Pukapuka’s Apii Niua, the biggest school in the Northern Group boasting a roll number of over 180 students, held its annual prize-giving day on Wednesday which was celebrated by the whole community.

The school caters for children from Early Childhood Learning right up to Year 10 (Form 4).

Year 10 student Jireh Nookura Maeva, received the Dux top academic award. Runner-up Dux was Tino Benjamin Bogitini, and second runner-up, Tutala Teiho-Tua.

Maeva is “happy” he will be attending Tereora College next year on scholarship along with five other students.

“First of all I want to thank God for this knowledge he has bestowed upon me. I feel happy especially to receive this award for the second time. I got Dux last year but my dad wouldn't send me to Raro on scholarship because I was too young. This year I’m one of the six scholars who will be going to Raro and I’m so excited,” said Maeva.

In May this year, Apii Niua celebrated its 60th anniversary for providing education to generations of students in Pukapuka. Melina Etches

Apii Niua 2024 awards:

Top Form 4 Awards: Physical Education - Takuria Pataku (m) and Porea Matenga (f); Arts - Auora Tinga, 1st in Māori - Iven Rubena, English - Jireh Nookura Maeva, Maths - Jireh Nookura Maeva, Science - Jireh Nookura Maeva, Social Science - Jireh Nookura Maeva, Health - Jireh Nookura Maeva.

Principal’s Award: Year 8’s Most Outstanding Student had moved from Year 7 to Year 8 this mid-year and placed first - Tuikakau Vailoa; Year 10’s Most Outstanding student from Year 9 moved to Year 10 mid- year and has achieved the Most Improved Student in Year 10 - Tueva Melota.

Form 1/Year 7: 1 Tungane Rikini, 2 Manava Tiere, 3 Reoreka Melota; Form 2/Year 8 -1 Tuikakau Vailoa, 2 Belina Ngatokorua, 3 Rimakatau Elisa; Form 3/Year 9 – 1 Maree Elisa, 2 Katrina Teinaki, Tautini Cecilia Nimeti; Form 4/Year 10 Mataora class – 1 MeGeorge Ngatokorua, 2 Tukiaiti Tukia, 3 Dental William; Year 10 Teingoa class - 1 Jireh Nookura Maeva; 2 Tino Benjamin Bogitini, 3 Tutala Teiho-Tua.