Huntly College’s 2026 student leaders share what leadership means to them, the support and opportunities shaping their school experience and their hopes for a strong, inclusive kura where every student can thrive.
Fellon Gillies
Kia ora, my name is Fellon Gillies. I’m 17 years old and currently a Year 13 student at Huntly College. I grew up in Te Kauwhata, where I attended Te Kauwhata Primary and then Te Kauwhata College before moving to Huntly College, which has become the best school for me.
Leaving my previous school was one of the biggest turning points in my life. While I was there I struggled to see a future for myself with little support. I didn’t have the encouragement or opportunities I needed to succeed. If I had stayed, I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Moving to Huntly College changed everything for me; it gave me support, belief, and opportunities that helped me. Family has been my biggest support and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Being a student leader/ Head Girl, means a lot to me. To me, leadership is about helping others, supporting people through tough times, and trying to make a positive difference in someone’s life. It involves being a role model, listening to others, and standing up for what is right. I enjoy being someone who students can come to and trust.
What I love most about my role is the opportunity to help bring back the things Huntly College once had, like Kapa Haka, dance groups, and strong sports teams. I’m also part of the Services Academy, which has given me opportunities to attend camps with other schools. At these camps, I often hear negative opinions about my school, and it can be hard. People judge Huntly College and think it’s a place for “bad kids” who won’t achieve. But that’s not what I see. I see strong, resilient students who are trying their best despite challenges in their lives. Our school is a safe space for young people who need support, and our teachers genuinely care. They listen, they understand, and they help us get through each day.
So far, my year has been good. I’m working towards my Level 3 credits, and I’ve already completed one induction camp with the services academy. I’m currently preparing for another. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have five siblings, with one more on the way, so family is a big part of my life.
Looking ahead to 2027, I plan to study at Wintec, while working to save for my future. When I look back on my time at Huntly College, my highlights will definitely be the Services Academy, the camps, being a student leader, building friendships, creating kapa haka opportunities, and the support from teachers who have helped shape who I am today.
Patrick Kaihe Wichman
Kia Ora my name is Patrick I am a year 12 at Huntly College, I grew up in Huntly born and raised. I am Cookislander, Samoan, Maori and pride myself to be a part of such a rich culture. Being a student leader to me means I am able to nurture our younger students into being themselves and a version of themselves they are proud to be future, past and present. Being a student leader involves being able to lead self for one who cannot lead themselves cannot lead others. What I like about being a student leader is that I am able to display my concerns and get real student input to better our kura.
I hope to achieve an environment where students feel safe for self expression such as culture, art, and personality. I want our students to be able to display their concerns and get real student input to better our kura. I want our school to influence good behaviour and strong drive for personal growth so that everyone can live their best life with the cards provided.
