Student leaders step forward

LEADERS: The 2014 student leaders at Makoura College include, from left, Zoe Bowater, Kimberley Smith, Wiki Davidson, Tom Feringa, Thomas Ferguson, Te Puia Karaitiana, Kendall Peterson, Taryn Morunga, and Aaliyah Rimene. Absent are Alataua Wilson, Rheegin McKenzie-Anderson. Darian Walker, and Moses Aeto, who took the photograph. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Thirteen Makoura College students have been chosen to help forge paths for themselves and their classmates through the year ahead.

Makoura College teacher Jann Lenihan said the students were chosen to lead in areas of school life after applying for specific leadership roles at the college.

"Interviews are held and student input sought so that each area of responsibility is covered by the best person for the job," she said. "Leaders then participate in some leadership training and are expected to manage their role themselves with input from other students and staff as required."

Alataua Wilson, 17, Darian Walker, 16, and Kendall Peterson,16, were selected as sports leaders, while TePuia Karaitiana, 17, was appointed as student leader responsible for property who reports to caretakers, other staff and the Student Council on property matters at the school.

Moses Aeto, 16, was chosen as cultural captain and Aaliyah Rimene, 17, was appointed cultural and hauora leader.

Taryn Morunga, 16, and Wiki Davidson, 17, were selected as community leaders, with Ms Davidson saying her outgoing nature and ability to relate to adults had suited her to the role.

Kimberley Smith, 17, is responsible for the Student Council at Makoura College and Zoe Bowater, 17, and Thomas Ferguson, 16, are Student Council leaders.

Student Council member Tom Feringa, 17, who was selected as promotions leader, had made short videos promoting the school and also helped produce Matapihi, a video advertising Masterton from a youth perspective.

Rheegin Anderson-Mackenzie, 17, was selected as student representative on the Board of Trustees and said she cultivates leadership qualities based on her confident and out-going nature and respect towards others.