Youth Justice and Ngāpuhi rangatira, Isaiah Apiata, has been named 2021 Young Leader of the Year in Te Hāpai Hāpori Spirit of Service Awards for his contribution to social services, Māori-Crown relations, and the revitalisation of Māori culture.

The awards, organised by the Public Service Commission, celebrate outstanding public sector governance, young leaders, and initiatives across central and local government. “As a successful recipient of the Young Leader’s Award the honour is not mine alone but it’s to be celebrated by the collective and that’s inclusive of all staff.”

Isaiah also spoke of his commitment to tamariki through his mahi at Oranga Tamariki. “The most spoken value within Te Ao Māori is the value of aroha (aroha tētahi ki tētahi). I encourage us to carry on the good work we’re doing collectively with the children at the centre of our focus receiving the majority of the love we have to share.” Read more here>>