Sophie Weenink-Smith

Sophie Weenink Smith is a 16 year old student from Nelson/Whakatu. Sophie studies with Crimson Global Academy and is active in her local community with volunteering to help the environment, people and animals. She organises beach and river clean ups, does a great deal of public speaking in schools and at events, is a Board member of Nelson Cancer Society, and the under 25 representative of Nelson Tasman Climate Forum leadership team. Sophie is a lifeguard at Riverside Pool, and a Youth ambassador for  Kohine Maia/Sport Tasman. Sophie is a core volunteer and fundraiser for Giving Aroha, assisting the homeless community with meals and necessities. She aims to teach others that you are never to young or too old to make a difference in the world and that we can all make the world a better place through positive actions.

She has received a New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award and an Inspiring Stories Impact Award for her work in the community. Furthermore, Sophie has recently been announced as the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Young Legend. In May she will be travelling the country as a speaker for World Vision.