In Ngaaruawaahia, rangatahi (young people) from the Career Navigator programme teamed up with Kiwi Can kids from Ngaaruawaahia Primary to lead the ‘Beautifying Ngaaruawaahia’ project, a creative initiative celebrating what young people see as beautiful in their town.
Their 2024 project, Ngaaruawaahia: Through our Lens, earned the Graeme Dingle Foundation Regional Excellence Award for Kaupapa Hapori Hihiko – Inspirational Community Project. Students captured photographs representing pride and connection to place; from Turangawaewae Marae to local parks and community spaces. These were exhibited in the Waikato District Council Chambers before being gifted back to the school earlier this year.
Supported by the Ngaaruawaahia Community Board and council’s Community Led Development team, students presented proposals, attended board meetings, and learned how local decision-making works.
“This project deepened the relationship between our school and council,” says Andrea Kingi, Ngaaruawaahia High School Assistant Principal. “It gave our students a sense of ownership, pride and connection, showing them that their voices matter.”
Ngaaruawaahia Community Board Chair, Kiri Morgan, celebrated the achievement:
“How cool to see the pride coming from our young people in shaping how their town is seen. This award is recognition of their mahi and the strength of partnership between school, council and community.”
The project highlights how creativity and collaboration can inspire civic pride and strengthen community connections.
Waikato District Council’s support for the Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes in Huntly and Ngaaruawaahia is helping local rangatahi build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen pride in their communities.
You can read about the Career Navigator programme at Huntly College here.
