John Turkington Forestry Rangitīkei Youth Awards 2025
On Thursday 29 May, youth from around the district gathered to celebrate their success at the John Turkington Forestry Rangitīkei Youth Awards for 2025.
June 03, 2025

Approximately 120 people attended the awards held at Te Matapihi in Bulls, including nominees, their whānau, elected members, invited guests and sponsors.
A record 66 nominees were put forward for awards this year across eight categories. All award winners received cash prizes from sponsors of the awards to recognise their successes and help with any future endeavors they may wish to pursue.
The winner of the John Turkington Forestry - Best Overall Youth Award was Rangitīkei College head girl Denise Pio.
"This rangatahi is one of a kind. She’s the type of rangatahi that radiates excellence in everything she does. Whether she’s in the classroom, on stage, in the community, church, or with whānau. She brings her full heart, energy and dedication. She leads, inspires and uplifts those around," says Rangitīkei Youth Council Chairperson Cyria Lowrie.
Rangitīkei District Council would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for their success this past year and we look forward to seeing you achieve amazing things in the future.
Category | Winner | Highly Commended | Commended |
Hautapu Pine Rural Youth Award - Northern | Isobel Phyn | Ketana Musgrove | Sofie Kendrick |
The Downs Group Rural Youth Award - Southern | Olivia Madison Ward | Ella Chaffe | Katelin Perkins |
Te Rūnanga O Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa - Youth in the Arts Award | Eva Dreliozis | DAHLIA (band) | Waihīrere Fifield-Hakaraia |
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs - Youth in Work Development Award | Jack Inwood | Zara Weston | Te Arawa Ratana |
New World Marton - Youth in Sport Award | Poppy Joy Priddle | Aggie Shearer & Claudia Younger | |
River Valley - Youth Eco Warrior Award | Ketana Musgrove, Aaron-Lee Sime & Tseleste Tahau | Rose Jeffery, Poppy Jeffery & Uijina Lee | |
Rangitīkei Anglican Parish - Youth of Hope Award | Te Arawa Ratana | Denise Pio | Teesha Te Ua-Wright |
Evans Hendersons Woodbridge - Youth Leadership Award | Denise Pio | Harmony Kinloch | Ella Chaffe |