Brian Haugh

Briah is one of our Head Students at Rolleston College and works with a team of head learners to provide leadership to the student body. As well as being a full time student, head student, Briah also helps mentors other learners at the school. This involves a Year 9 girl who has been finding adjusting to High School challenging and Briah has helped her settle into High School with ease. Briah is the manager for the Rolleston College Senior A Netball team. Briah is a keen athlete herself, playing netball for Burnham. Briah is also involved in StarJam and supporting this in our community.

Joshua Irving

Over the past year and a half, I have contributed to the Selwyn academic community as a course student representative for plant science, viticulture and winery engineering at Lincoln University. As a course rep, I have functioned as a liaison between my fellow students and faculty staff. Listening, passing on feedback, and working with examiners to help create the best learning environment possible. In addition, I’ve worked as a tutor supporting first-year students in chemistry and soil science. I would like to be considered for this award because I am passionate about advocating for my fellow students, as well as supporting and guiding those early in their university pathways, especially in complex topics such as the sciences.

Jackson Spicer

At just 19 years old, Jackson has already made a significant impact at Weedons Cricket Club through his leadership and dedication. As a committee member, he is involved in planning and shaping the future of the club, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve the community. Jackson also runs the Colts team, volunteering his time as a coach and mentor to young players. His coaching extends beyond cricket skills, focusing on building teamwork, discipline, and confidence. He plays a key role in developing these young athletes into well-rounded individuals, both on and off the field. In addition to his coaching, Jackson contributes to the club’s fundraising efforts and working bees, helping raise funds and maintain the club’s facilities. His efforts ensure the club remains sustainable and accessible for future generations. Jackson’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to both the club and community make him a respected and valued member of the Waikirikiri Selwyn district. His contributions are helping to create a strong, connected community, and his positive impact will continue for years to come.

Molly Macpherson

I have dedicated countless hours to supporting and uplifting my community through sport, youth mentorship, and volunteer work—especially within the Selwyn basketball community. I coach and run the Girls Got Game program through Selwyn Hawks each term, alongside holiday programs and private one-on-one coaching. I also assist the Selwyn Hawks Basketball Club wherever possible to help them grow and succeed. Every Saturday during the basketball session, I am a floor controller for Canterbury Basketball. In this role, I go beyond the basics—helping injured players receive proper care, ensuring their safety, and supporting them with compassion. I coach female basketball teams across age groups, including Darfield High School, Selwyn Hawks and Canterbury U16 rep and mainland teams, sharing my knowledge, passion, and leadership. Beyond basketball, I coach tennis, run youth holiday programs, and teach younger children the fundamentals of sport. I mentor new referees and young entrepreneurs through the Young Enterprise Scheme at Rolleston College—offering business advice, feedback, and encouragement drawn from my experience as a regional YES winner.

William Crofskey

I have been actively involved in the Lincoln University community, specifically as a course representative for one of the postgraduate courses I am involved in. My responsibility in this role is to assist the lecturer and present feedback throughout the semester so that there is continual improvements to the course and so students are getting the most out of their learning. During this role I have been able to work closely with my peers, lectures and staff of Lincoln University and it has been really beneficial to get to know a variety of different people. My main task of the role is to collect official feedback from the class twice a semester and then present it in a meeting with the faculty dean and other course reps. I found that the best way to get feedback from students was just to talk to them and have a genuine conversation which always feels a lot more personal.

Ujwal Chaudhari

In my roles as Course Representative at Lincoln University, Student Representative for the NZIFST Canterbury region, Social Media Manager for the Lincoln University PG Club, and as a contributor in sensory testing under Professor Shaoyang Wang, I have worked to bridge academic research, student welfare, and community engagement. I have organized feedback sessions that directly informed policy changes and improved academic support. My involvement in sensory testing has allowed me to contribute to pioneering research that enhances food quality and safety—a benefit that resonates beyond the university and into our local community. By connecting students’ voices with research needs and community interests, I continually strive to create an environment where innovations in science and education empower every individual.

Izzy Sheath

I would like to be considered for this award as I believe it will be a huge encouragement for me to continue this service and give me an incentive to pursue further study options to support my work with neurodiverse young people. It would also be hugely beneficial to my students and my equine team mates for them to be recognised alongside me as they are all an integral part of what makes OWNH a success! OWNH was created to fill what we felt was a void in the local equine industry to provide natural horsemanship opportunities for young people who face additional barriers and challenges in their lives due to neurodiversity and anxiety related issues. We felt there was a real need for a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for neurodiverse learners and those challenged with anxiety to thrive in equine activities by forming a bond with their equine partner through co-regulation and connection. There are numerous studies and research which proves the outstanding ability of horses to heal the hearts and minds of humans. We provide a very niche environment of one on one lessons which are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual which creates a safe and supportive environment where healing and transformation naturally takes place.

Liam Stoliker

I have coached baseball teams in Rolleston and I now coach the u14 Astros. I was the only person from Canterbury to be selected to play Baseball for NZ u18 Diamond backs in the world qualifier.

Lily Payton

Since the age of nine, I have been actively involved in dance education at TM Dance World, Darfield—progressing from a class assistant to a lead senior dance teacher. I now teach students aged 5 to 16 across competitive, exam, and recreational classes, fostering not only dance skills but also confidence, self-esteem, and personal growth. This year, I returned to Darfield High School as a mentor/teacher to develop and lead a new dance program, working with three teams preparing for the nationwide DanceNZmade interschools competition. I volunteer extensively, dedicating at least three weekdays and most Sundays to support and mentor these students. Beyond teaching dance, my focus is on empowering young people to believe in themselves and grow into confident, resilient individuals. In 2023, I was honoured with a Premier Award for female leadership in my final year at high school, recognising my commitment to youth wellbeing and community leadership. I am passionate about contributing positively to the Selwyn community through leadership, mentorship, and promoting youth wellbeing. Being considered for the Selwyn Young Contributors Award would be a tremendous honour and motivation to continue inspiring and empowering young people.

Mackenzie Wills

Over the past three years, I’ve proudly served on the Selwyn Youth Council, including two years as Chair. I’ve helped lead youth-led projects, elevate young voices in decision-making, and foster connections between local government and our community. As Chair, I focused on creating a supportive and empowering environment within the Council, encouraging others to grow into confident leaders. Now, in a mentoring role, I am guiding new members to succeed and benefit from the same opportunities I’ve had. Beyond the Council, I’ve been committed to wider youth advocacy. I’ve shared my leadership journey at the Thrive for Life Young Women’s Leadership Conference and contributed to a panel discussion on youth experiences with social media and the growing vaping culture. I believe in using my voice to create honest conversations and represent the realities young people face.

Thomas Lucock

Over the past 5 months I have had the privilege to be one of the head students. This privilege has allowed me to be leading the school, inspiring future leaders, and being behind the scenes constantly making sure everyone enjoys school from a student perspective. From full school assemblies, to sausage sizzles, to countless early mornings, to countless late evenings, the role of a head student is full-time. The second is my role in the Hive. The Hive is a national youth advisory group with an acceptance rate of approximately 8-10%. I was accepted earlier this year, allowing me to promote our voice as Selwyn rangatahi at a national level. The Hive frequently reports to Ministry of Youth Development, and is frequently asked to provide a national youth perspective on all topics. My position in this role has allowed me to represent my fellow youth in Selwyn, benefiting our community and the voice and future of our rangatahi. Finally, is my role as Kung Fu instructor. I am heavily involved in my local martial arts, where I teach children 12 and below. This community has approximately 70+ members, and my role as an instructor has been to contribute and make it a fun, supportive, and active environment.

Our Applicants

Isabella (Bella) Thompson

As a dedicated member of the Selwyn Youth Council since the start of last year, I have actively worked to give young people a voice in our community. I've contributed to initiatives that promote youth wellbeing, civic engagement, and leadership development; helping ensure that the next generation feels empowered to speak up and involved. Outside of the council, I've done some volunteering at Orana Park and the SPCA, contributed to community plantings, and supported events like the Kim Hill debate. These experiences have helped deepen my connection to Selwyn and allowed me to give back to a community that has supported me. At Lincoln University, I've continued this commitment through the future Leader Scholarship programme, which supports my leadership growth and community involvement. Additionally, I serve as a biology course representative, where I advocate for students and encourage engagement within the course. Through Future Leaders, I plan to support the Children’s University, helping inspire younger students to reach their potential.

Kaylee Hood

As a dedicated member of the Selwyn community, I have contributed to leadership for those around me through my time at Rolleston College (2018-2022) and now Lincoln University. As a scholar on the Lincoln University Future Leaders programme, I show leadership both on campus and in the wider community. A highlight of this has been speaking at panel events to prospective students and careers advisors from around New Zealand. I enjoy sharing the positive and inclusive culture that Lincoln University values. I was a head student at Rolleston College, which was a gateway into my leadership involvement at University and inspired a great passion to help others.

Mikayla (Mikki) Young

I am a constant contributor in the wider Waitaha Otautahi community as well as here in Waikirikiri (and my home of Tauwharekakaho). I volunteer all around Waitaha: in Waikirikiri I volunteer for Bellyful Selwyn, Selwyn Stars (Sub-category of Quake Floorball), Cuddlehearts, Little Miracles Trust, have previously done volunteer work with the Salvation Army Foodbank/Generation House and the Selwyn Toy Library, and am a member of the Selwyn Youth Council, where I attend local events as a representative and organise youth events with the team (the most recent being the Whai Wahitanga Youth Week Carnival). In wider community stuff I do work with the 4cCentre located in the Otautahi CBD, am a volunteer for the Teece Museum, a representative for Youth Voice Canterbury, as well as a member of the nation-wide Schools Week Advisory Group. Next week I have been given the opportunity to establish a volunteer connection with our Tuawharekakaho library, Te Ara Atea, so am looking foward to that project. Through school and in my own time, I run a business called raulf jean, where I work with young people (10 - 20) to connect them with crochet and their creative roots.

Sam Draper & Bobbie Hira

Sam and Bobbie are co-founders of Waihora Kī o Rahi, a non-profit organisation that teaches aspects of te ao Māori through kī o rahi - a traditional Māori sport. Kī o rahi has been a part of their lives ever since the start of high school at Lincoln, it became a whānau. Waihora Kī o Rahi was founded in that same principle, whānau and community first. Bobbie runs all of the admin duties, making sure all the teams had uniforms, organising the trip up, managing teams. Sam is our head coach running all the trainings and fitness programs as well as sorting the teams on the day of competition. Our rōpū brought together over 70 players (ages 12-60) from all across Selwyn to compete in the Toarahi Senior Kī o Rahi Nationals in Wellington last December. This included 5 teams - U16, U19, U21, Opens, and Masters - with three of our teams getting a podium placing and 5 players selected to represent New Zealand.