Young New Zealander of the Year 2017, Rez is a global refugee youth advocate and a youth advisor to the New Zealand Red Cross. Founder of Kurdish Youth Association NZ and Empower. Passionate about using her experience to support others.

"Women should be three things strong, confident and independent"

Co-founder of the charity Live More Awesome, a modern day adventurer and mental wellness advocate passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma and inspiring others to ask for help.

Founder of oDocs Eye Care, a social enterprise on mission to eliminate preventable blindness by making eye equipment more affordable and accessible globally.

Winner of The Hits People's Choice Award for 2016 for her work in bringing her Kaitaia community together, to generate discussion and actions around combating suicide.

Social Policy Advocate: Passionate about shaping the future foster care system to be truly child centered by having voices of children understood & respected.

Running away from home in Auckland to escape arranged marriage, was the start of a journey with no support, uncertainty, suicide attempts, depression & anxiety. Now, as a young woman, Sehar is passionate about giving back and sharing her experiences to help others.

Co-founder of Prepair NZ. Educating young women about early stage mental, emotional & physical abuse. Advocating for healthy relationships with others, and ourselves.

I am Grace. I am a writer, coffee drinker and straight edge believer. I believe in empowering others to be the best they can.

Passionate martial arts champion-turned-personal trainer and social justice campaigner.

Founder of The Weller Network, Jess's life’s mission has been put in motion, to educate and generate conversations about the prevention and awareness of cancer for young NZ’ers.

Passionate marine advocate

Founder of Creative Pathways, educating and inspiring under-represented Pacifica and Maori youth in emerging technologies. Passionate and active in sharing his love & respect of the land to create a better future.

Founder of GirlBoss NZ & Kaishare, and the winner of the Westpac Women of Influence Young Leaders Award 2016.

"No matter what the change is no matter how much it has affected your lives all I can say is try to not focus on it but to look forward because if you sit around then nothing will happen but if you look towards what you can accomplish in the future then you’ll start to live life and love it."