Do you know a spectacular young person whose leadership and contributions to their communities are worthy of celebration?

Nominations are now open for the 2017 New Zealand Youth Awards which recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and significant contributions of young Kiwis.

Applications close midday on March 22, with the award winners formally recognised at a celebratory event at Parliament on April 12.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye says Ms Kaye says up to 50 people and organisations across eight different award categories will be recognised in 2017.

'The categories this year celebrate qualities such as leadership, giving back and being a change maker, as well as young people who have supported youth activities in areas such as the arts, culture, sport or the environment.

'There are also awards for youth groups and individuals or organisations who have supported or championed young people in any type of activity.”

A new category this year is the Youth Enterprise Award which recognises the business acumen, innovation and/or social responsibility by a young person or youth-led enterprise.

'I encourage community leaders, youth workers, parents, teachers and young people themselves to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their achievements.”

In 2016, recipients of Youth Awards included a joint leader of a student-led anti-cyber bullying group, the founder of an organisation created to address issues of gender equality, the creator of a website designed to support and inform dyslexic youth and a group of 20 young people who built a youth centre for their Marae.

Nikki says there's a huge number of talented and committed young people and supporters in New Zealand who are 'leading change, innovating and creating solutions”.

'The New Zealand Youth Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their leadership and the contributions they're making to their communities.”

For more information about the 2017 New Zealand Youth Awards visit nzyouthawards.org.nz

THE 2017 NEW ZEALAND YOUTH AWARDS CATEGORIES:

In 2017, there are ten awards across eight categories. Up to five recipients for each award will be selected by a panel including young people.

Change Maker Award (LGBTI) For young people who have created positive change in, or for, the LGBTI community.

Change Maker Award (Cultural) For young people who have created positive change to foster cultural understanding in their community.

Change Maker Award (Community Safety) For young people who have created positive change, resulting in a safer environment for young people in their community.

Leadership Award For young people who have demonstrated their leadership in a project or organisation.

Giving Back Award For young people whose actions address a current need and have had a significant impact on their community.

Working for Youth Award For young people whose actions specifically support other young people in areas including, but not limited to, the arts, culture, the environment or sport.

Youth with Disability Award For young people with a disability who have made a significant contribution to the disability sector and/or their community.

Youth Group Award For a group of young people who have made a significant contribution to their community in areas including but not limited to, the arts, culture, the environment or sport.

Youth Champion Award For an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to young people in areas including but not limited to, the arts, culture, education, the environment, health, research or sport.

Youth Enterprise Award For an individual or a youth-led enterprise which has demonstrated business acumen, innovation and/or social responsibility.

Applications close midday on Wednesday, March 22, with the award winners formally recognised at a celebratory event at Parliament on Wednesday, April 12.