An Alexandra teen is "honoured" to be acknowledged for her anti-bullying work but says it's not about accolades.

Nikki Wheeler, 19, was presented with a Giving Back Award as part of the New Zealand Youth Awards held at Parliament last week.

She was nominated for her work with anti-cyber bullying group Sticks n' Stones, specifically her involvement in setting up the group's primary schools' ambassador programme.

Supplied New Zealand Youth Awards winner Nikki Wheeler, 19, of Alexandra and Leo Munro-Heward, 16, of Wanaka at the awards ceremony in Wellington.

"I'm just honoured to receive the award really.

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"It was a really cool experience receiving it up in Wellington as well."

Getting to talk to other awards recipients was really inspiring, she said.

Wheeler, studying to be a primary school teacher at the University of Canterbury, hopes to continue her involvement in the group even though she's no longer at high school.

She is the Sticks n' Stones board secretary and it was "still pretty cool to be able to be involved".

"I was there from the start and it's just kind of crazy to think that four years down the track it's still going strong.

"It's a huge passion of mine. It's something I really enjoy advocating for."

Wanaka 16-year-old Leo Munro-Heward also received an award for setting up a Queer Straight Alliance to raise awareness and support for young people.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye said in a statement the awards recognised young New Zealanders who had achieved outstanding results and given back to their communities.

"When you look at the drive, skills, compassion and integrity evident in the winners ... it's clear that our young people have enormous talent and potential, and the future of our country is in safe hands."

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said she was delighted two Central Otago young people had been recognised.

"In Nikki's case she has done some amazing work around anti-cyber bullying, while Leo is a champion for the freedom of all young people.

"I am proud that we have such talented young people in this region."

The New Zealand Youth Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the passion, success and commitment of young people, and those that support them, who are leading change, innovating and creating solutions throughout New Zealand.