Click the image above to view slideshow

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards held over the weekend.

While the weather was wet and windy that didn't deter finalists or their friends and families from turning up to the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre to find out who won on Saturday afternoon.

Master of Ceremonies William Lewis of Tairua did an amazing job of keeping the crowd entertained and the awards running smoothly. To discover the winners at the inaugural Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards held in Thames over the weekend click on the slideshow above. Photos: TCDC

Council chief executive David Hammond says it is inspiring to see so many young people involved in their community in such positive ways.

'Congratulations not only to the winners, but to all the finalists, nominees and especially to our communities who have nurtured the potential in these incredible young people.”

The awards were presented by the Thames Youth Forum, alongside the Coromandel Peninsula Youth Collective and in partnership with council, The Thames Youth Centre, and Population Health.

Thames Youth Forum's Darian Lunjevich-West says the awards were designed to celebrate the achievements of young people on the Coromandel.

'It is important to value young people's creativity, empathy, and leadership,' says Darian, 'while also recognising the challenges they sometimes face just trying to contribute and make a difference.”

The awards will be held again in two years and the Thames Youth Forum hopes a youth group from one of the other areas will put their hand up to host the 2017 event.

The Coromandel Peninsula youth Awards judging panel, from left: Amy Williams, Rob Griffiths, Diane Connors, Sophie Wiseman and Jason Sebastian. Photo: TCDC