volleyball every Tuesday with drills and then a game. Alex is a relief teacher at Montessori and at Hapuku Kura, and during summer is a lifeguard at the Aquatic Centre. There’s not many days free for Alex after work hours, and whether it’s coaching, umpiring, fundraising or working, Alex makes a huge impact on the lives of young people around her. |
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Matthias Joyce
Matthias has been volunteering for the Kaikōura Coast Guard since he was 15 years old. When Matthias first turned up as a volunteer, he was too young to become an active crew member, but he turned up each week determined to gain skills and be ahead of the line when he was officially allowed to join. He is committed to their weekly training nights, and loves to be part of extra training days because he knows these skills make a difference in our community and help to save lives. Over the last year he has been part of many difficult jobs, including body recoveries and all night boat rescue missions. Coastguard in Kaikōura is a volunteer organisation and has to fund much of its own operations. Matthias has worked with other volunteers to ensure that money has been raised through events such as the National raffle and our own Big5 spearfishing competition. |
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Hauora - Sponsored by the Kaikōura Health Centre
This award is for someone who is dedicated to improving the Hauora - health and wellbeing - of others or themselves. This could be someone who shows positivity and perseverance in day to day life, or who supports their peers and is always looking out for the well-being of others.
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Harper Boyce
Harper is a remarkable young leader who lives and breathes Hauora through her everyday actions, attitude, and achievements. She consistently sets high wellbeing goals and works hard to achieve them, all while encouraging others to do the same. Harper embodies the true meaning of balance—excelling physically, mentally, and socially. This year, Harper represented Kaikōura at Combined Country High Schools and Canterbury Champs for both swimming and athletics. She is a dominant force on the netball court and is regularly selected for representative teams. She competed in the Kaikōura Adventure Race —winning the 3-hour division—and has taken on the challenge of rugby this year, showing her fearless approach to new experiences. Beyond sport, Harper is Deputy Head Girl, a Cultural and Arts Prefect and Peer Support Leader at Kaikōura High School. Her leadership is defined not by titles but by the way she carries herself—always encouraging others, lifting her teammates, and inspiring her peers to try new things and push themselves. She is also a youth representative on the Kaikōura Netball Committee, where she brings the voice of rangatahi to the table and advocates for opportunities for young players in our community. Harper is driven by the success of those around her and is always the first to offer support, encouragement, or a helping hand. Whether she’s breaking records, mentoring younger students, or leading on and off the field, Harper is the full embodiment of Hauora. She is a role model not only because of what she achieves, but because of who she is—resilient, supportive, and always striving to be better while helping others do the same. |
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Keagan Sweeney
Keagan is a shining example of what it means to live a life of balance, dedication, and passion for personal wellbeing. This year, Keagan has absolutely smashed his goals in both athletics and swimming—breaking multiple records and setting new standards. One of the most impressive highlights was breaking a 200m sprint record that had stood since 1983. He represented Kaikōura at Combined Country High Schools and Canterbury Champs for both swimming and athletics, and his hard work and commitment earned him a spot at the South Island athletics competition. But Keagan’s commitment to Hauora goes far beyond the track and pool. He is constantly on the move, always challenging himself and encouraging others by example. Whether he’s tearing up the local pump tracks on his mountain bike or casting a line as part of the Kaikōura RodBenders fishing group, Keagan is always seeking out healthy, active ways to enjoy life and connect with the world around him. He embodies the values of Hauora—through his physical strength, mental resilience, and positive attitude. Keagan doesn’t just train to win; he trains to grow. He’s a competitor, yes, but also someone who inspires his peers by showing up, pushing hard, and living life to the fullest. |
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Connection to Whenua - Sponsored by Environment Canterbury
This award celebrates someone who is making a positive impact on their rural community, or the environment. This award recognizes the important role that young people play in promoting sustainable living and practices, preserving rural traditions, and fostering community spirit in rural areas.
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Jackson Coughlan
Jackson, or “Jacko” as he’s known by many, is a young man deeply connected to the whenua and everything that comes with rural life. He lives and breathes the country lifestyle—if he’s not trekking the hills in search of a pig or deer with Sass, you’ll find him helping his dad on the farm. Jacko surrounds himself with everything farming and hunting; it’s not just a hobby, it’s his way of life. Jacko is only 12 years old, yet already holds a depth of knowledge about farming and rural life that many grown adults don’t. He’s got a natural instinct for the land, the animals, and the work it takes to keep things running—something that can’t be taught, only lived. From a young age, Jacko was right at the side of his late grandad Roger, soaking in every moment and every lesson. Whether it was driving around the many farm blocks checking sheep, or mustering cows, deer, and sheep on his parents’ farm, Jacko was there—boots and hat on, whistle around his neck, Scout (his loyal sidekick) loaded on the bike, and always ready to go. When it comes to hunting, his pig dog Sass is never far behind, as the two tackle the hills together with focus and determination. Jacko is constantly learning, doing, and sharing the load—fully immersed in rural life with a sense of purpose that’s beyond his years. |
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Saxon Ferris
Saxon has a passion for bow hunting the many feral animals which can be found in abundance locally. He is also a keen spear-fisherman which he free-dives for. He is extremely well self-educated on the flora and fauna of New Zealand, and has a great respect for the land, its inhabitants and the interactions between them. He is a very talented photographer and videographer who has his own YouTube channel, Born to Be Wild NZ. He happily guides young people into his happy place, filming them and teaching them the right way to stalk and hunt sustainably. Saxon is very selective of what animal he is targeting, be it a meat animal for food in the bush or a trophy head or pelt. His skillful and fascinating videos have earned him sponsorship by the outdoors suppliers Bushbuck. We recommend viewing Saxon and his dog Arti in their natural environment of New Zealand’s back country on his channel. Saxon is a great example to other youth of how hard work, passion and dedication can bring rewards beyond just financial, such as; happiness, fitness, compassion, and willingness to assist anyone. |
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Changemaker - Sponsored by Proctor Olives
This award celebrates innovation and problem solving. This could be someone who is determined to make a change or positive impact in our community, or someone who has excelled in running an enterprise/business locally.
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Tomas Sanders
Tomas runs his own sustainable business - Farmer Tomas, Farm Fresh Eggs - selling delicious, free range eggs locally. Tomas began with four chickens and two customers, and now has 10 chickens and 10 customers, with goals to expand further. He collects the eggs, cleans them, fills up the recycled egg cartons and writes a note on each box. Eggs are then delivered to his customers directly or to their mailboxes. Customers note that they can tell the hens are well loved and looked after as the ‘eggs are clean, the yolks yellow and the shells strong’. Tomas has planted a patch of silverbeet so that his chickens have a continual supply of leafy greens. Over the years natural disasters have impacted the business, with high winds breaking the coops and killing chooks, and NZ falcons swooping on the flock; sometimes injuring or killing the chickens. Tomas has used his business proceeds to rebuild a new coop, and buy a new seed feeder and more chickens. All this done before and after school and Tomas’ other busy commitments. |
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Mural Rōpu - Te Po Manawatu, Casey Morris-Oswald, Jordan McEwing, Jade Calder, Kyson Manawatu
This group of young people have created a super positive change on the Lyell Creek bridge by the Village Green. This has long been a spot that has attracted graffiti of a nasty type about young people in our town. This group of young people came together with the intention of making a difference in the community. They brainstormed many options but landed on painting a mural on the bridge to discourage the drama created by the horrible messages written under the bridge. The group met over a period of 3 months, engaging with KDC, with a local artist and eventually with Pauly Clyne (graffiti artist) who they asked for support to do the mural. The mural is a real crowd pleaser and when KDC featured it on their facebook page, it gained many positive comments about how the group had done so well. Everyone played a vital role in the project, from Te Po who took the leadership role, Casey who was our KDC liaison, Kyson provided artistic inspiration, Jordan who contributed great ideas and kept the group moving and Jade who took notes and kept us organised. |
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Leadership - Sponsored by Encounter Kaikōura
This award is for someone who demonstrates leadership, is willing to take on challenges, and assists others while doing their utmost for the community.
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Hannah Reardon
Hannah is a passionate Netballer who has played the sport since she was just a wee thing. Hannah herself, has experienced the importance of having older student role models and coaches and didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to coach came up. For the last two years, Hannah has stepped up as coach of the year 7 & 8 Koru Games team, working with them weekly. This is a large commitment on her already busy schedule. Hannah can put in up to 4 hours a week into planning and training the team whilst supporting them to build healthy team relationships and grow their self confidence. During tournament week, Hannah is constantly ‘on’ and working with her girls whether it be planning what the next day will look like or having a laugh to lift spirits and team morale. The girls Hannah works with look up to her and see her as a true role model. Without student volunteers like Hannah, our younger students won’t all experience the idea of giving back to something you are passionate about. Hannah is a true gem and widely respected within our netball community. |
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Tiaki Williams
Tiaki is an outstanding young leader whose journey reflects maturity beyond his years, a deep commitment to his mahi, and a strong sense of pride in representing both his workplace and his community. At only 22 years old, Tiaki has already proven himself to be a leader in one of Kaikōura’s most iconic businesses—Whale Watch Kaikōura. Tiaki began working on the boats at just 15 years old. Despite his young age, he quickly earned the respect of his colleagues, stepping up under the guidance of senior crew, skippers, and his father. From day one, Tiaki showed a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to the team. Tiaki soon took on responsibilities beyond his years, helping to train and upskill seasonal staff—a role typically reserved for far more experienced crew. His calm presence, thorough knowledge, and natural ability to lead made him someone others looked up to. He is now recognised as a senior crew member; taking every opportunity available to better himself, and receiving his Skipper’s Restricted Limits ticket. As a leader, Tiaki doesn’t just give instructions—he leads by example. He is known for his strong work ethic, consistent professionalism, and high standards. The staff he trains benefit not just from his knowledge but from the care and pride he takes in setting them up for success. He is respected not only by his colleagues but also by the many visitors who regularly provide glowing feedback on their experiences with him. Guests love his charisma, the way he brings stories to life, and the genuine enthusiasm he brings to every interaction. Alongside the big responsibilities, Tiaki is just as involved in the little things. He’s often seen releasing Hutton Shearwaters that have become disoriented, plucking rubbish from the ocean, and quietly taking care of tasks that protect the environment and the wildlife of Kaikōura. Tiaki is proof that leadership isn’t about age—it’s about action, attitude, and heart. He carries himself with pride and strength, but always striving to be better and to uplift those around him. |
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Contribution to Arts - Sponsored by Innovative Waste Kaikōura
This award goes to someone that embraces and is actively involved in any form of art. This may include photography, poetry, performing, drama, music, and visual arts.
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Devaani King
Devaani came to a workshop run by YCD in May. The workshop was designed to equip young people to help run hiphop events and the following evening the team ran two events for young people. Devaani impressed me from the start with his respectful and attentive attitude and willingness to give things a go. He was the stand out star when it came to both rapping and MCing - he gave a rap performance at both events, his first ever public events. This young man can rap - he gave two very impressive performances at the events! The other artistic endeavor he showed at these two events was his dancing, and again what was impressive was his attitude - he danced at the younger people's event to support the kaupapa and it was great to see how his smiling enthusiasm for hiphop and his skills encouraged the younger crowd. We don't often see the confidence and skill that Devanni bought to the Hiphop scene that evening in our young people. |
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Genevieve Lintott
Genevieve is an exemplary local artist, who displays huge talent, skill, and creativity. She has grown and developed her artistic abilities; her previous school artworks are now held up as examples of brilliant work in Kaikōura High School Art classes. In 2024, Genevieve created a stunning mural of a tui against a mountainous backdrop as part of a Year 13 school leavers legacy project. She has since left school, and has been commissioned by Kaikōura High School to support the creation of a new mural. Genevieve has been leading a group of students to support them in the process of creating a mural, exploring the theme of ‘Our Place’. You can see the beginnings of this mural starting to take place from the road looking towards the year 7&8 area. If you’re wandering through the High School make sure to stop by the old Common Room building to admire the beautiful tui that Genevieve has created. |
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Adult Who Supports Youth
This award was sponsored by Whale Watch, The Pier, and the Kaikōura Seaward Lions.
This is an adult who mentors, supports and encourages youth to be the best version of themselves. |
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Mark Paterson
Mark was nominated by young people for this award in recognition of his trying ‘his utmost to make [Kaikōura] a less toxic place to be, [and how] being around [Mark] has made [them] a better person’. Young people see that Mark is ‘always making time for the kids around town’ and they ‘hope he continues doing what he does because he does amazing’. Mark began working in the Youth Development space at Te Hā, however the connection to local youth began in his role at New World Kaikōura. Mark became someone that young employees looked up to and could go to for advice and a friendly face. Mark contributed to the establishment and momentum of the Kaikōura RodBenders youth fishing club, and helped develop a youth mentoring programme; an extension of the work that he was doing one on one with local young people at Te Hā. Mark is approachable, fun, and considerate of those around him. |
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Kim Boyce-Campbell
Kim is a quiet powerhouse in our community whose tireless work for the youth of Kaikōura often goes unnoticed as she never seeks the spotlight. She wears many hats, including being the president of both the Kaikōura Netball Centre and the Kaikōura Swimming Club, where she leads with a strong sense of purpose and care. Kim has been a key coach of multiple swimming squads throughout the year, giving up early mornings and late afternoons to support tamariki in the water. Her guidance and commitment have been instrumental in developing young swimmers and nurturing their confidence. She’s also a dependable face courtside—regularly filling in as a coach for netball teams, donning a whistle at a moment’s notice, and even lacing up her own shoes to jump in and play when teams are short. Her willingness to be hands-on wherever she’s needed reflects her selfless nature and her love for sport and youth development. Kim approaches everything she does with a cultural lens—always respectful, inclusive, and mindful of how different backgrounds and needs are represented and supported. Her mahi reflects this, particularly in her professional role, where she helps people start or return to study, training, or employment. This role is a natural fit for her, as she is well known for encouraging others to see their potential, to believe in themselves, and to take steps forward - no matter their starting point. She is a motivator, a quiet cheerleader, and often the gentle push someone needs to take that next step. |
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We would like to say a final thankyou to our awesome Youth Council who put the night together!
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Ben Lister (Chairperson)
Keepa Timms (Deputy Chair) Fateha Huurun Ain (Secretary) Anna Ki (Deputy Secretary) Kaitlyn Mukoki Izaac Cullen Grace Jellyman |
Oaklea Woods
Alpha Uedaspooner Rāwiri Posa Benji Joyce Paige Ingram Madi Jones Etasha Jayawardena |
