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As the school year comes to a close, schools across the Hibiscus Coast are recognising the outstanding achievements of their ākonga. From academic excellence to cultural leadership and sporting success, students have demonstrated commitment, talent, and community spirit throughout 2025.
KingsWay School
KingsWay School honoured several senior students at its end-of-year prizegiving.
Sienna Corbett was named Dux for 2025, acknowledging her place as the school’s top Year 13 scholar. She also received the Diligence Cup for perseverance and academic focus. Alongside her academic achievements, Sienna served as Head Girl and represented the school in athletics, mountain biking, and netball, becoming a respected role model within the school community.
Alexander Coe received the prestigious Josiah Cup, KingsWay’s top award for Christian character and leadership. As Deputy Head Boy, he led a full-day programme for Year 8 boys focused on personal development and helped coordinate student-led worship sessions. His service extended into the community through a Cambodia Missions team. Alexander also received the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Scholarship for Good Citizenship.
Celine Eckard was awarded the Bennett Award for excellence in service and named Proxime Accessit as the second-highest academic achiever in Year 13. As Prefect for Missions, she contributed to World Vision, SALT local missions, and a Cambodia trip. She also represented the school in netball and volleyball.
Whangaparāoa College
Whangaparāoa College celebrated excellence across academic, sporting, cultural, and leadership pathways. Jessica Washer was named Dux and received the Year 13 All-Round Excellence Award. A Head Learner, Jessica achieved remarkable academic results and contributed widely to performing arts, kapa haka, sport, and service.
Zoe Pedersen received the Overall Sporting Excellence Award for her exceptional achievements in swimming and surf lifesaving, including becoming a Youth World Champion and breaking national and world records.
In cultural achievement, Aimee Beard was awarded Overall Senior Cultural Excellence for her leadership and innovation in dance, mentoring younger performers and choreographing major productions.
The Outstanding Cultural Achievement Award went to Kyra-Lynn Barclay, who excelled across drama, music, kapa haka, and Pasifika dance, serving as Manukura Wahine of the senior kapa haka rōpū.
Excellence within the school’s Māori pathway was recognised through the Heru Hāpai a Tāne Awards. Mya Heperi received the Te Piki Kōtuku Award, Dylan Blanchard and Leo Paterson were jointly awarded Te Tihi o Manono, and Ella Garlick earned the He Waka Hourua Award.
Ōrewa College
Ōrewa College honoured students demonstrating excellence in academics, sport, culture, and service.
Simar (Gursimar) Dulai received the Colinette Williams Memorial Year 13 Dux Award and the Adam’s Family Science Scholarship (shared with Shine Lin). Her academic achievement and leadership left a strong mark on the school community.
Anika Pihema was named Sports Person of the Year following standout success in Netball and Surf Lifesaving. She became the first Ōrewa College student selected twice for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball team and was awarded a Waikato University scholarship.
In the arts, Sarah Postlewaight was named Performer of the Year. As Performing Arts Manukura, she founded the Music Club and led choreography for major events including Chicago and the Dance Festival.
Brooke McGhie received the Principal’s Award for her all-round contribution, leadership, and involvement in initiatives such as SADD and the student podcast team.
Tyler Milne was presented with the Matt Hunt Memorial Award by New Zealand Police, recognising his integrity, compassion, and service to others.
Further celebrating student achievement, Jorja Milward received the University of Canterbury Tait Foundation Women in Engineering Scholarship, while Boyu Hou was awarded the Year 13 AKO Award for significant academic improvement.
Wentworth College will hold its end-of-year prizegiving later this month. Award recipients will be acknowledged in the next issue of Hibiscus Matters.
