University entrance turnaround at Ngata

HIGH ACHIEVEERS: Anahera Palmer and Kacey Whatarau

Over six years have passed without a single student gaining University Entrance (UE) at Ngata Memorial College but this year the school has ended that drought.

Out of the seven Year 13 students at Ngata, two already have UE and two more are waiting on exam results to confirm they have the required credits.

This would give the school a UE pass rate of 57 percent.

“We are extremely proud of our young men and women,” said principal Peter Heron, who took over the role at the start of last year.

“They show that the students in our community, whatever career route they choose, have the capability to gain University Entrance at NCEA (National Certificates of Educational Achievement). This reflects the support the school and our whānau have given them.”

Kacey Whatarau and head girl Anahera Palmer are the two UE-confirmed students.

Anahera was awarded scholarships from Rua Bioscience and BDO Gisborne, and plans to study business part-time next year before going to Massey University.

Head boy Chase Smith is waiting on the results of a physics exam and plans to go into the army.

Morehu Keefe-Falwasser is also waiting on external results but has gained two scholarships — from Rua Bioscience and the Prime Minister's Award for Vocational Excellence. He plans to study environmental sciences at Waikato University.

Poppy Horomia-Kaiwai, Kacey's caregiver, said she shifted to the Coast from Lower Hutt to reconnect with her whānau and the country life.

“When she said she wanted to come home and complete her last year at Ngata Memorial College her mum (Lenora Roberts) was a little fearful at first as she knew Kacey would love everything about being home.

“We believe that this has now completed her foundation to head out into the big world and achieve anything. We are so proud of her achievements and determination.”

Poppy thanked all the staff and students at Ngata Memorial College for allowing Kacey to complete her final year back home in Ruatoria and help her achieve her NCEA Level 3 and UE.

“Kua ēa tēnei huarahi ki a ia, me puta atu ki te ao kia kimi whēako.”

Translated: “She has taken this path and needs to go out into the world to seek experience.”

Hyperlink: https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/lifestyle/profile/20210131/from-raf-to-riyadh-to-ruatoria/