It's been a tough time for the Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards judging panel who have had to consider 60 nominations this year.

The finalists in the five categories have now been decided, but the panel says the hardest decision for locals will be deciding who wins the People's Choice Award in each category.

The Coromandel Peninsula youth Awards judging panel, from left: Amy Williams, Rob Griffiths, Diane Connors, Sophie Wiseman and Jason Sebastian. Photo: TCDC

Thames-Coromandel District Council Population Health promoter Louise West says the 60 nominations highlights the great work youth do in all of our communities.

'It was extremely rewarding to receive 60 nominations about young people doing wonderful things in our district.”

While Council's community development officer Marlene Perry says they would love to have had all nominees as finalists but unfortunately that is not possible.

'However, we would still like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution they have all made to all of our communities,” says Marleen. 'Please help us in congratulating all the young people who were nominated, and all those doing great work in their communities who are still unsung heroes.”

This year's judges are: 2013 Youth MP Amy Williams, Ministry of Youth Development regional youth participation advisor Rob Griffiths, –, TCDC Youth Portfolio councillor Diane Connors, Thames Swimming Club coach Sophie Wiseman and Hamilton City Youth councillor Jason Sebastian.

The Thames Youth Forum, supported by Coromandel Peninsula Youth Collective, Thames Youth Club, Population Health, Ministry of Youth Development and council are the driving force behind the awards.

TOTALLY THAMES YOUNG CREATIVE AWARD FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION FINALISTS

• Darian Lunjevich-West
• Tina Haakma
• Eden Tuisaula
• Emma Hawkins

ROTARY HELPING HAND AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE FINALISTS

• Kendra Cochrane
• Darian Lunjevich-West
• Adventure Zone - Thames South School
• Aroha in Action
• Billy Turner

SMART ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN THUMB AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CARE FINALISTS

• Adventure Zone - Thames South School
• Luci Quinn
• Hauraki PHO Kia Kaha Award for Perseverance
• Kendra Cochrane
• Eden Tuisaula

COROMANDEL PENINSULA YOUTH COLLECTIVE LEGEND AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP FINALISTS

• David Hotham
• Darian Lunjevich-West
• Samantha Connors
• Strong, Kind and Respectful (SKAR)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Georgia Cook, Pauanui Surf Lifesaving Club, Jaleesa Paul, Shayne Hill, Taylor Moore, Hunter Clarkson, Keegan Dufty, Nicole Thorburn, Harmony Hogart, Ester Colman, Ryder Jones, Hannah Palmer, William Smith, Samantha Taaka, Tairua Surf Lifesavers, Sean Peggs, Peter Rogers, Kyla McLean, Rebecca and Sophie Clarke, Ginell Sim, Shyla-Fay Kivit, Jono Motion, Ivy Cory-Wright, Amy Williams and Cosette O'Connell.

To read about the finalists and or cast your vote visit the Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards webpage.