Ngā Tohu Whakanui Rangatahi | Youth Awards

2026-03-Youth-Awards-generic.jpg

Do you know someone in Upper Hutt who is 13-18 years old and who's smashing goals, giving back, or making a difference in our community? Then we want to hear about it!


Meet the 2026 winners, runners-up, and nominees

Thank you to everyone who nominated a local young person to recognise the huge contribution they make to our city every day, and congratulations to the winners, runners-up, and nominees!

Te Tohu Auahatanga me te Ahurea | Creativity and Culture Award

  • Winner: Arama Adair
  • Runner-up: Aidan Fitzgerald
  • Nominees: Fynn Burns Esam, Aria Killalea, Ella Tansell, Payton O’Connor, Karana Tait, Sophie Hannah, Adrian Kuaoni, Reuben Scott, Liam Sell, Isabella Wallace

Te Tohu Kaitiakitanga | Environmental Award

  • Winner: Sophie Hannah
  • Runner-up: Harry Dixon

Te Tohu Manawanui | Community Leadership Award

  • Winner: Igor Cherniavtsev
  • Runner-up: Reaghan Garbutt
  • Nominees: Accacia Jacobsen-Clarke, Rose Clent, Manvi Sharma, Alyssa Green, Mackenzie Nelson, James Bloomfield, Avneet Bussan, Cruz Willson

Te Tohu Piko te Māhuri | Determination and Growth Award

  • Winner: Zoey Hall
  • Runner-up: Rilee Rosson
  • Nominees: Accacia Jacobsen-Clarke, Lacreasha Adikari, Vivienne Wright, Simone Van Huyssteen, Setian Ndegwa, Manvi Sharma, Rose Clent, Asha Dyson, Igor Cherniavtsev, Molly Rattray

Te Tohu Hākinakina me te Whai Oranga | Sport and Active Participation Award

  • Winner: Tyrone Robinson
  • Runner-up: Shae Taitua
  • Nominees: Bella Coxson, Riley Rogers, Cassandra Gibson, Rose Clent, Sarah Fitzgerald

Mayoral Award

  • Winner: Ruby Armstrong

The award categories

Te Tohu Auahatanga me te Ahurea | Creativity and Culture Award

This award is sponsored by Whirinaki Whare Taonga.

Celebrating young people’s creativity and/or cultural expression. This could be through visual arts, performing arts, music, writing, theatre, dance, kapa haka, or any other way they share and celebrate creativity or culture.

Te Tohu Kaitiakitanga | Environmental Award

This award is sponsored by Mangaroa Farms.

Recognising young people who have made an outstanding contribution to protecting or improving our environment. This could include caring for nature, leading sustainability projects, raising awareness or inspiring others to act for the planet.

Te Tohu Manawanui | Community Leadership Award

This award is sponsored by the Rimutaka Lions Club and the Silverstream Lions Club.

Celebrating young people who show outstanding leadership and make a positive contribution to their community. This award recognises those who lead by example, empower and support others through their actions, and give their time and energy to strengthening the people around them.

Te Tohu Piko te Māhuri | Determination and Growth Award

This award is sponsored by Youthtown.

Celebrating young people who shine through their courage, determination, and personal growth. This award honours those who embrace challenges with a positive spirit, show commitment to their goals, and inspire others through their strength and perseverance.

Te Tohu Hākinakina me te Whai Oranga | Sport and Active Participation Award

This award is sponsored by NZCIS.

Celebrating young people who show outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and positive spirit in sport or physical activity. This award recognises those who give their best, excel, support their teammates, show dedication, and contribute to the spirit of their team or activity.


Got questions?

Reach out to: Mel Smith – melanie.smith@uhcc.govt.nz


Frequently asked questions

Can I nominate myself?

Yes, you can! You can put yourself forward for an award, or nominate an awesome young person in Upper Hutt.

Can I nominate someone who doesn't live in Upper Hutt?

No, unfortunately not.We want to celebrate Upper Hutt's young people and the many ways in which they show up for their schools, clubs, groups, and the community.

Can I submit more than one nomination?

Yes, you can! Our city has lots of fab people doing fab things, so feel free to nominate more than one awesome young person.

Does someone need to be "top of the class" or the best at something to be nominated?

No, they don't. These awards are about celebrating effort, contribution, and spirit– not just being "the best".

What happens after I submit a nomination?

All nominations will be reviewed by a panel.

They will decide on the finalists, and we will then invite the finalists to the awards ceremony.

Will nominees know that they've been nominated?

Yes! We'll let them know about the nomination, and we may contact them for more information if needed.