The newly inducted Apii Te Uki Ou student leaders were reminded to uphold the school’s values at all times and represent it with pride.

Yesterday, Apii Te Uki Ou gathered to celebrate this year’s prefects who have stepped up to lead, support, and represent their school.

School principal Kim Noovao said: “Leadership is not about how long you have been at Te Uki Ou; it’s about the skills you bring, the confidence you show, and the way you uplift those around you.”

“A great leader is someone who listens, helps others, and leads by example. They stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. They are responsible, respectful, and consider others in their actions. True leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most popular – it’s about being someone others can trust, rely on, and look up to.”

Noovao acknowledged the students who bravely put themselves forward for the role but were not selected.

The 2025 Apii Te Uki Ou prefect leaders are Head Boy Hemi Crib (left), Head Girl Abigail Fe’ao, Culture Lead Inano Urirau, and Culture Lead Rangitoru Heather. MELINA ETCHES/25022007

“It takes courage to step up, and although this may not be your time as a prefect, we believe you still have the qualities to be a leader,” she said.

“Leadership is about the choices you make every day, the way you treat others, and the example you set. Keep striving, keep growing, and know that your time to lead will come.”

The prefect selection process involved the students having a say in why they would be great leaders, as did their staff.

Noovao said this process focused on the qualities that make a strong leader –respect, responsibility, kindness and a willingness to serve others.

To ensure fairness in selecting their lead prefects, Mama Orometua from the Ngatangiia Cook Islands Christian Church, was involved in the process.

Proud parents Tony and Simone Fe’ao, and their daughter Abigail who is Te Uki Ou’s head girl this year. MELINA ETCHES/25022005

“She brought a fresh, neutral perspective, looking only at the qualities of leadership each candidate displayed. Her wisdom and guidance helped us make decisions based on character, responsibility and the ability to serve others well,” said Noovao.

This year, Te Uki Ou aims to increase the visibility of leadership in reo and peu, and is committed to developing Cook Islands leaders.

The head girl and head boy roles were awarded to Year 8 or 9 students, who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills amongst their peers, models the school’s values and is able to lead others with confidence, integrity and compassion.

Head girl Abigail Fe’ao is the third child of Tony and Simone Fe’ao.

Her education journey at Apii Te Uki Ou began when she started preschool in 2015.

“This being my final year here, it’s an honour to be head girl,” said Abigail.

She thanked her fellow students and teachers who have entrusted her with the honour.  

“I’ll do my very best this year to lead our school to the best of my ability. Congratulations to all my fellow prefects on your selection. It is a privilege for us to have these roles. I am excited to be working with you to help improve and lead our school,” she said.

Apii Te Uki Ou Culture Lead Rangitoru Heather and his proud parents Damien Heather and Ana File Heather. MELINA ETCHES/25022008

Abigail encouraged those students who missed out on selection to continue to be good examples at school.

“A prefect’s badge isn’t what makes you a leader, it’s the way we demonstrate Apii Te Uki Ou values and care for others.”

Abigail has held leadership roles as a school ambassador and on sports teams, but she admits this will be her most challenging role yet.

“With the support from my teachers, fellow students, my family and my faith in God, I know all things are possible. Akara Ki Mua,” she said.

Head boy Hemi Crib, who is fairly new to the school, said he has been embraced by the teachers and classmates since day one.

“This kindness and inclusion was what helped me feel confident to stand for this important role. I will aim to ensure all children at our school feel welcomed and included like I have,” said Crib.

He believes that a real leader isn’t someone who stands above others, but someone who stands “with” them.

“For me, a leader is someone who listens, supports, and encourages others to be their best. It’s about respect, kindness, and setting a good example – not by being perfect, but by always trying to improve.

"I don’t have all the answers, and I’m still learning, but I do know that leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about actions…”

The culture lead prefects are Inano Urirau and Rangitoru Heather who both demonstrate exceptional leadership, understanding and passion for Cook Islands language and culture.

Urirau and Heather both take the lead roles in promoting and sharing their passion for culture with the Apii Te Uki Ou community.

The 2025 Apii Te Uki Ou prefects are: Head Girl Abigail Fe’ao, Head Boy Hemi Cribb, Culture Lead prefects Inano Urirau and Rangitoru Heather, Tungane Cummings, Tia Hunter, Tiana Bamber, Grace Blacka, Lina Tanga, Edward Nee Nee, Natua Kureta, INalie Loki, Joanna Caffery, and Tayla Lambert.