Celebrating the success of incredible Oranga Tamariki youth

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, 14 care-experienced young people travelled to Pōneke from across Aotearoa for the Prime Minister's Oranga Tamariki Awards. 

The awards represent a major milestone for these young people. They are a chance for them to feel a sense of pride and achievement as they work toward building a bright, positive future.

As part of the award ceremony, recipients received scholarships valued at $3,000 to further their aspirations across everything from studying social work, becoming a barber, or pursuing dreams of opening a dance school.  

One recipient said being recognised at the awards made them feel awesome, and that this had been one of the best experiences he’d had in a long time.  

The recipients can be nominated by anyone within their network, including social workers, caregivers, and community members.

Being nominated can be a life-changing experience for these young people and helps to remind them of the strength and support they have behind them.  

Alongside whānau and chosen support people, the young people arrived in Pōneke on Tuesday morning, gathering in the Naumi Hotel to meet the other recipients.  

The group had a chance to get to know each other, before having lunch, where they were joined by Oranga Tamariki Acting Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman. 

The Acting Chief Executive sat down with the young people as they ate, speaking with them about their dreams and goals for the future.  

One of the young people told the Chief Executive about his aspirations to further his studies, and another about her dreams to open a dance school.  

After lunch the group had a sweet visit to the Wellington Chocolate Factory and a tour of parliament, before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the evening.

The group of nominators and supporters watched proudly as the 14 young people walked on stage to receive their awards from the sponsors. 

Alongside their awards and scholarships, the recipients all received a tohu specially designed to recognise the significance of these awards. 

Minister for Children Karen Chhour and Oranga Tamariki Acting Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman spoke at the awards alongside sponsors for the event.  

The Chief Executive said it was one of the most memorable nights in his public service career.  

Speaking to the young people, he said, “the tenacity and passion you hold are all virtues we need in life and it will hold you all in fantastic stead.”  

Minister Chhour reminded the young people she was once in their shoes, having to navigate a complex and sometimes frustrating system.

There was also a special musical performance from Taylah, a young New Zealand singer/songwriter, whose music was woven with poetic lyricism and Māori heritage.

Those in attendance for the evening also included Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

After an eventful first day, the experience concluded on Wednesday with a light dose of competitive sport at Wellyputt Mini Golf and a pizza lunch.  

The recipients headed off back to their homes, one step closer to achieving their dreams.

Although we are reminded each day at Oranga Tamariki of how many inspirational young people we work with, the Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards takes it one step further.

By providing these young people with a special day to recognise and celebrate them during that moment, we can remind them of how much further they can go. 

This year’s scholarships for the young people were made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Bluestar, Kia Puāwai, L’Oreal, Spark and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai.