The Zonta Club of Whakatāne has introduced a new award recognising young women who make a positive difference to others, with students at Whakatāne High School and Trident High School set to be honoured.

The inaugural Young Woman of the Year awards will recognise one student from each school who goes above and beyond to support others, and demonstrating kindness, compassion and leadership.

Zonta Club of Whakatāne president Deborah Woollett said the club wanted to find a meaningful way to support young women in the community.

The awards will be presented at the schools’ end-of-year prizegivings, with teachers selecting recipients based on criteria provided by Zonta.

The award recognises young women aged 11 to 13 who demonstrate manaakitanga, empathy and aroha, and who seek opportunities to improve the lives and opportunities of women and girls.

Nominees may have made a difference through leadership, volunteering, advocacy, cultural activities or community involvement, with an emphasis on character, positive influence and a genuine desire to uplift others.

The awards have been hand-carved by local artist Ard Van Der Aa, who said the design featured two swans incorporated into a koru pattern, symbolising growth.

The carvings use black walnut, with mataī timber for the base, and took just over a week to complete.

Deborah Woollett said the club was truly honoured to have such a treasured taonga for future generations of young women to aspire to.

The awards are among the club’s local initiatives aimed at building a better world for women and girls.

Zonta is also encouraging women to vote through a campaign displayed on digital signs at the two Locky Dock’s in the strand, and one in Ohope; while in November the club plans to mark the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which raises awareness of violence against women.

Woollett said the club supported a range of international, national and local projects, including work with the Teen Parent Unit, The Clothing Project and the Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

People interested in learning more or joining can contact the club through its Facebook page – Zonta Club of Whakatāne.