Te Kauwhata College’s 2026 student leaders share what leadership means to them, the experiences shaping their final year and their hopes for life beyond school.
Can you please introduce yourself to the wider community?
Kia ora koutou katoa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Maurea te marae
Ko Waikato te iwi
Ko Jodeci Epiha tooku ingoa
I was born and raised in Te Kauwhata and am a Year 13 student at Te Kauwhata College, where I have the privilege of serving as both the Student Representative on the Board and Media Leader.
What does being a student leader mean to you, and what does it involve?
Being a student leader means leading by example and helping create a positive, inclusive school environment. It involves representing students’ voices, supporting others and working as a team to improve the school. It also requires responsibility, commitment, and approachability, and the willingness to step up and help make a difference when needed.
What do you like about the role, and what do you hope to achieve?
What I like about my role is being able to connect with people and help others feel included. I also enjoy the creative side of being the media leader by sharing events, achievements, and school spirit on social media.
How would you sum up your year so far?
I would sum up my year so far as very busy and productive. I’ve taken on different responsibilities and challenges, learnt a lot and continued to grow as a person. Even though it has been full on at times, I’ve stayed motivated and focused, and I know there is still more to come for the rest of the year.
When not at school, what do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not at school, I enjoy dancing, singing, and playing sports because they help me stay active, confident, and connected with others. I also love spending time with my whaanau and friends. I enjoy making good memories with the people who matter most to me.
What are your plans for 2027?
My plans for 2027 are to attend the University of Waikato to study a Bachelor of Nursing. I want to give back and help people in need, just like others did for me while I was growing up.
When you look back, what do you think will be the highlights of the Te Kauwhata College experience?
When I look back on my time at Te Kauwhata College, I think the biggest highlights will be the lifelong friendships, the memories made through school events and activities, and the personal growth I’ve experienced over the years. I’ll always remember the teachers and staff who believed in my potential and supported me through both the good and challenging times. Their encouragement helped shape me into the person I am today. I’ll also look back fondly on the opportunities to be involved in sports and the performing arts, and to connect with my school and wider community.
Can you please introduce yourself to the wider community?
Teenaa koutou katoa ko Atarehia Hema tooku ingoa, he uri ahau noo Te Puaha o Waikato. Hello everyone, my name is Atarehia, I am 18 years old and proud to serve as the Head Student of Te Kauwhata College. I have lived in Te Kauwhata for many years, but my schooling journey has taken me through many places. I attended Bombay School, Tuakau Primary, Tuakau College, and finally started at TKC in 2022. These experiences helped shape who I am today and taught me the importance of connection, resilience, and community.
What does being a student leader mean to you, and what does it involve?
To me being a student leader means being a voice for the students and a representative for our kura. I enjoy supporting students, listening to their ideas, and helping create opportunities for everyone to feel included and heard. I never wanted leadership to be about being above others; instead, I wanted to help bring people together and make positive changes for our school community.
What do you like about the role, and what do you hope to achieve?
What I like about my role is knowing that I can be someone students feel comfortable to talk to about their ideas they might have for the school. Or to simply just be someone they feel safe around, I love that I am also able to be involved in the school and wider community, and help make changes within the school.
How would you sum up your year so far?
This year so far has already been busy and rewarding. Working alongside our student leaders to build committees and establish the student council has been an exciting challenge. Balancing school responsibilities with sports, Kapa Haka, whaanau, and other commitments can sometimes be difficult, but I enjoy staying involved both inside and outside of school.
What are your plans for 2027?
In 2027, I hope to attend Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and study Maaori Performing Arts while working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Maaori Performing Arts.
When you look back, what do you think will be the highlights of the Te Kauwhata College experience?
Looking back on my time at TKC, I know my greatest highlight will be the connections I have built throughout the kura, from the students all the way up to the cooks. From arriving in Year 9 feeling shy and uncertain, to now serving as Head Student, I am incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities this kura has given me. I hope to leave a positive legacy that inspires younger students to believe in themselves, work hard, and stay connected always.
Can you please introduce yourself to the wider community?
Kia ora, my name is Adyson Sa. I am 17 years old and one of the head students at Te Kauwhata College. I grew up in various areas of New Zealand such as Manurewa and Waiuku. In 2018 my family moved to Australia, where I spent part of year 4 and all of year 5. In late 2019 we moved back home, and I started my studies at TKC. These schools have in many ways taught me to make friends and get along with others, no matter our differences.
What does being a student leader mean to you and what does it involve?
To be a student leader is a great honour and privilege. For me it means being someone that youth can look up to, role-modelling a kind, helpful, respectful, and honest student with every intention to serve my school/community. This role involves a lot of behind the scenes work like meetings, planning, and a lot of emails. Besides this, I spend a lot of time talking with others and of course, leading them.
What do you like about the role and what do you hope to achieve ?
I really enjoy the planning aspect of the role and having a ‘checklist’ to complete. It’s extremely productive and there is always something to work on/do. However, the impact that I can make on rangatahi is massive to me. I love having conversations with students and giving them advice or just being a ‘light’ to them. I hope to achieve a positive influence on others and show them that great levels of success are possible.
How would you sum up your year so far?
So far, this year has not been easy and it certainly has demanded more time than any other. At times I struggle with balancing my academics and leadership roles but I have learnt to manage my time wisely. I’ve really enjoyed our school events and I’m simply savouring my final year of high school. Thanks to my awesome friends, this year, so far, has been really fun.
When not at school, what do you enjoy doing?
I am quite heavily involved with my church in Pukekohe, and I sing in the worship team. I spend my Sundays at church and love the community I have there. If I’m not at church, I’m probably spending time with my mates or catching up on school work. I have been riding horses for the vast majority of my life, and being around the horses is something I’ve always enjoyed.
What are your plans for 2027?
Unlike most people, I will not be going to university next year, but I will be taking a gap year to save some money and prepare myself for tertiary education in 2028. In 2027, I hope to spend lots of time with my family, get a job, see my friends, and apply for scholarships. Though next year will be much slower than this year, I believe I’ll appreciate a break.
When you look back, what do you think will be the highlights of the Te Kauwhata College experience?
Honestly, I truly believe that the relationships I’ve made will be the main highlight of my experience at Te Kauwhata College. I’ll look back on the memories made with my close friends, and the goofy conversations I’ve had with younger students that always make me laugh. The good thing about going to a smaller school is how relational it is. I’m grateful for the education I have at TKC, and I am very fortunate to be surrounded by encouragement and support by my peers and teachers.
More student leader interviews will be punlished in upcoming issues if the Chatter.
