Eleanor Dunn, a medical student at the University of Otago, has emerged as an exceptional leader and change-maker in Aotearoa New Zealand. In the past year, she demonstrated significant leadership during the 2025 Nelson-Tasman flood recovery, coordinating the Student Volunteer Army’s response remotely and ensuring no whānau was left unsupported. Her dedication to STEM education is evident through her initiative, Eleanor’s Science Parties, which bring dynamic, interactive science shows to children in Ōtautahi Christchurch, particularly those who would otherwise miss out.

Beyond her academic achievements, Eleanor is a dedicated tutor and mentor, and holds leadership roles in health-focused organisations. Through her work, she embodies values of kindness, humility, and commitment, and consistently breaks down barriers between service and success, academic excellence, and community work. Her initiatives, such as the “Science for All” model, show young people they can pursue personal goals while helping others, inspiring the next generation to make a difference.

In a tumultuous year, Lola Fisher has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth of Aotearoa. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Create Happy Media, she developed New Zealand’s largest youth-run media outlet, amplifying the voices of young journalists and inspiring rangatahi to take control of their narratives. However, in a selfless pursuit of broader impact, Lola paused Create Happy Media to focus on strengthening the entire youth sector as Co-Executive Director of Gen-Z Aotearoa, fully dedicating herself to this mission after leaving school.

Lola’s work stretches beyond individual growth, supporting the entire youth support ecosystem and ensuring sustainability for grassroots initiatives. Through Gen-Z Aotearoa, she mentors at-risk youth, builds infrastructure for youth-led organisations, and advocates for youth representation in media and policy. Lola’s unwavering commitment and strategic leadership have transformed her into a role model for compassionate, equitable, and collaborative leadership.

Madiha Ali Changezi, at merely 25, has made an indelible impact on the lives of refugee youth in New Zealand as a proactive and inspiring leader. Taking the reins as the youngest and only youth representative on the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, Madiha has shown extraordinary ability to effect meaningful change by advocating directly with ministers and immigration officials. Within a year of joining the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council, Madiha has not only become a core member but has also emerged as an influential national and global leader, shaping policy and driving change for refugee communities.

Madiha’s reach extends far beyond New Zealand, earning her a respected position in the UN Resettlement Advisory Group and the opportunity to address thousands of delegates at the UN Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. Her journey from refugee to advocate underpins her strength, resilience, and determination, inspiring others and ensuring the avoidance of similar challenges for future generations.

Telesia Tanoa’i, a remarkable 18-year-old of Samoan and Fijian heritage, is a pioneering changemaker whose work encompasses film, language preservation, climate justice, and youth mentorship. In the past 12 months, Telesia has showcased her talent as a cultural storyteller, co-creating a series of youth-led video journals in five Pacific languages. Funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Moana Reo programme, these videos, with over 100K views, serve as an engaging tool for cultural revival. Telesia’s debut documentary, Telesia 2 the World, has been screened globally, earning accolades such as Best Young Filmmaker and Best Student Film at international film festivals.

Beyond her film-making accomplishments, Telesia’s impact is felt in her commitment to her communities and future generations. She played a crucial role in the establishment of the Pasifika Youth Short Film Competition, mentoring hundreds of peers. Her exceptional linguistic skills led her to rank first in Oceania and among the top five globally in the prestigious Chinese Bridge competition, using her platform to raise global awareness of climate change impacts on Pacific Island nations.

Léon Bristow (he/him), a proud queer Māori and Samoan, is a testament to resilience, visionary creativity, and leadership. Born a fighter, Léon transformed his childhood challenges of a malignant brain tumour, resulting in permanent blindness and epilepsy, into a platform for systemic change. Now, as an Art Director at Colenso BBDO and the Founder of BEINGS, he is a beacon of hope and change in New Zealand’s creative industries. His recent accolades include being ranked the 4th best Art Director globally at Cannes Lions and the first Māori accepted into the Cannes Lions 30 Under 30 Creative Academy in a decade.

Léon’s impact is not confined to his personal triumphs. His kaupapa (purpose/cause) is to create equitable and authentic representation for underrepresented voices, especially minorities. Léon’s innovative and groundbreaking casting platform, BEINGS, is a shining example of his commitment to this cause. His work, defined by advocacy, mentorship, and boundary-pushing creativity, exemplifies his belief that creativity can be a tool for justice, and storytelling a catalyst for structural transformation.

Raised in a proud rugby family, Jorja Miller’s journey from the Timaru Harlequins Rugby Club to international acclaim epitomises determination and dedication. From representing South Canterbury in the under-48kg and under-65kg South Island teams, she transitioned to the fast-paced world of rugby sevens with Christchurch Girls’ High School. In 2022, she catapulted into the global spotlight when she joined the Black Ferns Sevens squad, making her debut at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and securing a silver medal.

Jorja’s meteoric rise reached its pinnacle at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she captured gold, etching her name into New Zealand history as the youngest female gold medallist. Beyond the pitch, Jorja is a passionate advocate for women’s rugby in her hometown of Timaru, engaging with local schools and clubs to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Her talent, leadership, and community impact make her a shining example and a worthy nominee.