Lucia Murphy - Wellington High School, Year 13
Lucia set up and single-handedly runs the Raindrop Project.
The project delivers care packages to children staying in the new Te Wao Nui hospital in Wellington and the rangatahi mental health unit in Porirua.
Each pack contains a handwritten message that says, “A little something to make your hospital stay more bearable - you’ve got this!” As well as items from companies such as Ethique and Antipodes.
Lucia is responsible for sourcing and creating the packages for rangatahi and then, with a little help from whānau, delivering them. She says, “I kind of liked that idea of passing on a little sweet gesture to someone else.”
Madeline Jobson - Wellington High School, Year 13
Maddy organised approximately 60 students from Wellington High School to raise funds for Cancer research and patient support through participation in Relay for Life. This is an overnight, 16-hour event requiring a huge amount of commitment to organise and run leading up to and on the day.
This was the biggest team the school has ever had involved in the event and they raised a school record of $11,391.
Maddy is one of the WERO leaders this year, an important leadership position in the school, and an active participant in many areas of school life and her community. In 2023 has also been a Peer Supporter, Open Evening Tour Guide, Wellington High School Media Academy Shona Award nominee, a member of the Shakespeare Society and is also on the school magazine editing team.
Isabella Cash - St Mary’s College, Year 12
Isabella is a highly intelligent young woman who has a consistent record of academic excellence, and has achieved exceptionally in debating, as the captain of the New Zealand schools debating team.
Quite apart from her personal successes throughout the year, Isabella has given substantial service to the school and debating community. She has coached junior debating for the past two years and has been a role model for our young debaters.
She has also given up substantial time to adjudicate debates for other schools. Isabella has also been the head librarian at St Mary’s and has worked with the librarian, English teachers and student librarians to organise initiatives in the library (such as Book Week) and to promote reading. She is kind, selfless and thoughtful.
Kahurangi Douglas - St Mary’s College, Year 12
Kahurangi has led and grown Te Ao Māori knowledge and understanding within St Mary’s. She has participated enthusiastically in Kapa Haka, led Te wiki o te reo Māori activities, and read Māori scripture in the O'Shea Shield competition.
Kahurangi volunteered her time, talents and patience to teach the school haka to staff this year, and she has been an active member of the school community and the student leadership team. She is an excellent role model, leads by example, and creates a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone to succeed around her.
Basil Fuge - Wellington Girls College, Year 11
Basil is constantly striving to make WGC and the wider community a space where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
He is kind, funny, smart, and supportive of everyone around him whilst balancing his many commitments.
Basil is one of the co-leaders of Joy, a club founded this year to provide trans people with a safe space to be themselves. Basil is also a student librarian at the school library, volunteering up his time to keep the library a functional space where people can access literature. He is also a member of the school Amnesty International group.
Outside of school, Basil has been involved with SS4C (school strike for climate) which shows he is committed to advocating for the opinions of the wider community and is passionate about making Aotearoa a good place to live.
Holly Ballarin Martin - Wellington Girls College, 11
Holly is dedicated and committed to every group she is involved in. On top of all of her many activities, she still finds time to give back to the community by volunteering at the Karori Retirement Village.
Her position as an SS4C organiser shows her dedication and passion for her community, and as a coach for a junior hockey team she shows her generosity and patience. Her appointment as student board rep in 2024 shows that she is passionate about making this community a good place and is willing to offer up her time to do so.
Holly is a member of the school choir, Nga Korimako, Teal, the school rowing team, and is a junior hockey coach. She is also a member of the school Amnesty International group.
Lucy Thorburn, Maya Davies, Jess Gault - Wellington East Girls College, Year 12
The work that these students have done to support active transport at Wellington East Girls College is beneficial both to the school as well as the wider community.
After seeing a need for better access to the school via Mt Victoria, Lucy, Maya and Jess surveyed several students and form teachers to find out if they would use a path to get to school if it was more accessibile.
They then contacted Wellington City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency, and with help from Trails Wellington the new path got under way.
These students are dedicated, motivated and hardworking with what they have done, and I know they will continue to work hard to achieve their goals - whether it be encouraging sustainability, or taking that step to implement sustainability.
I have seen the work that these students have done with WCC, and how effectively they have worked together to make the work on the path happen. I believe they would be well-deserving recipients of the award who would stay humble and be motivated to continue their work in 2024.
Aarthi Candadai - Newlands College, Year 11
Aarthi is an impressive young person with the capacity to make a significant difference to others, an all-rounder with outstanding leadership and personal skills with a warm, genuine and caring personality.
As a leader and participant, she communicates, listens to ideas and suggestions and will consider alternative points of view. She is always positive and exudes a calmness that endears herself to others.
Aarthi has been involved in a diverse range of engagement, leadership roles and activities across the community listed below. Her leadership roles are understated; she is humble, dignified, and respectful.
Matthew Biddington - Tawa College , Year 11
Matt is a very community minded student who demonstrates the Tawa College motto ‘Do Justly’ by providing service to others.
He is a competitive swimmer and swim coach at the Tawa Swim Club. In his role as a coach and mentor for the younger swimmers he helps develop their skills and confidence to compete at various events.
Matt recently acted as a “timer” at the Tawa Zone school swimming competition. He also volunteered to help out at the Hampton Hill School Athletics Day.
Matt has been a member of the Student Council this year and the Interact group at the college. He contributes to Student Council initiatives and is prepared to give his own time to help others.
Matt has also been involved with Tawa Kāhui Ako, and attended the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) and Cullen Breakfast.
For his contributions to his school and his community Matt is a thoroughly deserving candidate for this award.
Angela Roberts - St Catherine’s College, Year 12
Angela Roberts works away quietly in the background most of the time but is incredibly generous.
First of all, with her musical talents. Angela is a founding member of the Mass band and is always keen to play whenever there is an opportunity.
She regularly participates in International Week.
She has been a very hard-working member of the Magazine Committee for the past three years and does a lot of design work quietly and efficiently.
Angela consistently achieves well academically, already achieving an Excellence endorsement in Level 1 and currently has Level 2 with a Merit endorsement (and is tracking towards Excellence).
Angela works in a voluntary capacity for the retirement village that her mother works at in Karori. She designs all the posters advertising events for the residents of the retirement village, as well as formatting and designing their residents' newsletter.
Angela avoids the limelight but loves to be involved, so it is nice to be able to recognise the mahi she does.
Anuksa Pal - Scot’s College, Year 12
Anuksa is a young woman who wants to make change. She does this through her involvement in a wide range of service initiatives both within Scots College and the wider community where she generously gives her time to help others.
Anuksa was selected to be part of the Seatoun Church Board, providing a considered and thoughtful youth voice. She is a wonderful young woman. She is thoughtful, empathetic, and fun. She engages easily with a wide range of people and her positivity and warmth allows her to connect and genuinely help others.
Anuksa contributes to a wide range of service initiatives and charities such as volunteering at Rita Angus, the Soup Kitchen, at the hospital and for the Student Volunteer Army. She is on the Scots College Service Committee, Well-being Committee, Bangla Club and tutors younger students. In fact, there were so many things she does I had to keep things out! Anuksa does these things in a genuine manner to help others and make change for the better.
Avin Khajehzadeh - Queen Margaret College, Year 12
Avin is a remarkable young woman who has impressed with her outstanding qualities and dedication to both her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities.
Her large involvement, dedication and participation in these activities showcases her well-rounded nature, demonstrating her enthusiasm for diverse interests and her commitment to personal growth and cultural enrichment.
In addition to her involvement in extracurricular activities, Avin has earned high praise from her subject teachers for her exceptional character and work ethic. They consistently describe her as a positive, helpful, friendly, committed, polite, and hard-working student.
Avin consistently exhibits a positive attitude, extending her kindness and assistance to her peers and teachers.
Furthermore, Avin exhibits unwavering politeness and a respectful demeanour. Regardless of the circumstances, she has always displayed impeccable manners and a genuine desire to treat others with kindness and consideration.
Her ability to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is truly commendable and greatly contributes to the positive dynamics within our school and the wider community.
There are far too many extra-curricular activities to mention that Avin is involved with. Needless to say she is hugely committed to the school and her community.
Madeleine Wilson - Queen Margaret College, Year 11
Madeleine Wilson is undeniably an exceptional candidate for the 'Absolutely Positively Wellington Student Award.'
Her dedication to community service, exemplified by her successful and ongoing project 'Pack-a-Pencil Case,' sets her apart as a true changemaker.
Madeleine's initiative involves creating, filling, and delivering hand-crafted stationary sets to underprivileged students, both locally and in Fijian schools. This endeavour not only demonstrates her commitment to making education accessible but also showcases her organisational skills and leadership qualities.
Furthermore, Madeleine's contribution extends to her service in the Queen Margaret College choir and school production, where her melodious voice and unwavering commitment have enriched the cultural fabric of the school community.
What truly sets Madeleine apart, however, is her humble approach to community-minded events. Despite her remarkable achievements, she remains grounded and focused on the betterment of others, never seeking recognition for herself.
Madeleine Wilson embodies the spirit of selflessness, compassion, and dedication, making her a truly exceptional nominee for this prestigious award.
Mihirangi Kohatu - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna, Year 12
As Chief Finance Officer, Mihirangi has been a key team member of the Young Enterprise Scheme this year.
Their student owned and operated business “Taraika Tours”, offers guided cultural walking tours in both Te Reo Māori and English around local sites of significance, highlighting sacred, historical tribal landmarks.
Earlier this year Mihirangi attained her PADI Open Water Diver Certificate as part of a project to work alongside Mountains to Sea Wellington, and the work of many local collaborators such as NIWA and Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University).
More recently, she was involved in the kura’s seaweed plant-outs at your community site in Te Motu Kairangi.
Mihirangi is also Te Aho o Whātonga Kapa Haka team member,
Assistant Guitarist for Mana Kuratahi, Evolve Youth Advisory group member and represented Te KKM o Ngā Mokopuna at the Regional Senior Ngā Manu Kōrero speeches.
Mihirangi will always go above and beyond to help - often after school hours and/or over the weekend and has achieved this despite a busy study and extra-curricular schedule.
This highlights the energy, commitment and enthusiasm Mihirangi puts into everything she does.
Raukura Chankee-Paea - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna, Year 11
Raukura will also go above and beyond to help when asked - often after school hours and/or over the weekend.
Over the first week of the school holidays, she led a group of students to present at a national wai connection training wānanga, show-casing the work of the Love Rimurimu project alongside Mountains to Sea Wellington, and the work of many local collaborators such as NIWA and Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University).
As co-CEO of the student owned and operated business “Taraika Tours”, Raukura has put a lot of energy into ensuring their cultural walking guided tours are successful.
Raukura is also a Zealandia Youth Advisory group member and a Te Aho o Whātonga Kapa Haka team member.
She has achieved all of this despite attending a cooking course two days a week throughout the year, which highlights the commitment Raukura puts into things she enjoys.
Sifan Huang - Samuel Marsden Collegiate, Year 13
Sifan has been an exceptional Deputy Head of Service, bringing a proactive and purposeful approach to the role.
She has worked cooperatively with her peers to support Marsden’s various charities, including collections for the Mary Potter Hospice, Daffodil Day and in support of Hukarere Girls’ College in response to flooding in the Hawkes’ Bay.
Sifan’s volunteer work continues outside of school. She is Secretary for the Wellington Rotary Interact e-Club, who hosted a Performing Arts Gala that raised over $1,000 for Birthright New Zealand.
Sifan also recently volunteered at the Petone Rotary Fair, as well as for the Festival for the Future, New Zealand’s biggest leadership and innovation summit.
She is an ambassador for the Student Volunteer Army, which requires her to attend national forums each month, and was chair of the meeting in May.
Sophie McClintock - Samuel Marsden Collegiate, Year 13
Sophie has worked as Head of Service at Samuel Marsden in 2023.
She introduced a new initiative in term 2 which involved organising a community service afternoon for all 450 students. This was in addition to our regular school service activities such as volunteering for Daffodil Day and Relay For Life.
Students were involved with polishing pews at St Mary’s Church, cemetery cleaning at the Karori Cemetery, baking for the community organisations Bellyful and Kura Kai, volunteering at Kaibosh and the Free Store, and performing at the local retirement village Sprott House.
This was a totally student led event which required a huge amount of commitment and organisation from Sophie.