Student Leaders

As members of the Prefect Team at Huanui College, they are a special group. Our Prefects take on important positions of responsibility in the school.

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From our Head Prefects

Head Boy
Leon Wiegersma

For new students starting, my advice is simple: take it all in and enjoy the journey. There will be moments that feel overwhelming at first, but they quickly turn into memories you’ll treasure. Embrace every opportunity, build friendships, and remember that it’s completely okay to grow and learn at your own pace.

I hope your time at Huanui is full of laughter, learning, and friendships that last well beyond your school years. Whether you’re new or have been here for a while, know that you’re supported and welcome. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, share your ideas, or reach out for a chat, there is always someone ready to listen and encourage you.

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Head Girl
Olivia Tremain

I’m so grateful for this opportunity to lead the kura as a Head Prefect this year alongside such a wonderful prefect team.

I’ve learnt many things while at this kura, and one of those lessons I’d like to share is that people don’t really remember what you did, or what you looked like, or what you achieved. They remember how you made them feel. Lead with kindness, always, and remember to be the change you want to see. Also, the motto “you either win or you learn” has really helped me to see challenges as opportunities for growth, allowing me to stay resilient and move forwards. I hope it might help others too.

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Whanaungatanga Deputy Head Boy
Austin Bloomfield

If I could tell my past self one thing for the future, it would be to continue absorbing knowledge, not in the sense that I study harder and ace all exams, although that would be nice, but to challenge yourself harder and fail more.

Mistakes are the best lesson, but people are scared to make them. I believe that without mistakes, one’s character is bland, and failing really allows one to bloom.

Life is way too fun to sit around and wait for something to happen. I think everyone should go and make the world happen for them, manifest greatness, and enjoy every moment.

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Deputy Head Girl
Stephanie Xu

I’m looking forward to strengthening connections across the school through clearer communication and media. Huanui College offers so many different opportunities, and as Deputy Head Girl and Social Committee liaison, I want to ensure everyone knows where to find them and whom they can go to for support. I hope to make information about committees and extracurriculars clearer through booklets and social media, so students feel informed, supported, and confident to get involved. Whether it’s personal development, trying something new, or just having fun, I want everyone to feel encouraged to take opportunities.

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Deputy Head Girl
Ngapera Meha

Being approachable, supportive, and present is what I believe is the essence of being a good leader. I believe that leadership is not always about being the loudest voice, but about listening, understanding different perspectives and leading by example. I aim to be someone students feel comfortable approaching; whether they need encouragement, support, or just someone to hear them.

My advice to younger students is simple: give things a go, get involved, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Embrace and make the most of every opportunity – big or small – as time is precious and the experiences you have now are memories you’ll carry forever.

Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mo koutou. – Seek after knowledge for the sake of your own wellbeing.

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Deputy Head Boy
Marcus McGregor

One of my favourite experiences at Huanui has been taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. While hiking with heavy packs might not sound appealing, those trips brought our year-group closer together and have been some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had during my time at school. Being involved in the award has also helped me build positive habits, take on challenges, and develop new skills, which I believe have made me a more well-rounded person.

To the students, during your time at Huanui College, I encourage you to get involved in as many opportunities as you can, especially in areas you might not usually try. The school provides a supportive environment in which you can explore new interests without judgement. Make the most of your time here, support one another, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your final year arrives.

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Deputy Head Girl
Aston Plunkett

This year, the goal is to squeeze out and use every drop of impact from my role, especially in our environmental committee. I am a strong believer anything can be possible if you are crafty and strategic enough – sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

A healthy connection to the environment can in turn build our sense of belonging, strengthen community bonds and improve junior student’s leadership skills and connection to the College. My aim is to leave a legacy of environmental excellence the College can benefit from long past my graduation.

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Deputy Head Girl
Eliana Richling

I have many fond memories of the College, but my favourite is Leavers’ Day. Watching the whole school come together to honour the Year 13s with the school Haka embodies Huanui’s culture of Whanaungatanga. This year, I am especially looking forward to seeing this spirit of support and connection in school activities such as the Haka and Singing competitions.

As I am nearing the end of my time at Huanui, my advice to younger students would be to come into the school with a growth mindset. There are going to be many challenges along the way, but give yourself some grace and understand that you are not going to be perfect. With the right determination and persistence, you are capable of anything.