The Impact Awards celebrate and support young New Zealanders making a difference.

Meet the finalists for 2023!

The Impact Awards celebrate and support young people in Aotearoa who are demonstrating incredible courage and leadership to make a difference for our communities and country. From supporting cyclone affected communities in the regions; to increasing access to healthy food amidst the cost of living crisis; to campaigning for law reform and systems change – this year we received more than 200+ submissions from 14 regions across Aotearoa.

Meet the finalists for 2023 >

Five different award categories to celebrate & support young people making a difference.

Key dates for 2023.

8th June – Application open
July 23rd – Applications close (11:59pm on Sunday)
August 17th – Semi-finalists Announced
October 11th – Finalists Announced
November 11th – The Awards Ceremony & Weekend Experience in Wellington.

Who can take part?

Anyone can nominate an individual or group for the Awards, but then they will need to apply themselves directly. Applications are open for all young New Zealanders aged 14–30 (inclusive) at the time of the Awards Ceremony.

All applicants must agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Meet a few of our previous Award Recipients.

From cleaning up local beaches to volunteering in the community; working to improve health and wellbeing, to leading action on climate change; or building the next generation of impact-driven businesses – we’re proud to support young people making a difference in Aotearoa.

Image of Mary Moeono-Kolio — **Mary Moeono-Kolio**, Co-founder of the Pacific Climate Warriors Aotearoa, leading action on climate change.

Image of Ihorangi Reweti-Peters — **Ihorangi Reweti-Peters**, advocating for systems change, and better support for rangatahi in state care.

**Sophie Weenink-Smith**, champion for the environment and rainbow community in Nelson Whakatū.

Image of Tanemahuta and Teakaraupo Pakeha-Heke — **Tanemahuta and Teakaraupo Pakeha-Heke**, harnessing their musical talents (‘Twin Harmony’) to stop domestic and family violence.

**Ezra Hirawani**, Co-founder of Nau Mai Rā – Aotearoa’s first Māori-owned electricity retailer.

Image of Heidi Parks — **Heidi Parks**, champion for accessibility and disability awareness from Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty.

Image of Matenga Ashby — **Matenga Ashby**, working to increase access to affordable housing and prefab homes for whānau in Kaikohe.

Image of Shaneel Lal — **Shaneel Lal**, LGBT rights activist and co-founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group.

Image of Jacinta Gulasekharam and Miranda Hitchings Dignity NZ — **Jacinta Gulasekharam and Miranda Hitchings**, improving access to sanitary products in schools.

Image of Jack Keeys — **Jack Keeys**, volunteering in the community and raising funds to donate to causes he cares about.

Image of Kendall Flutey — **Kendall Flutey**, co-founder and CEO of Banqer, improving financial literacy and capability for Kiwi kids in schools.

Image of Shaquille Shortland — **Shaquille Shortland**, founder of Tūapapa Māori language academy and consultancy.

Image of Jazz Thornton — **Jazz Thornton**, mental health advocate, international speaker, film director and author.

Image of Sophie Handford — **Sophie Handford**, Founder of the School Strikes 4 Climate NZ, and Councillor at Kāpiti District Council.

Image of Sarah Tuck from CoLiberate — **Sarah Tuck**, co-founder of CoLiberate, providing training and support to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Image of Shay Wright — **Shay Wright**, co-founder of Te Whare Hukahuka, passionate about Māori business and social enterprise.

The Awards Ceremony & Experience.

In 2023 The Awards Ceremony is happening in Wellington on Saturday 11th November 2023. In addition to the Awards Ceremony itself, we’re also working to curate an amazing weekend experience of connection and capability building workshops for all young people involved.

Support the Awards – we need your help!

As a small charity, our work at Inspiring Stories is only possible thanks to the generosity and support of our community. Whether you’re an individual or family, a community organisation, a business or government agency – we need your support. Here’s a few easy ways you can help.

1. Spread the word
2. Sponsor an Award Category
3. Purchase tickets or a table to the Awards Ceremony
4. Assist with scholarship efforts to remove cost barriers for young people to be there
5. Make a donation – either one-off or regular

Keen to chat more about opportunities to get involved and support?
Get in touch – Emma@inspiringstories.org.nz / 021 047 6259