The Mana Pounamu Young Achievers’ Awards were brought about through the vision of the late tāua, Alva Kapa.

The objectives of these awards are to celebrate the success and achievement of rakatahi Māori, encourage rakatahi Māori to participate in tertiary study, identify leadership potential; and to provide positive role models to rakatahi Māori.

This year two of our Puketeraki rangatahi receive this award.

Korako Edwards is a year 12 student at Otago Boys’ High school. His involvement culturally and socially are his strengths. He has been a part of groups such as Hands on Science 2014, Te Rauawa o te Pahi Science Extension 2013, Rangatahi o te Moana and was also the science fair prize winner for 2013. His parents and his tāua, Mahana Walsh are extremely proud of him.

Hayley Bungard has grown up in Palmerston with her mum and dad, big brother James and twin sister Nicole. She has a love for family, team sports, outdoors and animals. Since the age of two and a half she has been riding ponies and continues to do so. She competes in local shows, treks and is keen to have a go at cross country eventing. Hayley has an ambition to become a physiotherapist and to be part of her marae – sharing her knowledge and encouraging young people.

He mihi matakuikui tēnei ki a kōrua e ngā rangatira mō āpōpō. Nō reira kei ngā manu hou, he pī ka rere.