AUCKLAND—One of New Zealand's youngest mayoral candidates and the relative of a cluster bomb victim were among over 20 youths recognised at the Youth for Human Rights awards ceremony on Friday night.
Jade Gray, 17, from Tauranga took out the top prize for his efforts to reduce poverty at a decile 1 school in his area.
Mr Gray said he felt compelled to help students at Merivale School in Tauranga after learning that 70 percent of students were unable to afford breakfast or lunch.
He is now working with the principal of Merivale School to build a relationship with his Catholic school, Aquinas College.
Mr Gray has not only established a canteen, which provides meals for students, but has also negotiated sponsorship from organizations, enlisted sports coaches and other programmes.
"The most important part, I think, was establishing a group charity organisation to assist low socio economic children," he said.
Mr Gray is considering either studying at Victoria University next year or joining the seminary.
Julie Watson from the Human Rights Commission and human rights lawyer and University of Auckland lecturer Kris Gledhill judged the awards.
Reem Ibrahim from Westlake Girls High School also received recognition for her work helping Amnesty International encourage the removal of cluster bombs from overseas communities.
Former Selwyn College head girl Kristin Ross was awarded for her advocacy for Maori people and running cultural education sessions for youth.
A short photographic piece from 19-year-old Jordan Dodson about "The Akha" or the "lost people" of Asia was well received by the audience.
Dodson photographed Akha children in an orphanage as he travelled through Thailand in 2007 to highlight their plight as they seek to escape child trafficking and a life in the sex tourism industry in Asia.
Jordan is currently in the Phillipines helping to educate locals in the art of photography. He was given a special 'Youth Artists for Human Rights Recognition Award'.
Wellington man Ephraim Gazo ran for council in the Hutt Valley ward last year in the hope of increasing youth representation at council. He believes he could well have been the youngest New Zealander to run for council, turning 18 the day before the nominations closed. He received around 500 votes, with the mayor receiving about 3000.
Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights Dr Helen Smith said support from the Human Rights Commission, human rights groups, schools, church and community groups has been amazing.
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