Youth Council

At just 15, Ashmit Danney is an accomplished para-athlete, dedicated community leader and inspiring role model. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), he has endured 14 major surgeries, including a gruelling spinal operation yet continues to defy the odds.

A national record-holder in para-swimming, Ashmit won two bronze medals at the 2024 National Secondary School Swimming Competition. He also received the Most Promising Athlete Award at the 2023 Halberg Games, has represented Aotearoa New Zealand in wheelchair soccer and he has even been selected for the Pathway to Paralympic 2028. His unwavering faith in his abilities reflects the words of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Beyond sports, Ashmit excels academically, and he is excited to be a 2025 Rotorua Youth Councillor. He hopes to advocate for young people, especially those with disabilities. Guided by his faith and determination, he proves that challenges are not limitations but opportunities. His commitment to making a difference in his community is a shining example of how one young person can inspire change, regardless of the hurdles they face.

Basti is a year 13 student at Rotorua Boys’ High School. He is the school’s Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, as well as being a Prefect, in charge of the incoming year nine students.

Basti is involved in music and performing arts, being a senior leader in the Raukura Choir and the lead vocalist in his school band, Paper Skyline. From his passion of music, art, and performing arts, he is loving life; working at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Dean Richardson was born and raised in Rotorua and is honoured to be the Head Boy for Rotorua Boys' High School in 2025. After serving as a member of the Youth Council in 2024, Dean is excited to return this year to help guide the new team of young leaders.

In addition to his role in leadership, Dean is a published youth researcher in the International Journal of Youth-Led Research. He is also a black belt in Shotokan karate and a tutor and mentor in both his school and local community. Dean is proud to be the Year 12 Dux Litterarum at RBHS and is currently working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and progressing towards Trinity Grade 6 in Piano.

Dean is passionate about returning to the Youth Council to empower this new group of young leaders to amplify their voices and the perspectives of their peers. Dean’s vision for Rotorua is for it to be a safe, nurturing environment where young people can thrive and reach their potential and he is looking forward to seeing what this year’s youth council can achieve, and is committed to ensuring they continue the impactful work of last year’s team.

Justin Murphy is a 16-year-old Year 12 student at John Paul College, where he serves as a Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. He is currently a recipient of the NZ School Boards Association Scholarship, a recognition of his leadership and dedication to his school and community.

Actively involved in various community initiatives, Justin volunteers for a wide range of events, including the Tarawera Ultra Marathon, the Whaka 100, the Te Arawa Kapa Haka Regionals, and has worked front-of-house for numerous Rotorua Musical Theatre productions.

Justin is also an experienced volunteer team leader, having managed teams both in school and in the wider community. One of his recent accomplishments was helping his school’s kapa haka group raise money for their trip to Hawaii, a testament to his leadership and organisational skills.

With a deep passion for the performing arts, Justin enjoys both performing on stage and working behind the scenes. He will take on a key role in the upcoming Mamma Mia production at John Paul College, showcasing his talent and dedication to the arts.

Known for his social nature, Justin is respectful, kind, and generous, always encouraging and supporting others. He consistently puts the needs of others before his own, making him a highly valued member of his community. Future-focused, Justin has a strong interest in pursuing a career in teaching, where he hopes to support and inspire future generations.

Kevin Wu is a 16 year old student at John Paul College, and is strong in academics, particularly maths. He's lived in Rotorua his whole life and wants to give back to this community he's been raised in.

He has a love for music, playing in the orchestra and the string ensemble, and also enjoys taking in stories, whether hearing, watching or reading them.

Kevin is passionate about helping our youth get mentally healthy and happy, and looks forward to working with like-minded people his age to make a difference.

Maya Blackman is a year 13 student at Western Heights High School. Raised in the heart of the King Country, Taumarunui, she is a proud descendant of the Tainui waka and always aims to bring her Maaoritanga to every aspect of the world.

An avid participant in netball and kapa haka, Maya enjoys staying active while embracing teamwork and cultural expression. With a strong presence in public speaking settings such as Ngaa Manu Koorero and Toastmasters. She is dedicated to building her communication skills and inspiring others through storytelling and leadership.

In addition to these pursuits, Maya finds fulfilment in volunteering and contributing to the community, always striving to make a positive impact.

Rooni Perera is a Sri Lankan youth, passionate about inclusivity and community. She brings her unique perspective to the table, striving to address challenges faced by youth and ensuring that everyone feels represented and valued.

Her passion for helping others extends beyond cultural advocacy. She has been volunteering at retirement villages since the age of 11, beginning her journey at Kerikeri Retirement Village and continuing her volunteering service in Bupa and Cantabria Retirement villages in Rotorua. During her free time throughout the years she has coached and umpired netball, and helped tutor kids that may need assistance with school. Rooni has learned valuable lessons in life from her family, peers and church which has shaped her to become the person she is today.

Guided by her dream of becoming a doctor one day, she embodies compassion, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. Whether through cultural initiatives, volunteering, or advocating for change, Rooni is hoping to shape a better and brighter future alongside the other Rotorua youth councillors where every voice matters, and every person is celebrated.

Sampreeti Raikar is currently studying at Western Heights High School. Her heritage and ancestry lies in the beaches of Goa, India, which she is very proud of and reflects in her growth.

After living in Rotorua for 8 years, she has come to explore many interests, one of her favourites is music. Sampreeti endeavours to achieve a balance of cultural and classical pieces through playing for a variety of bands and completing Trinity Grade 8 in 2025.

As a passionate young woman, she is always upholding a strong desire to be a part of her community through volunteering at local events, tutoring students at ‘Number Works’n’Words’ and taking on the role of President at her school’s Interact club. Sampreeti prioritises exploring the nuances of leadership and public speaking, and has continued her journey by recently completing the Toastmaster’s course. She hopes to build this skillset and actively works to expand her knowledge.

Sampreeti has also been working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Gold programme. She is honoured to be part of the Youth Council and is looking forward to contributing her voice to strengthen and build the community in Rotorua. She hopes this is a way in which she can positively give back to her community with the same vigour in which they have supported her on her journey.

Samuel Makara-Fang is a year 12 student studying at John Paul College. His passions are to build meaningful engagement with the youth communities, explore initiatives, and continue self-improvement to achieve a high standard in academics, co-curriculum subjects, and community tasks.

Samuel is endorsed with excellence for the 2024 year and has also endorsed with excellence in year 12 Maths and year 11 Science. Samuel is actively involved in a variety of co-curriculum activities. His team was the winner of Epro8 grand finals competition in 2023. He has obtained Honour Plus grade in Speech and Drama for 2024. He is a member of the Bay of Plenty Badminton team where his team won 2024 under 17s National Champion. Samuel is a member of John Paul Colleges’ Student Council and worked as the student representative for Year 11. He has been a committee member for the Rotorua Badminton Club since 2023. He also received Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award last year.

Samuel’s goals are to continue learn and unlearn, improving leadership skills and contributing to the wider communities.

Siniva Teague is a dedicated Year 13 student at Rotorua Girls' High School, serving as both an Academic Prefect and the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. Passionate about leadership and academic excellence, she sets ambitious goals for her studies and is deeply committed to both her academic pursuits and extracurricular involvement.

With a strong interest in neuroscience, physics, and philosophy, Siniva aspires to pursue a career in medicine and research. Proud of her European and Papua New Guinean heritage, Siniva values community, cultural connection, and youth advocacy. As a member of the Rotorua Youth Council, she is committed to representing young people and driving positive change in the community.

Tyler Paul is a year 12 student at John Paul College. He is deeply involved in his Kura through representing his peers on the student council and participating in debating competitions and school productions. Tyler enjoys contributing through service in the "Young Vinnies" and the Duke of Edinburgh award. His greatest achievement to date is as a National Representative in Speech and Drama, holding the title for Top Grade 6 student in 2023.

In his free time Tyler is most likely to be mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa forest. He is involved in the Rotorua mountain bike club and more recently has found a new passion in scuba diving.

In the future Tyler hopes to study Law and International relations at Victoria University and aspires to become a diplomat.