Sign In / Register
Ōrewa College students Hannah Babiera and Reya Rawat represented their school at the recent annual Student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (SCHOGM) in Wellington.
Accompanied by teacher and year 13 dean Mary Reihana, the two served as Commonwealth delegates for Mauritius at the two-day event.
Joined at parliament by students from across the country, Hannah and Reya said they took part in “heated debates and thoughtful discussions to form resolutions on the issues of plastic in the Pacific, climate change, governance, and international developments”.
“This experience highlighted the significant role the Commonwealth plays, and the complexities involved in reaching agreements, as each resolution must be accepted by all member nations with respect to the values and interests as a country.”
Speakers included British High Commissioner Iona Thomas, NZ diplomats, members of parliament and a senior military official.
“We had the privilege of talking with these remarkable leaders, which was a truly inspiring and motivating experience that we will never forget,” Hannah and Rena said.
“We were also able to sit in the debating chambers in the House of Representatives on the last day of the event during question time and listen to the tribute speeches about the passing of the Kiingitanga, followed by the singing of a closing waiata.”
