New Zealand's Minister for Pacific People's says the recipients of the Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards represent a new generation of Pasifika leadership.
Prime Ministers Pacific Youth Awards winners with Minister of Pacific People's Aupito Su'a William Sio Photo: Supplied
New Zealand recognises young Pacific leaders
Aupito William Sio said the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics recipients will, not only, shape the goods and services people will benefit from in the future but will find solutions to problems like climate change.
However, Aupito says there are not enough Pacific people involved in this area.
He said these "modern day Pacific explorers and navigators in the global digital economy" need to be nurtured and encouraged.
Aupito said after speaking with the recipients, he was confident of their commitment to the country and the region.
"There's a real passion and a desire for all of these young people to play their role for not just the needs of Aotearoa New Zealand but also to play their role as peoples of the vast Blue Pacific continent that the Pacific leaders refer to often."
The 2019 Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Award winners are (via Coconet):
International Scholar Award (sponsored by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation)
Sela Maka, 20, from Palmerston North and is of Tongan descent.
Community Star Award (sponsored by Auckland Council)
Janelle Augsburg, 23, from Auckland and is of Tongan and European descent.
Community Star Award (sponsored by Auckland Council)
Dejealous Sili Palota-Kopa, 23, from Auckland and is of Samoan descent.
Leadership and Inspiration Award (sponsored by Air New Zealand, supported by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Okirana Tilaia, 17, from Christchurch and is of Samoan descent.
Arts and Creativity Award (sponsored by Creative NZ and Massey University)
Manuha'apai Vaeatangitau, 21, from Auckland and is of Tongan descent.
Language, Culture and Identity Award (sponsored by the Ministry for Pacific
Peoples)
Louisa Vaeluaga, 22, from Auckland and is of Tokelauan and Tuvaluan decent.
STEM Award (sponsored by the Riddet Institute)
Eteroa Lafaele, 23, from Wellington and is of Samoan decent.
STEM Award (sponsored by Fonterra)
Ioane Fiso, 18, from Wellington and is of Samoan and European descent.
Business and Entrepreneurship Award (sponsored by Pacific Business Trust)
Keith Toma, 21, from Auckland and is of Niuean, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan and
Tuvaluan descent.
Business and Entrepreneurship Award (sponsored by Pacific Business Trust)
Alexia Hilbertidou, 20, from Auckland and is of Samoan and European descent.
Commercial and Corporate Award (sponsored by Deloitte)
Tupou Veiogo, 20, from Palmerston North and is of Fijian descent.