Sarah Longbottom, of Auckland, MNZM for services to youth and the arts
Sarah Longbottom is the founder of Ngā Rangatahi Toa, a youth development organisation that teams trained teaching-artists with high-risk rangatahi, using creativity and a whānau-centred approach to educate and inspire young people removed from the education system. Ngā Rangatahi Toa performing arts programmes are co-designed with rangatahi and whānau and merge the arts with positive youth development to foster a strong sense of self and confidence. Public events are held to showcase the talent and stories of the young people and change the narrative of ‘at-risk youth’. Ms Longbottom has been recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership in education and empowerment through creativity