Rising Star: Juanita Ballantyne, humble achiever

Juanita Ballantyne is a quiet and modest high achiever who is excelling well beyond her years academically.

The 17-year-old Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ruamata Year 13 student has exemplified hard work and determination in the pursuit of furthering her education.

Having achieved NCEA Level 3 and university entrance last year as a Year 12 student, Juanita returned to school this year with a focus on her future.

She wants to pursue a Bachelor of Media Studies and has concentrated on the school subjects that will help her in that field.

She was part of a group of Ruamata students who entered a short video clip in the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) promotional competition.

The clip was performed in te reo Maori, with subtitles, and they achieved second place.

Throughout the production process Juanita showed her abilities to complete the job to a high standard.

She has carried this attitude throughout her schooling.

Juanita, of Te Arawa and Tainui descent, displays characteristics that will benefit herself, her whanau and the wider community.

She displays leadership through her actions, beauty through her generosity and inspiration through her achievements.

She has an unassuming drive that has stemmed from her whanau, which influences her choices and her motivation to achieve.

Juanita, who is extremely humble, is the epitome of the well-known Maori saying "e kore te kumara e korero mo tona reka" meaning the kumara does not say how sweet it is.