The Impact Awards celebrate and support young New Zealanders making a difference.

The Impact Awards 2024 - Statement from the team

The Inspiring Stories Youth advisory, Board and team has made the very difficult decision to not go ahead with the Impact Awards event this year. We have been navigating an extremely difficult financial climate where we are not able to confidently carry the risk of the costs of running another event.

We believe in the power of celebrating and supporting young people making a difference in Aotearoa. So will be looking for alternate ways to do this for the remainder of 2024. We are deeply proud of the work that so many young people do to make a positive impact in their communities and we intend to continue to awhi them where we can.

Five different award categories to celebrate & support young people making a difference.

Who can take part?

Anyone can nominate an individual or group for the Awards, but then they will need to apply themselves directly. Applications are open for all young New Zealanders aged 14–30 (inclusive) at the time of the Awards Ceremony.

All applicants must agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Meet a few of our previous Award Recipients.

From cleaning up local beaches to volunteering in the community; working to improve health and wellbeing, to leading action on climate change; or building the next generation of impact-driven businesses – we’re proud to support young people making a difference in Aotearoa.

Image of Mary Moeono-Kolio — **Mary Moeono-Kolio**, Co-founder of the Pacific Climate Warriors Aotearoa, leading action on climate change.

Image of Ihorangi Reweti-Peters — **Ihorangi Reweti-Peters**, advocating for systems change, and better support for rangatahi in state care.

**Sophie Weenink-Smith**, champion for the environment and rainbow community in Nelson Whakatū.

Image of Tanemahuta and Teakaraupo Pakeha-Heke — **Tanemahuta and Teakaraupo Pakeha-Heke**, harnessing their musical talents (‘Twin Harmony’) to stop domestic and family violence.

**Ezra Hirawani**, Co-founder of Nau Mai Rā – Aotearoa’s first Māori-owned electricity retailer.

Image of Heidi Parks — **Heidi Parks**, champion for accessibility and disability awareness from Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty.

Image of Matenga Ashby — **Matenga Ashby**, working to increase access to affordable housing and prefab homes for whānau in Kaikohe.

Image of Shaneel Lal — **Shaneel Lal**, LGBT rights activist and co-founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group.

Image of Jacinta Gulasekharam and Miranda Hitchings Dignity NZ — **Jacinta Gulasekharam and Miranda Hitchings**, improving access to sanitary products in schools.

Image of Jack Keeys — **Jack Keeys**, volunteering in the community and raising funds to donate to causes he cares about.

Image of Kendall Flutey — **Kendall Flutey**, co-founder and CEO of Banqer, improving financial literacy and capability for Kiwi kids in schools.

Image of Shaquille Shortland — **Shaquille Shortland**, founder of Tūapapa Māori language academy and consultancy.

Image of Jazz Thornton — **Jazz Thornton**, mental health advocate, international speaker, film director and author.

Image of Sophie Handford — **Sophie Handford**, Founder of the School Strikes 4 Climate NZ, and Councillor at Kāpiti District Council.

Image of Sarah Tuck from CoLiberate — **Sarah Tuck**, co-founder of CoLiberate, providing training and support to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Image of Shay Wright — **Shay Wright**, co-founder of Te Whare Hukahuka, passionate about Māori business and social enterprise.

Support the Awards – we need your help!

As a small charity, our work at Inspiring Stories is only possible thanks to the generosity and support of our community. Whether you’re an individual or family, a community organisation, a business or government agency – we need your support. Here’s a few easy ways you can help.

1. Spread the word
2. Sponsor an Award Category
3. Purchase tickets or a table to the Awards Ceremony
4. Assist with scholarship efforts to remove cost barriers for young people to be there
5. Make a donation – either one-off or regular

Keen to chat more about opportunities to get involved and support?
Get in touch!

The Impact Awards celebrate and support young New Zealanders making a difference.

Five different award categories to celebrate & support young people making a difference.

Who can take part?

Meet a few of our previous Award Recipients.

Support the Awards – we need your help!

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