Media  Release

26.09.19

Young North Canterbury Leader Celebrated with BLAKE Award

Lily Dampier-Crossley from Cheviot Area School is being recognised for her leadership qualities with a BLAKE Young Leader Award.

Lily is a remarkable young ten-year old who displays not only the attributes of being a fine leader but also the values of Wisdom and Honour that we celebrate in our school. Lily is extremely supportive of others and is able to help others recognise their own strengths and use them. Lily will always put others ahead of herself and leads in a quiet, confident and caring way.

Sponsored by Westpac NZ since 2011, the annual BLAKE Young Leader Awards acknowledge young New Zealanders who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities within their school communities. About 500 schools from across New Zealand are celebrating their Year 5 to 8 leaders throughout September.

BLAKE CEO James Gibson says, “with the support of Westpac the BLAKE Young Leader Award celebrates our young emerging leaders and encourages them to continue doing what they’re doing, which is making a positive difference among their communities and inspiring those around them.”

Westpac NZ General Manager of HR and Corporate Affairs, Gina Dellabarca, says Westpac is delighted to get behind New Zealand’s rising stars.

“We’re committed to helping our customers and communities prosper and grow, which is why we’re thrilled to support these outstanding young leaders. Our Westpac staff look forward to these school visits each year,” Ms Dellabarca says.

These young people will shape our future and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work they are doing now – whether it be leading their peers in a team or club, taking on extra duties to assist others or having the courage to drive positive change.”

Nominated students will be presented with a prize pack, certificate and BLAKE Young Leader Award Medal. The young leaders are nominated by either their class or a teacher.

To find out more about the BLAKE Young Leader Awards, visit www.blakenz.org.

For further information please contact:

Lara Harrison Hannah Oakden

BLAKE Westpac NZ

022 079 3554 027 240 2643

lara@blakenz.org hannah.oakden@westpac.co.nz