27 May 2015

Hutt local wins Youth Week award

Chris Bishop, National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, has congratulated Hutt resident Charlizza Harris on winning a 2015 Youth Week award. The award was presented at the Youth Week Award ceremony at Parliament yesterday evening.

Charlizza won a “Change Maker” award for her outstanding work in the community with young people. Charlizza founded 2Face Drama in 2012, a social enterprise that runs kapa haka, choreography, dance and drama workshops for struggling teens. Over 2,000 people have seen their production “A Christmas Dream”, which was produced by young people with lived experience of alcohol and violence. 2Face also won a “Youth Group” award.

Between 2009 and 2012 Charlizza started three Young Enterprise Scheme companies focused on addressing social issues in the community such as bullying.

Charlizza’s citation reads:

“Charlizza has demonstrated outstanding leadership in a range of initiatives… through her enterprise activities she has lobbied support from local organisations that enabled her to produce youth friendly resources targeting bullying, sexual health, and cultural diversity. These resources are still being used in schools and communities.”

“Young people are doing amazing things around the Hutt Valley. Charlizza is a wonderful example of the talent, drive and passion that exists in Hutt Valley youth. It was a pleasure to meet her at Parliament yesterday evening. She has an extremely bright future,” says Mr Bishop.

“The theme of Youth Week 2015 is ‘We are the future’ and I hope these awards inspire other young people in the Hutt to help shape the future of their communities too,” says Mr Bishop.

Youth Week runs from 23-31 May and recognises the contributions and achievements of young people and those who support young people in New Zealand.

To read more about the Youth Week 2015 Awards and the recipients: http://www.myd.govt.nz/young-people/youth-week/index.html

ENDS

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