The Princess Anne Hall echoed with uplifting song in a wonderful display of school spirit as hundreds of Tereora College students sang with pride to welcome their 30 new leaders.

Yesterday, the national college celebrated its annual Leadership Investiture Assembly that was well attended by dignitaries, and excited parents and families in the packed school hall.

Hundreds of sweet-scented ei adorned the leadership students, with some stacks reaching up and above their heads.

The event also reinforces the camaraderie and respect within the school community and highlighted the importance of leadership and the shared commitment to the college ideals, setting a good tone for the year ahead.

Tereora College principal Heather Gorrie said that this year the school focused its selection process on the value of sustainable service leadership.

“Our young people who stand here today to receive their leadership badges have already planned a wide range of sustainable projects that will support their development as leaders, showcase their skills and passions, and work to take Tereora College to a new level of innovation and inclusion.”

The team is made up of three chapters: the traditional Anau Leaders, the newly inaugurated student council leaders, and the School Leaders, totalling 30 members.

The student council is a new initiative for 2025 which gathers a unique and diverse assembly of bright minds, each tasked with designing and implementing their own leadership projects for the year with the support of their peers, fellow students and mentors.

“Remember, leadership is not just about titles or positions; it is about influence, responsibility, and service. It is about being a role model and making a difference in the lives of others. We have every faith that you will rise to these challenges and set a stellar example for your fellow students,” said Gorrie.

Head boy Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy from Anau Te Manga presented a pe’e, followed by a motivating speech. He urged his fellow prefects to set good examples and step up to be the leaders that the school and the community need.

“This year, let us be the ones who take action, who inspire, who uplift others, and who leave a legacy behind that students will look up to,” said Tatuava-Enjoy.

“Above all, let us put God at the forefront of our vaka with faith, unity and determination we can achieve great things.

“Let us stand with pride, lead with excellence, and uphold respect. The future of the school is in our hands - let us rise … Ka akara ana i te mato i pao ia mai ei tatou e te tipoko o te vaerua i ko ia mai ei tatou e ivi no toku nei ivi e kiko no toku nei kiko e toto no toku nei toto.”

Head girl Ellenoah Oti from Anau Te Manga encouraged the students to embody the spirit and theme of the school motto “Kia Toa” – to stand with pride, lead with respect and achieve excellence in everything they do.

“Together we will shape a school that doesn’t just prepare us for the future but inspires us to create it. A school that doesn’t just teach, but transforms,” said Oti.

“Our leadership will not be measured by titles, but measured by the impact we make influencing positive change … when we walk through this school, we will not just see students, we will see future leaders.”

Deputy principal Veronica Perkins said serving as a student leader offers a distinct chance to set an example, motivate peers and cultivate a supportive school environment.

Perkins announced the head students for 2025 who were presented their badges by Tereora College principal Heather Gorrie and Education Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa to: Head boy Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy from Anau Te Manga, Head girl Ellenoah Oti from Anau Te Manga, deputy head boy Tuema Areai from Anau Maungaroa, and deputy head girl Abrihana McBirney-Enoka from Anau Te Manga.

The Tereora College 2025 Student Leaders are: Te Kou - Veronica William, Anthyea Brown, Aleida Tere, and Gennaro Pita; Ikurangi - Te Atawhai Chase, Nazario Ravarua, Emma Papalii, and Matara Tairi; Te Manga -Temarangi Nicholls, Tivania Hickes, Tara Adele Mitchell, and Te Pa Kelly; Maungaroa - C-jay Rimamotu, Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa, Anne Browne, and Gemmuel Untalasco.

Establishing a student council cultivates leadership skills, promotes collaboration among peers, and creates an avenue for students to express their views and actively participate in shaping their school environment.

The 2023 student council are: Anau Te Kou - Rupert Arona and Memphis Hughes; Anau Ikurangi - Tiaki Wuatai and Pourie Kaina; Anau Te Manga - Michael Davis-Gorrie, Tuaana Ore Mitchell, and Teuraarii Macquarie; Anau Maungaroa - Ifraan Khan, Maeva Ngametua, and Akirata Short.

Makea Vakatini Phillip Ariki, Ngamaru Tupuna Ariki, Minster Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Secretary of Education Owen Lewis, and PTA chair Henry Herman were present at the investiture.