Hawke's Bay's 2025 duxes have bright futures ahead of them.
Who were the students who shone the brightest academically this year? Hawke’s Bay Today asked secondary schools in the region to highlight the achievements of their 2024 duxes.
This list is not exhaustive and will be updated if more high schools provide details of their duxes.
Oliver Stubbs
Oliver Stubbs is an incredibly talented and diligent young man who excelled academically throughout his time at Napier Boys’ High School, achieving a phenomenal grade point average across eight NCEA Level 3 subjects, including a perfect GPA across his top five.
In Year 12, Oliver excelled in Level 3 biology, calculus, economics, and history. He was awarded an NCEA Scholarship in economics, placing him among the top economics students in the country.
This year, he earned a remarkable 99 Level 3 Excellence credits, alongside first in subject awards for chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. He also successfully undertook a first-year university Mathematics 199 paper at the University of Canterbury and is currently tracking for an A+.
Beyond the classroom, Oliver was a school prefect, head librarian, a key member of the Senior A Debating team (receiving the McKay Cup), and played drums for the Napier Boys’ High School Jazz and Funk Band. He will be attending the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum and has been awarded a Top Achiever Scholarship to study health sciences at the University of Auckland in 2026.
We are proud of Oliver and his consistent display of excellence across all facets of school life.
Maia van den Berk
Maia is an exceptional scholar whose achievements reflect her quiet determination, thoughtful approach to learning, and strong sense of purpose. She consistently approaches her studies with integrity, and her academic success is matched by her willingness to contribute positively to school life in understated yet meaningful ways.
As school community captain, Maia has played an important role in fostering connection and belonging across the student body. She supports others with patience and empathy, encouraging participation and unity without seeking attention or recognition. Grounded in her values of honesty, respect, positivity, and integrity, Maia is known for her gentle encouragement and her ability to make others feel seen, and supported.
Throughout her years at Hastings Girls’, Maia has been involved in debating, the academic committee, school choir, Youth UN, and the school production. Her contributions have strengthened both the academic and cultural life of our kura.
Alongside her school commitments, Maia is also recognised for her achievements in the equestrian community, demonstrating dedication and resilience beyond the classroom.
Maia hopes to study at the University of Auckland in 2026. We warmly congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment.
Emily Lloyd
I am proud of the diverse accomplishments that have shaped my journey throughout high school. Academically, I have consistently worked hard, earning an Excellence endorsement in NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3, and achieving excellence awards in chemistry, biology, health, PE, and English.
Beyond academics, I am thankful to have been so involved in my school and community, earning over 500 volunteer hours and the Top Volunteer Service award for my school. I have been involved in a range of initiatives, including Panui Mai, the Spirit of Adventure Trust, and multiple community organisations. Being involved in my community has taught me many skills and helped me grow in so many ways and fuels my passion for wanting to help and connect with others.
Next year, I will be studying a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology at the University of Waikato, where I am honoured to have received the Te Pawai O Te Rangi Scholarship, valued at $30,000. I am incredibly grateful to my kaiako, peers, and family for their abundance of support in achieving my goals during my time at Tamatea High School. Kua hua te marama.
Mānaia Ieremia
Ka tangi te whaitiri, ka rapa te uira, te wāhi rua mai ana nā runga i te tihi tapu o Tutumapou.
Ka mātai whakararo ki ngā wai tuku kiri o Te Hoiere.
E ripi rere ana ki tōku whenua taurikura ki Te Hora.
E ko Ngāti Kuta te tū ake nei.
Ko Mānaia Ieremia ahau.
I have been a boarding student at Hukarere Girls’ College since Year 9. Throughout my time in the hostel and at school, I have consistently worked hard to achieve excellence and contribute positively to our kura whānau.
In 2025, I was honoured to be awarded dux, receiving the St Michaels & All Angels Cup for overall academic excellence.
In 2026, I will continue my journey at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, where I will begin a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Te Reo Māori Studies and Māori Studies. I aspire to use this to contribute meaningfully to Te Ao Māori and to inspire future generations of Māori learners.
Tihei Hukarere.
Samantha Zhou
Samantha gained an excellence endorsement at levels 1, 2 and 3. She has had significant impact as an academic leader this year, organising a whole school academic challenge and has been a generous mentor to younger students. She has also completed 7 Level 3 achievement standard courses, many with excellence.
She was first in chemistry with the Too Family Trophy for Distinction in Chemistry, Endeavour in mathematics with statistics and English. In 2024, Samantha was first in Level 3 biology.
She has been awarded a University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship to the value of $25,000. She plans to study health sciences at Auckland University in 2025.
Sarah Wilson
Sarah (Ngāti Awa) will attend Victoria University of Wellington in 2026, where she will study toward a conjoint degree: a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, majoring in Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Te Reo Māori.
She has also been awarded the Kahurangi Māori Student Scholarship, valued at $30,000.
Riley Ward
Riley is the worthy recipient of the Tasman Smith cup for dux this year. His academic successes in NCEA saw him achieving excellence endorsements at levels 1 & 2 and he is on track for excellence at Level 3.
Riley was recognised for outstanding attainment in all five of his subject choices this year.
He sets himself high expectations and approaches his study with the highest level of determination and focus.
Riley always gives freely of his time to help others when they need help with their questions, and he does so in a gracious and encouraging manner.
Riley has been enrolled in a University of Canterbury mathematics course designed for extension students. He achieved a final grade of 89%.
Not only is Riley academically gifted, he involved himself in sports and music, earning distinction in Grade 6, 7 and 8 drums through Trinity College and headed up the Student Council in 2025.
Riley has been awarded a scholarship to the University of Waikato where he is enrolled to study engineering in 2026.
Archibald Stevens
Archibald achieved NCEA Level 1 and 2 with strong excellence endorsements and was awarded Top Academic Student in both Year 11 and Year 12; and is now dux in 2025.
Archie achieved Yr 12 General Excellence Award. His teachers consider him an outstanding intellect; an impressive young man who is a deep and critical thinker. His interests range from sound technician work for productions, writing short stories for competitions, a member and coach at HB Blades, where he excels in fencing and sabre. He won a gold medal at National Secondary Schools’ National Fencing Tournament.
Archie is a prefect and leads house competitions. He led the Ice Bucket Challenge at school for Men’s Mental Health Week. He is a wonderful St John’s man and we are very proud of him.
Archie wishes to go to Victoria University to obtain a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
Sistina Brady
Our warmest congratulations go to Sistina. A highly respected head of school, Sistina has combined her leadership with a year of exceptional academic success.
The dux award recognises her outstanding achievements across a wide range of subjects. She received the Boyd Cup for Geography, the Kempshall Cup for Music, The Year 12/13 Music Performance Cup and a Principal’s Award for distinctions in classics, English, geography, history and music. She was also presented with the Iona Cup, recognising her integrity and loyalty to Iona’s special character.
Sistina is the recipient of a Kahurangi Scholarship to Victoria University of Wellington, where she will undertake a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in international relations. Iona College is proud to celebrate her success.
Lydia Burns and Libby Jackson
At the Woodford House prizegiving, principal Julie Peterson was delighted to announce the 2025 dux had been jointly awarded.
Lydia Burns achieved NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3 with excellence endorsements and completed university-level courses during Year 13. Her academic record is exceptional, with multiple subject awards across several years and scholarship success in English (Year 11 and 12) and biology (Year 12). She was also awarded proxime accessit in 2024 as a Year 12 student. She has served as Rouncil House prefect and is involved in rowing, earning Gold Colours in Year 12. Lydia is aiming for a career in medicine and plans to study Health Science at the University of Otago next year.
Libby Jackson has earned excellence endorsements and gained scholarship in health and physical education in 2024. She has pursued a broad range of subjects throughout her senior years. She has served as Service Prefect, is the Tech Team Lead and has completed both Duke of Edinburgh Gold and the Hyundai Pinnacle Leadership Programme. Like Lydia, Libby is also aspiring to study medicine and plans to begin Health Science at the University of Otago next year.
Jimi Logan
Jimi’s dedication to his studies has earned him an outstanding grade point average of 95.24% across his top five Level 3 subjects. Over his three years of NCEA, he has gained 350 credits, with an impressive 92% at merit or excellence.
At this year’s prize giving, Jimi was awarded first place in Level 3 art photography and first place in Level 3 mathematics with calculus, along with second equal in agriculture and horticultural science. He also received Year 13 Academic Colours with Distinction.
Adding to his success, Jimi was announced as the recipient of the Te Weu o te Kaitiaki Scholarship: Te Turuki, a $25,000 scholarship established by Lindisfarne Old Boy Dr Phil Lyver. The award recognises a young man who upholds the college’s values through integrity, leadership, service, and a passion for learning.
Te Turuki represents new growth and enlightenment, the next stage in one’s journey, and Jimi embodies these qualities through his humility, quiet leadership, and pursuit of excellence.
The Lindisfarne community congratulates Jimi Logan on this significant achievement and wishes him every success in the years ahead.
Jorja Miles
As the winner of the gold medal for dux for 2025, Jorja has been an exemplary student throughout her time at NGHS.
She earned excellence endorsements at all three NCEA levels and achieved a Scholarship in physical education while still in Year 12, when she also topped Level 3 calculus.
This year, Jorja achieved first place in Level 3 chemistry, economics, physics, and social studies.
She was also recognised with the Mabel Field Memorial Cup for General Knowledge.
Beyond her academic success, Jorja has been an exemplary leader and an active contributor to the school and wider community.
She served as the environment prefect, and is the current chairwoman of the Napier Youth Council.
Jorja is a valued member of the Senior A Debating team and has represented the region in water polo. Jorja’s service activities include working as a librarian, serving on the Interact Club, and the Student Council.
Next year, Jorja will begin a Bachelor of Health Science at Auckland University, where she has been awarded the prestigious University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship worth $25,000.
Our kura offers Jorja our heartfelt congratulations on her outstanding and well-deserved achievements.
Krewsharn Greeks
Ko Krewsharn Kay-C Te Aio Akau Greeks-Minhinnick tōku ingoa. He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Whakatōhea me Ngāpuhi, ēngari I tipu ake au ki te Ngāti Kahungunu.
Hei terā tau ka timata au ki te whai I te huarahi o te tapuhi Māori (Māori Midwife). Hei te tau 2026 ka timata ai au ki Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato ki te whai I te huarahi o te Hauora me te Pūtaiao.
Ko taku tino hiahia he poipoi, he tiaki, he Manaaki hoki I ngā whānau, me ngā māmā Māori. He whakarauora hoki i ngā āhuatanga whānau pēpi o a tātou tīpuna.
Anthony Drinnan
The Old Boys’ Association Scholarship for Dux and Board of Trustees Prize for Dux was awarded to Anthony Drinnan.
Anthony also walked away with the Michael Hill Prize for Academic Excellence, the Hicks Memorial Cup, the BK Cunningham Trust Scholarship, a Victoria University of Wellington - Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship and the Lodge Haeta Prize - Mathematics with Calculus.
Ariki-Jaid Moke
Ariki-Jaid Moke is a student who has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and service since beginning at the College in 2021.
Excelling across subjects including science, health, English, mathematics, history, and social studies, they were named top academic student in Year 12 and this year achieved excellence in Level 3 science, English, mathematics, and health.
Their contributions have been recognised through special awards: Manaakitanga for care and respect, Kairangi for general excellence, and Whakapapa for citizenship and service to the school and wider community.
Beyond academics, they’ve been a committed member of the kapa haka rōpū, an active student leader, and a strong advocate for student wellbeing. Their involvement in community volunteering and ability to build positive relationships reflect the cllege’s values in action.
Their leadership and integrity have earned them a significant financial scholarship to support their tertiary studies. In 2026, they will begin a Bachelor of Nursing at EIT, continuing their journey of service and care.
Flaxmere College congratulates this hardworking, thoughtful student whose curiosity, diligence, and sense of responsibility make them a truly deserving dux.
Nina Paljk
This year, Nina was awarded distinction and first in Level 3 calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, and Japanese. Alongside dux, Nina was also awarded the prize for General Excellence.
This is Nina’s fifth year winning a top academic award, having earned the top awards in Years 9, 10, 11, and 12. She had NCEA Levels 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence. Nina won best NCEA Level 1 results from a Year 10 student in 2022; best NCEA Level 1 results in 2023; and best NCEA Level Two results in 2024. Additionally, she gained an NZQA scholarship in history as a Year 11 student.
Outside the classroom, Nina is involved in Academic Institute, chess club, DanceNZMade, debating, Japanese trivia, volunteers as a tutor, and has a part-time job as a pharmacy assistant. In January, she attended the Hands-On at Otago programme on a science scholarship. She is also an academic leader, helping to run the school’s homework centre.
Nina is the recipient of a University of Auckland Top Achiever scholarship. Next year, she will be attending the University of Auckland to study a Bachelor of Science double majoring in chemistry and psychology.
Maria Greville
Maria’s academic achievements are exceptional, having earned NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 with excellence endorsements, alongside numerous subject endorsements that reflect her dedication and talent.
After the prizegiving, Maria acknowledged the unwavering support of her teachers and highlighted the significance of Sacred Heart’s culture, including the school values, in shaping her journey.
Beyond her academic success, Maria has contributed positively to both classroom learning and the wider school life, serving as an academic leader and spearheading a peer tutoring programme to support fellow students. Her involvement extends to sports and the arts, with active participation in hockey, dance, water polo, and all major school events.
Looking ahead, Maria will pursue a law degree at Otago University, embracing new challenges and opportunities to travel, connect with people, and continue living by the school’s core values: Hope, Aroha, Equity, Respect, and Tenacity.
Sacred Heart College congratulates Maria on her outstanding achievements and wishes her every success in the exciting journey ahead.
Nixon Emanuel
Nixon had an exceptional final year marked by academic excellence, leadership, and creativity.
A respected member of the Year 13 cohort since Year 10, Nixon is admired for his integrity, determination, and care for others.
Staff praised his commitment to both study and school life, saying, “Nixon has grown from an enthusiastic learner into a confident young adult who leads by example and demonstrates leadership and respect in all he does.”
This year, he received numerous honours, including the Wairoa College Trophy for All Round Excellence in Year 13, the J A Ballantyne Rosebowl for Dux, and the Te Awhina Trust Scholarship for Dux.
Nixon also achieved first in subject for Level 3 music, media studies, English, and te reo Māori, reflecting his wide-ranging talents. Additional awards included the Kumar Family Trophy for English, He Tohu Mātauranga mō te Tau for Te Reo Māori, the Whale Tooth Award for Performing Arts, and the Te Tauira Taiea Trophy for cultural dedication.
He also gained the QRS Scholarship and J H Mitchell “Takitimu” Memorial Scholarship. As Nixon looks beyond Wairoa College, his teachers are confident he will continue to achieve and inspire.
Greta Minehan
I got asked what receiving Dux means to me - where do I even start?
I’m shocked, stoked, and incredibly grateful. It reflects years of hard work, consistency, and the belief that growth comes from pushing myself.
It’s not just an academic honour, it represents the support of my teachers, the encouragement of my family and friends, especially my mum. I did it for her. After seeing her get sick last year, all I wanted was to make her proud.
Being awarded dux reminds me that hard work really does pay off and motivates me to keep striving for excellence.
Going from the loudest, cheekiest kid in the class, to the 2025 dux shows how far I’ve come, and how far anyone can go.
Next year, I’m off to Christchurch to study criminal justice at the University of Canterbury. I’m so excited for the next chapter, and if you know me, I’m ‘absolutely frothing’.
Rupert Heslop
Rupert received numerous accolades, including the Mathematics Cup for Prize in external Mathematics with Statistics, Prize in Mathematics with Calculus, the Kenwright Trophy for Prize in Physics, the Barrett Cup for Prize in Biology, Prize in Chemistry, the enableMe Business Cup for Prize in Accounting, and Prize in external Digital Technology.
Rupert has consistently impressed with his commitment and dedication to achieving to the best of his ability. He grasps new concepts and processes with ease, demonstrating focus, independence, and excellent organisational skills.
A highly motivated and diligent student, Rupert applies concepts quickly and effectively to new contexts, presenting his ideas with clarity and precision.
His exemplary performance is a testament to both his natural aptitude and tireless work ethic. Enrolled in six scholarship classes, Rupert’s focus, motivation, and academic excellence position him for continued success in all future endeavours.
Rupert has been awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship from the University of Auckland to pursue a degree in medicine.