Exceptional young people recognised by Prime Minister

Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern: Kia ora koutou katoa 

It’s my pleasure to give a shout-out to all of the recipients of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards. 

I’m so proud of the 34 tamariki and rangatahi who have been acknowledged from all around the motu.  

From the tip of Te Tai Tokerau, down to the harbour of Te Whanganui a Tara, and the waters of Otautahi.  

These awards recognise your commitment, dedication and vision for the future. 

I’m sorry that we couldn’t meet in person to celebrate your success, but it’s been an honour to learn a bit about you all. 

You’ve earned these scholarships by working hard, caring for others, setting goals and striving to achieve them. 

Among our finalists and winners this years, I see future mechanics, engineers, lawyers, actors, detectives, social workers and public health experts.  

Individuals who will make a significant contribution to Aotearoa and our communities. It’s especially heartening to hear about your goals to support others who have similar experiences to you. 

I hope these scholarships will be a springboard for you to achieve these goals. 

Your courage, your strength, your dedication serves as an inspiration to so many. And this is just the beginning of your journey. 

I encourage you to stay true yourselves, trust in your abilities, and keep dreaming big. 

Congratulations once again to our 2021 Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Award recipients and all the young people who were nominated.  

I hope you’re proud of our significant achievements and I’m so excited for you all. I can’t wait to see where your paths will take you. 

Hon Kelvin Davis: Tēnā tātou. Ko tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. 

Kia ora New Zealand. I want to extend a warm mihi to the tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, hāpori, iwi and hapū who work alongside kaimahi in our care and protection system 

Recently our Prime Minister the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern gave her congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards.  

These awards recognise the achievement and potential of young people in care or custody. 

They also showcase the profound impact that opportunities and positive change can have on a young person’s future.  

Each of this year’s 34 recipients will receive a scholarship valued from $3000 to help them towards their goals and aspirations for the future.  

That could be in the areas of study, sport, a passion, or developing leadership skills.  

As someone who has worked with young people for many years, and as Minister for Children, I understand the challenges that our whānau may face.  

That’s why I am so pleased we can recognise the courage, integrity, perseverance and dedication of our young people through the Prime Minister's Oranga Tamariki Awards.  

To the social workers, social service providers, community partners, iwi representatives, family members and friends who made a nomination this year – I say “thank you for supporting our young people.”  

To the young people who were nominated or received an award, I say “Whāia te iti kahurangi. Ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei.”  

Seek out and strive for the treasures you most want – if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain. 

Tēnā koutou katoa.