Daily Post Youth in Excellence Awards

14th March 2005

By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Rotorua

Rotorua teenager Kahurangi Maxwell has done a huge amount promoting Rotorua to New Zealand and the world.

The Year 13 student at Western Heights High School is another recipient of The Daily Post Youth in Excellence Award today.

Principal Violet Pelham describes Kahurangi as a "positive ambassador" for the city.

The 17-year-old has performed with Ngati Rangiwewehi in various parts of the world including Germany, Singapore, the United States and at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. Kahurangi was also part of a mayoral delegation for a sister city promotion in Beppu in Japan.

Kahurangi has held many leadership roles in the school during her years there as a peer support leader, student mentor, captain of the junior basketball and netball teams and this year she was selected by students to be head girl.

She has been involved in the school's choir and hoe waka.

She also played a leading role in the school's kapa haka group, Te Roopu Manaaki, where she achieved the best female performer title in the regional competition and runner-up in the national tournament last year.

This year Kahurangi has founded a singing club at the school for gospel and rhythm and blues.

She is also an accomplished pianist, having gained grade 5 in the Trinity College exams.

As a member of the Rotorua District Youth Council she attended the youth in local government conference in Dunedin.

"Kahurangi is an outstanding young role model.

"She strives for excellence at all times and leads by example," Mrs Pelham said.

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Reporoa College student Natalie Pyper is one of the school's top athletes.

The Year 13 student receives The Daily Post Youth in Excellence Award today for her outstanding athletic abilities.

"I have nominated Natalie for the award in recognition of her abilities in athletics and her absolute determination to achieve her goals," said principal Sue Winters.

In 2003, Natalie developed an interest in the 3000m track event and went on to win the event at the Mid-Island Interschool athletics meeting and placed third in the Waikato competition.

The 17-year-old travelled to Washburn, Wisconsin to take up an American Field Scholarship at Washburn High School where she attended 10 local athletics track meets, winning the 1600m and 3200m events on each occasion. At a regional level she also won both events as well as a 10km road race.

At the State of Wisconsin Athletics Track meeting, she was second in the 3200m event.

Natalie has returned to Reporoa College this year and is continuing her athletics.

She plans to head back to Wisconsin in September to take up an athletics scholarship to study at university and hopes to compete with the best in the 3200m event.

"Natalie has the strength of character to remain totally focussed and to make the most of the opportunities she receives in Wisconsin," Mrs Winters said.



Rotorua Girls' High - Gloria So-Yeon Kim





Rotorua Boys' High - Paul Spurdle



John Paul College - Jono Griffith







Lakes High School - Clinton Avery