Maori students sought for youth summit

A nationwide search has been launched to find four Maori secondary school students to represent the Vodafone Warriors at the fourth annual All Stars Indigenous Youth Summit being held in Brisbane from February 5-10 next year.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) organises the event to recognise outstanding achievement and application to education, culture and the community by selecting a total of 64 young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous Australian) and New Zealand Maori students from all 16 NRL clubs.

The summit is held in conjunction with the Harvey Norman All Stars match, which will be played at Suncorp Stadium for the first time on February 9.

The selected Year 12 high achievers – four from each club (two boys and two girls) – will travel to Brisbane to participate in a four-day educational, cultural and aspirational experience culminating in their attendance at the All Stars game at Suncorp Stadium.

The ARLC recognises the importance of encouraging youth to value their education and aspire to meaningful employment, training or further education whilst embracing their unique culture and heritage.

By showcasing the outstanding achievement and application made by these individuals and celebrating these success stories, it highlights the importance of becoming a role model and leader which is a positive start to making a difference in the community.

The Vodafone Warriors has today called for nominations from schools throughout New Zealand before selecting the four students to travel to Brisbane.

Criteria:

To be eligible for nomination to represent the Vodafone Warriors at the 2013 All Stars Indigenous Youth Summit an individual must be:

• Maori and be accepted in their community as such
• A student enrolled in Year 11 in 2012
• Demonstrating leadership and involvement in school and community activities
• Committed to the attainment of school studies and employment
• Achieves a high attendance at school (minimum 85%)

Participants will also be required to have the written endorsement and consent of a parent/ caregiver, the school principal and NRL club.

• For more information and an application form contact Vodafone Warriors One Community manager Petrece Kesha: petrece@warriors.co.nz
• Applications must be lodged by November 9, 2012