Kahika Tepania accepts international award
Kahika Moko Tepania accepted a One Young World Politician of the Year Award in Belfast saying he was proud to be the Far North Mayor and a champion for youth inclusion.
Far North Kahika Moko Tepania accepted a One Young World Politician of the Year Award at a ceremony in Belfast on Thursday evening (5 October), New Zealand time.
The award recognises outstanding politicians aged 18-35 who are making a positive impact on young people in their communities. Four other global leaders from Canada, Australia, Belgium, and Nepal were also winners of the award.
Kahika Tepania posted a video of his acceptance speech on his Facebook page where he said he was proud to be the Far North Mayor and a champion for youth inclusion. In the speech he cited inspirational quotes from Māori leaders Dame Whina Cooper and Sir Hemi (James) Henare. In earlier posts he said he was ‘stoked’ to be at the event, sharing photos of the opening ceremony a few days before.
Kōwhai Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford also highlighted the mayor’s inclusive approach.
“Kahika Tepania has often said he is accepting this award on behalf of all of us, all of the Far North District, all of Aotearoa and as mayor, Moko keeps education and helping youth into jobs close to his heart. He keeps young people engaged by inviting them into our spaces so they’ll be interested in local government when they’re older. He’s always telling kids, ‘You can be the next mayor’,” Stratford said.
News of his global win hit the headlines when it was announced in July, with Kahika Tepania appearing on TVNZ Breakfast where he said he thought the email informing him of his nomination was spam at first and couldn’t believe he’d been named as one of the five winners.
One Young World is a global community for young leaders. The expert judging panel that selected the shortlist of five winners includes human rights and freedom advocates. The panel cited several moments when the 33-year-old Kahika Tepania has made history - including being the youngest and first Māori to be elected as mayor of the Far North in 2022, being the youngest councillor elected to council in 2019, as well as being the first councillor to submit a council report in te reo Māori and to have spoken only te reo Māori in a council meeting to celebrate Māori Language Week. He is also actively involved in the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs which aims to get young people involved with employment, training, and education.
You can find out more about the One Young World Politician of the Year Award 2023 here.