Orewa College students Bhavitha Kotra and Christine Cooke were recognised for their leadership at a Youth Hauora Network hui focused on wellbeing.

A shared focus on connection and youth wellbeing brought local organisations and rangatahi together on the Coast.

Orewa College students Bhavitha and Christine have been recognised for the leadership they showed at a recent Youth Hauora Network hui, where local organisations and rangatahi gathered to focus on youth wellbeing.

The hui brought together groups from across the Coast in a space centred on listening, collaboration, and shared purpose. Youth Hauora Network representative Willy reflected on the atmosphere of the event, acknowledging the role students played in shaping it. He highlighted the impact of Bhavitha and Christine, noting how their presence lifted the spirit of the day. “There is real mana in turning up for each other,” he said. “At our last Youth Hauora Network hui, we witnessed organisations leaning in, listening, encouraging, affirming, collaborating.”

Christine also reflected on the experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with speakers and be part of a space filled with passionate rangatahi. She thanked Enviroschools for organising the event and acknowledged the strong sense of connection. The hui highlighted the value of young people contributing to conversations about wellbeing in meaningful ways, and the strength that comes from working together across the community.

Content Credit: Christine Cooke, Willy