Three weeks in the wilderness without a hair straightener was the first challenge set for Grace Dalzell as part of the Project K programme; a programme designed to inspire teenagers to reach their full potential.
Each year Project K selects students to be part of the programme that consists of three components, Wilderness Adventure, Community Challenge, and Mentoring.

Grace Dalzell and Annette Dixon worked together under the same umbrella this year.

Twelve students from Otumoetai College went without running water, flushing toilets, or any power, in the wilderness adventure says Grace.
"There were no hair straightners, just a beanie that covered my greasy hair."
Through the experience the students learnt survival, leadership and tenacity says Grace's mentor.
ANZ's Greeton Branch Manager, Annette, has been mentoring Grace over the past year for the third component of the programme.
The 16 year old received top honours last week winning the Project K Regional Excellence Award, beating nine other Bay of Plenty students.
Grace says she is a more confident person, highlighted by the fact she will be presenting a speech in front of Prime Minister John Key next month when she will join other regional winners from around the country.
Public speaking is just one of the skills Grace has learnt says Annette.
"Not only did she just complete the programme, but Grace got involved in the community, raised money for charities and mentored other students, she went above and beyond.
"It was an awesome experience to be a mentor. You get to understand first hand what the students face - their obstacles and issues - and you have the opportunity to guide them through that. To be part of their world is very humbling and I can't wait to do this again. I feel very grateful."
The regional manager for Project K Western Bay of Plenty, Dan Allen-Gordon, said mentoring is an incredibly rewarding experience and essential.
"As a result of participating in Project K, students experience increased self-esteem, they stay in school longer and display improved attitudes and behaviour in the classroom and the wider community. Many graduates have achieved far more than they dreamed possible."
ANZ New Zealand has had a long-standing relationship with the Project K programme. Since 2001 the bank's staff foundation, funded by regular contributions from its members and matched dollar for dollar by the company has given $75,667.50 to the Project K programme.

By Sheryl Brown