By JANINE
BENNETTS
Wednesday, 6 September 2006
Junior
Chamber International (JCI), a worldwide federation for young leaders
and entrepreneurs, each year recognises 10 people aged between
18 and 40 who have excelled in their chosen field.
This
year, the 19-year-old popera star was the winner in its cultural
achievement category.
Westenra
said getting the award was a shock and a huge honour. "I don't
set out to chase awards," she said. "I'm just doing what
I love, singing, following my dreams – along the way I'm
trying to make the world a better place."
Westenra,
who has been a goodwill ambassador for Unicef for three years,
said she was proud to be "flying the New Zealand flag".
"It's
great just to know that despite coming from a small country, we
are getting to an international level and we can compete with bigger
countries."
Westenra
is the first New Zealander to receive a JCI award. Previous recipients
include actor Jackie Chan and entrepreneur Anthony Robbins.
Westenra's
mother, Jill, said being a role model and doing charity work kept
her daughter grounded in the sometimes superficial music business.
"It
makes it really worthwhile," she said.
JCI
New Zealand national president Andre Stokes said nominating Westenra
for the award was a "no-brainer".
"This
recognises Hayley's incredible talent and her outstanding achievements."
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