“I feel great and amazing,” said Year 6 student Tai Aue, the recipient of the Apii Rutaki 2021 Dux of the Year award.

Aue also received the trophies for the best mathematics and best information technology student.

“Math is my favourite subject, we use mathematics every day, its everything and I’m very good at it,” he proudly said.

Aue has attended Apii Rutaki for the past six years and he will head off to Nukutere College next year to join his older brother.

His advice to his schoolmates at Rutaki: “As long as you are going forward, no matter what, don’t give up on your goals.”

The prizegiving event was held outdoors on school grounds under the shelter of two marquees and witnessed by a large crowd of parents and families.

The Apii Rutaki Year 6 Excellence awards are: Dux - Tai Aue, 1^st runner up Ani Maoate, 2^nd runner up Maraea Wichman.

Year 6: 1^st Tai Aue, 2^nd Ani Maoate, 3^rd Maraea Wichman, Most Improved Telesia Mare, Best Math student Tai Aue, Best IT student Tai Aue.

Year 5 awards: 1^st Alice Apera, 2^nd Kaitiaki Cousins, 3^rd Angela Samuela, Most Improved Paige Arona.

Year 4: 1^st Ngatuaine Maoate, Baxter Sherman, Faustina Samuela, Most improved Katrina Taokia.

Year 3: 1^st Katubeta Katuku, 2^nd Marias Maoate, 3^rd Alma Tourake, Most Improved Jazeladi Andrew. Year 2: 1^st Vaila-Ann Engu, 2^nd Moeroa Tataio, 3^rd Kalola Ngatokorua, Most Improved Hector Munro. Year 1: 1^st Atheana William, 2^nd Taria Aue, 3^rd Ngamata Teama, Most improved Ngatokorua Arona.