Last year, students from a dozen Wellington schools who contributed positively to their school or local community received the Mayoral Award. This afternoon the winners came along to Wellington Central Library to speedily network with the Mayor, Councillors and Council Officers.
Each student gave a two minute one-on-one presentation about why they won their award to a Council representative, then at the ding of a bell, swapped seats and had the opportunity to connect with someone new.
Then Council representatives took the lead and told students about their roles and responsibilities at Council.
The event was designed as a fun way for Council representatives and students to learn about each other’s priorities, visions for the Capital and ways to make good ideas happen.
Mayor Wade-Brown says Wellington’s youth are caring and perceptive.
“This event was a wonderful opportunity to connect and discuss creating a better Wellington,” the Mayor says. “It was a valuable engagement experience for the students as well, as it helped them connect with the governance and operation of their city.”
Tyrie Kelly, who was at Wellington Girls' College when she received the award, was very positive about the event. She says, “The session was really useful and I learnt more about projects in the inner city.”
Tauawhi Bonilla from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna says, “It was a good chance to learn about what Council gets up to and how the city is run because one day one of us might be here.”
The Absolutely Positively Student Awards were launched in 2014 by the Mayor. Recipients must be in years 10, 11 or 12 at a Wellington secondary school and demonstrate community-mindedness.