Liam Mcleavey (Community Service)

Liam Mcleavey is a passionate contributor to his community who has gone from strength to strength. Continually raising the bar, Liam is honoured tonight with his second consecutive Youth Scholarship.

Liam joined the Ministry of Youth Development National Youth Advisor group at the beginning of 2015 at only age 14. Within this role he has been a Youth Fund panel member, advised on central government youth and education policy and was the organiser of the 2015 Lower North Island Youth Council’s Conference, attended by 10 neighbouring Youth Councils.

A committed advocate for young people in employment, Liam has been on an impressive public speaking trail, including a presentation to Education Horowhenua which resulted his eventual appointment to that board, otherwise dominated by executives three times his age.

Founder of the non-profit website Youth Jobs Horowhenua, Liam has this year has merged his work with the Local Vocational Pathways Group which launches its new website this month. 

Liam devotes most of his time to volunteer community work and is currently assisting a project to distribute 200 Christmas present bundles to families in need.

His commitment to youth has drawn national attention and this year Liam was recognised by the Youth Minister, Nikki Kaye with a Working for Youth award.