It's a goal he said many regional students also strived for but was becoming more difficult.

"The stress of moving to Sydney, paying high rent, looking for a job to help with life costs is hard for regional ;students,'' he ;said

The teenager impressed a panel of judges which included Wellington and Information Neighbourhood Service's Alison Conn, Communities for Children's Maree Thomas and Wellington Times managing editor Farren ;Hotham.

"He's a confident young man who has impressed the judging team with his wide and very broad knowledge of local and global issues. His strong eye contact, confidence and style ensures he will make an excellent representative for Wellington in the the journey ahead," the judges said.

Lions Youth of the Year Peter Perry said he was pleased to have a young man who could speak on so many issues from the refugee crisis, religious freedom in Syria and council mergers.

The High School student will represent the Lions and community at a regional level now.

''I hope to do you proud and go all the way through the levels.'' Nick Trappett said.

Peter Perry says ''Nick could go all the way. He's an outstanding choice.''