A Tauranga primary student has been recognised on the national stage for his kindness, leadership and commitment to helping others.

Ten-year-old Eason Shen, a student at Te Kura o Manunui, has been named a finalist in the Fred Hollows Humanity Awards, an annual programme honouring young New Zealanders who make a positive difference in their schools and communities.

Eason was nominated by deputy principal Carol Burborough, who describes him as a natural leader and steadying presence among his peers.

“Eason is a role model in our school. He was selected for our highest leadership role, a house leader,” Burborough said.

“He believes you should always think of the consequences of your actions before you act, and that you must treat others respectfully at all times.”

Eason puts his values into action by helping classmates with their learning and supporting kaiako with service around the school.

Te Kura o Manunui, on Millers Rd in Brookfield, opened in 2024 after the former Brookfield School was relocated and renamed. The school takes its name from Te Pā o Manunui, the historical pā that once occupied the old and current school sites.

The Hollows awards celebrate young people aged 9 to 11 who are making a positive difference in their communities and who embody the values of compassion, integrity and kindness, inspired by the late Professor Fred Hollows, a legendary Kiwi eye doctor and humanitarian.

Burborough said Eason’s school peers respect him because of his strong values.

“[They said] they could always rely on him to show them how they should be as a person and how to act with others. The whole team of students agreed – we as a school celebrate his kindness and compassion. Eason is extra special.”

Eason received his finalist certificate and goodie bag at a special school assembly, where he was greeted with rousing applause from staff and students.

He was selected from dozens of nominations nationwide and is one of nine young New Zealanders recognised this year. The overall winner and Fred Hollows Humanity Awards Junior Ambassador, announced on November 19, is 10-year-old Palmerston North Scout Ollie Clarke.

Eason said he felt “very happy and proud” to be acknowledged and he was humbled by the applause he received.

“The school felt enormously proud to have one of our own acknowledged,” Burborough said.

“Our values are all around respect, so it was an acknowledgement that these values are highly thought of in the wider community. We are over the moon that Eason was acknowledged in this very special way.”

The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive, Dr Audrey Aumua, said stories like Eason’s show there is plenty of hope for the future.

“We received nominations from all around New Zealand and were so impressed with the calibre of children who were nominated,” she said.

“It’s inspiring to read about the many young humanitarians across Aotearoa who are showing compassion, kindness and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.”

Teachers, coaches, community leaders and family members can nominate any young person aged 9–11 for the annual awards, which form part of a global movement recognising thousands of children in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.