The award goes to the top Year 12 or 13 secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes, and is designed to sit alongside awards like the dux.
He had not been told about being selected for the award, and he was both surprised and thankful when he found out.
“They called me up on stage and matua Wayne Palmer started talking about me and my achievements throughout the year. They wrapped a korowai around me and then they told me about the $2000 scholarship and gave me some brand new tools,” said Moana.
The money from the scholarship is going towards more training and getting his heavy vehicle licence.
The Amorangi Academy for trades at Ngata College has vocational pathways designed to develop students' skills towards future work and careers, and help educators meet the needs of their students.
This can be a useful initiative for students who see more value in practical education as was the case with Moana.
“I was just about to leave school because I didn't like being stuck in a classroom. Amorangi kept me in school for another two years because they gave me opportunities that I liked.
“I enjoy what I'm doing so that motivates me — being in the digger, getting outside and working with my hands.
“I wanted to improve my driving skills and outdoor work knowledge. I wanted to get my licences for machines and vehicles, and they had all of that.
“Through that pathway I got my learner's, restricted and I'm going to get my full licence next year.”
While at school he would spend time out of the classroom getting work experience in construction and roading, and upskilling at EIT.
His teacher Wayne Palmer said in his recommendation Moana was an independent and capable student and it had been an honour to work alongside him.
“He's just an awesome student. He finished school and the next day he was at work,” said Palmer.
Moana now works for his father in the family business John Higgings Contracting.
While he has put in the hard work to get where he is, he is aware of the help he was given along the way.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me to come this far — my Nan and Pap who I live with, Mum, Dad, all my whanau, Blackbee Contracting and all my teachers. And Beris Brew, the former principal of Makarika School, who made sure I had the help I needed.
Moana also expressed his gratitude to John McInnes, Tama Koia and Nigel Henare from McInnes Driving School, “who pushed me through all of my endorsements and licences”.
He paid tribute to his aunt Fiona Morice, “who supported me with all of my schoolwork and helped me with the paperwork and reading, which I struggle with”.
“I'm looking forward to the future and achieving my dreams.”
