Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust is bringing the Rising Star awards back to Ōpōtiki, and nominations are open now.
This November will host the first awards in five years, the 2019 awards being the last before COVID-19 meant things had to be put on hold. Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust general manager Amanda Walker said the awards are and have been an opportunity to showcase the good in our community, and it was high time for them to return.
“Our young people are proving themselves, not just here but all over the world,” she said.
Ōpōtiki talent extends across many fields, with doctors, nurses, rally drivers, sportspeople and many more taking Ōpōtiki to the national and international stage.
“It’s about acknowledging their hard work.”
To commemorate the return, Whakaatu will be bringing in some of the nominees of yesteryear to catch up with where they are now.
“They still haven’t reached their peaks yet, they’re continuing to rise and to shine,” said Mrs Walker.
“These kids punch above their weight.”
This means a mix of fresh and familiar faces will take the stage on the night, acknowledging achievement across a wide range of categories. These include sport, education, creative arts and many more, and you can nominate those standouts in our community right now.
Nominations are open to all, and you can nominate anyone from the age of 12 to 24 years old through the Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust Facebook page.
Created in 2005, Rising Stars was an opportunity to showcase Ōpōtiki up and coming success stories, giving a spotlight to those going the extra mile in their studies, sports, and lives.
This initiative has proudly continued over the years and has been well supported by the community, with nominations already coming in for this year.
The awards are set to take place in November 2024, so make sure to get in your nominations to help us showcase excellence in our community.
Mrs Walker put out the call to any and everyone in Ōpōtiki to get their nominations in, as all achievements are worth celebrating.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small the achievements are, they could be the inspiration and the aspiration for other people.”
Nominate your Rising Star here Rising Stars Nomination