Work Ready Kāpiti has marked another year of success in the community at its Annual Awards, celebrating the rangatahi who have shone in its programmes in 2026.
Over 150 people attended the 2026 Work Ready Kāpiti Annual Awards at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti last Thursday (10 September), celebrating the outstanding achievements of the local rangatahi, employers, schools, organisations and supporters involved in Work Ready Kāpiti’s programmes.
Kāpiti Coast Districtwide Councillor Liz Koh was in attendance, presenting awards to some of the 76 graduates of the Work Ready Kāpiti Passport programme. These youth from Kāpiti College, Ōtaki College and Paraparaumu College successfully completed this workbook-based programme that supports them to develop the skills that local employers are seeking.
The evening was then followed by a celebration of all the award winners in 2026. This year’s award winners are:
- Best Work Ready Kāpiti Passport, Sponsored by Pzazz Building – Zak Edmonds, for excellence in completing the Work Ready Kāpiti Passport programme.
- #EmployerMeet Star, Sponsored by Fervor – Evelyn Williamson and Jasmine-Lee Follows, for showcasing outstanding engagement, initiative and professionalism to local employers at a Work Ready Kāpiti #EmployerMeet.
- Engaged and Invested, Sponsored by EcoShifter – Kāpiti College, for outstanding commitment as a college or organisation to the Work Ready Kāpiti kaupapa.
- Most Committed Employer of Youth, Sponsored by Bryan Gundersen – Coastlands, for exceptional commitment to supporting youth. Runner-Up: CyberTeam.
- Top WEX Placement, Sponsored by Kāpiti Business Chamber – Luka Meyer, for exceptional performance in her work experience placement.
- Rise to the Challenge, Sponsored by Leith Consulting – Zak Edmonds, for resilience and determination in becoming work ready.
- Youth of the Year, Sponsored by Coastlands – Merika Beach, for embodying the spirit of Work Ready Kāpiti through initiative, leadership, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Runner-up: Lachie McBride.
On the night, John Scutter, Chair of the Work Ready Kāpiti Board, said: “Over the past year, hundreds of young people across Kāpiti have taken opportunities to build their confidence, develop their skills, meet employers and start thinking constructively about their futures.
“While tonight we will recognise some individual achievements, I think it is really important that we recognise everyone who has taken part. Whether that is a young person who completed their first interview, an employer who offered a work experience placement, a teacher who encouraged a student to get involved, a volunteer who gave up their time, or one of our funding and business partners who helped make the programmes possible. You have all played a part.
“Work Ready Kāpiti exists because we believe young people deserve the opportunity to understand the world of work, to meet employers and to see what is possible for their future. And importantly, we believe that this works best when the whole community gets behind them.”
The evening also benefited from the talent of local youth, with Year 12 student Sebastian Knighton keeping the crowd engaged as event MC. Fellow Kāpiti College students also wowed the audience with incredible performances from hit musicals, with Louis Okey singing ‘All I Care About’ from Chicago and Carys Ferguson singing ‘When He Sees Me’ from the musical Waitress.
This event comes at a difficult period for youth employment in New Zealand. According to figures from Stats NZ, 13.8% of 15-24 year olds in New Zealand are unemployed, not in education, or training*. In note of this, Work Ready Kāpiti would like to especially thank all sponsors, funders, partners, colleges and the wider community for their continued support. Their investment helps young people gain confidence, real-world skills, and meaningful connections, opening more opportunities for their future and the growth of the local workforce.
Follow Work Ready Kāpiti on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok or visit workreadykapiti.com, for up-to-date information about the Work Ready Kāpiti Programmes.
Editors Notes:
*From Stats NZ: In the June 2026 quarter, the seasonally adjusted proportion of people aged 15 to 24 who were not in employment, education, or training was 13.8 percent, compared with 14.4 percent in the March 2026 quarter.
Photo descriptions:
- Photo #1: Major award winners at the 2026 Work Ready Kāpiti Annual Awards.
- Photo #2: Work Ready Kāpiti Chair John Scutter.
- Photo #3: Sophie Handford presenting Zak Edmonds with the Rise to the Challenge Award on behalf of award sponsor Leith Consulting.
- Photo #4: Carys Ferguson performing ‘When He Sees Me’ from the musical Waitress.
- Photo #5: Merika Beach accepting the Youth of the Year Award.