2022 Award Recipients

Horowhenua Civic Honours Awards

Outstanding voluntary community service was recognised at the Horowhenua Civic Honours Awards on Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The Horowhenua District Council annual event was held at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and awards were presented by Mayor Bernie Wanden and councillors. 

Civic Honours Awards

Civic Honours awards were presented to:

Allyson Bramwell  - Community Affairs

Allyson is described as a ‘volunteer extraordinaire’ who is completely passionate about our community and is being recognised for her involvement in a wide range of volunteer roles.

Allyson has been the lead for the catering team for the Wahine-Toa Women of Courage Programme which is full weekend facilitated by Levin Police to support women who have been in volatile relationships, to challenge themselves, push past personal boundaries and reach their goals.

The catering team organises the ingredients needed, sources donations and carries the food, appliances and equipment to a secluded bush location. Meals are prepared in a make-shift bush kitchen in challenging conditions and includes a five star meal on the final day.

Once a year, Allyson and her team treat the ladies to a day of glamour and pampering. This includes beautiful clothes to wear that they get to keep, hair and make-up sessions and a meal.  Again, this takes weeks of preparation and Allyson goes out into the community to request donations to make the day memorable.

For five years Allyson helped prepare breakfast for the CACTUS Programme, which the Police facilitate along with Waiopehu College where student participants are challenged mentally and physically over an eight week programme.

Allyson is the volunteer secretary/treasurer for Blue Light – a registered charity that works in partnership with the Police to deliver an extensive range of youth programmes and activities, Allyson has assisted with many events and excursions. 

Allyson has been instrumental in school fundraisers over many years for Ōhau School which has included a Mother’s Day High Tea in 2021 that raised over $6,000 and over $10,000 for the School’s Futsal team. Allyson also supported netball fundraisers for Waiopehu College, over a five year period. 

She was the Treasurer for the Levin AFC Football Club for eight years and ran the kitchen at the clubrooms providing meals for visiting teams. Allyson is currently the volunteer secretary/treasurer for the Horowhenua Abuse Liaison Team.

Allyson follows in her father’s footsteps and receives a Civic Honour to recognise her extensive volunteer work across many areas of our community.

Rob Fifita-Tovo - Service to Pacific Peoples

In 2010 a need for better services and support for Pacific Peoples was identified through poor statistics and outcomes. Rob and colleague Lusa Pasene set about to strengthen Pacific networks and work to improve social, education, health and wellbeing outcomes.

Thus, Fale Pasifika Horowhenua was formed, with Rob as the inaugural Chairperson. Rob approached others to join the committee, who were also passionate about the Pacific Peoples and together they worked to improve outcomes, and develop a flourishing, proud Pacific community. Over the last twelve years Rob has held Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson positions, and has been instrumental in many initiatives for the Pacific and wider community.

This includes the very first Pasifika Celebration Day in 2011, which celebrated its 10 year anniversary last year. The annual event involves over 200 performers each year, from many Pacific Island nations, of all generations.  The event brings together both locals and visitors from out of the district and attracts an audience of 4-5,000 annually.

Since 2013 Rob has supported many Pasifika Youth Jandal Jam events involving 90-120 college students each year.  This involves a forum with motivational speakers which Rob has often facilitated, and an evening show which is a showcase of youth culture and talent where parents, aiga and the community show their support for our young people in their culture and identity.

In terms of improving education outcomes for Pacific young people, in 2012-14 Rob was part of a Pacific Education Working Group which included intermediate and college principals. Rob was a significant influence within this group, supporting church visits and making vital introductions between working group members and Church Ministers and congregations. During this time, the PowerUp initiative and Pasifika Success Talanoa trainings were established. All of these initiatives were aimed at increasing attendance rates and achievement, improving parental engagement in their children's education, and teaching professionals Pacific Island culture and ways, in order for them to be understand and teach Pacific children.

In 2020, through the Provincial Growth Fund, an opportunity arose for Fale Pasifika to work with Council to apply to the Pasifika Churches Renovation fund. Rob was on the working party who worked with contractors and church representatives to scope the renovation, and once the funding of $1.46M was approved, continued to liaise between the PGF, Council and the Church.

Rob is being recognised for his extensive service to Pacific Peoples and is the first Pacific Person to receive a Civic Honour in the Horowhenua District.

Jim & Sarah Harper - Services to Conservation

Through an impressive series of conservation initiatives and community work, Jim and Sarah Harper have made a substantial contribution to Foxton’s heritage look and its revitalisation as a visitor destination.

In the knowledge that Horowhenua District Council’s 2017 investment in Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom would create a major impetus to turn Foxton into a culture, arts and heritage destination, they undertook no less than three major restoration and renovation projects.

As a result of Sarah and Jim’s efforts as volunteer-but-expert conservationists, Foxton now has two outstandingly beautiful heritage facades.  The late 1800s Foxton Racing Club and Manawatū Herald buildings bask again in their former 19th century glory, plus the oldest surviving 'Sunnyside' residential mid-1800s cottage is one of the oldest in the country. 

Jim and Sarah’s Harbour Street cottage compares very favourably with Wellington's Nairn Street Cottage that is restored and operated by Museums Wellington. Museum experts have commented how the Harpers’ have done a superior restoration job, and Jim is taking advice from Museums Wellington on how to finalise the exhibition displays in the cottage.

In addition to restoration works, Jim and Sarah have been closely involved as volunteers in MAVtech museum (incl. chairmanship) and the Foxton Historical Society. Jim currently is co-chair of the Foxton Historical Society and is involved in saving the heritage Court House building for future generations.

As a member of the Save Our River Trust (SORT), Jim was indispensable in the conservation, restoration and placement of the 150 year old historic anchor found on the river bank in the Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park. 

In other voluntary contributions, Jim’s support for the Oranjehof Museum has been absolutely invaluable. He fully restored a 200-year old Friesian clock, helped repair several damaged museum pieces, has provided expert conservation advice, has assisted with placing a high value replica Abel Tasman ship (De Zeehaen) in Oranjehof, and after two days of solid efforts, managed to open a 1630s 'treasure chest' in the Abel Tasman room that had been locked for a number of years.

Thank you Jim and Sarah for your dedication to the conservation and heritage of Foxton, a warm congratulations to you both.

Jeff Jones - Community Affairs

Jeff is known as the handyman extraordinaire around town and has dedicated countless hours supporting and helping our community. He is described as a ‘good bugger’ and a bit of character, and it appears that Jeff has had his finger in many a pie and those clubs and organisations have been extremely grateful to have someone like Jeff who just gets on with the job.

Having spent his earlier days growing up on a farm in Shannon, Jeff being a member of the Deer Stalkers and familiar with the territory, supported Search & Rescue efforts for many years. Jeff was involved with the Four Wheel Drive Club and being an enthusiastic Ham radio operator, his knowledge and experience has been invaluable with both search and rescue and civil defence over some 35 years.

The Levin Car Club has been another club Jeff has supported as a member of the Levin CB Radio Club. In 2021, the Levin Car Club awarded Jeff with a plaque for over thirty years of service to the club which has included rescues and marshalling for car rallies and sprints.

Jeff has volunteered for the Great Forest Run for almost 25 year as a radio marshall and supporting event organisers with picking up injured athletes when needed. 

Another community event that has had the support of Jeff is the Medieval Market where he has been there for the pack in and out, and with disposing of the waste. Jeff has been doing this for over twenty years, again in the background and getting stuck in.

In addition to all of that, Jeff was a Scout Leader for 8 years with the Shannon Scouts, helped establish the Rural Fire Service for which he was a crew leader for 16 years, was a member of the Levin Fire Brigade and a volunteer with Levin Riding for the Disabled and Levin Rotary.

Jeff worked for the Borough and District Council, and although these were paid positions, he continuously went above and beyond his 40 hour working week. For 32 years Jeff managed at The Pot which is where Council disposes of its wastewater – he helped develop the site, planted and pruned the trees, and would often be at work at very early hours of the morning getting the irrigation going.

Jeff, this Civic Honour is in recognition of your commitment and commendable service to the community.

Stewart Thompson - Community Affairs

Stewart has had an affiliation with many Horowhenua community groups over the past 20 years. His willingness and commitment to lead or be a member of a board, or to simply get stuck in and get the job done, has been invaluable for many clubs and groups.

One of these clubs is the Levin Golf Club where Stewart was a committee member for many years and from 2007–2014 held the position of President Chairperson. During this time, under Stewart’s guidance, the club flourished and went to a new level to be what it is today. Stewart implemented course and business procedures that stood the club in good stead and continually strived to create a golf course and club where members and visitors enjoyed playing and socialising.

Along with the support of the committee, Stewart set up a programme to work with junior golfers which is still in place today. The Manawatū Wanganui Eagles Golfing Society recognised the work and effort Stewart had put into not only Levin Golf Club but the Manawatū-Wanganui golf association as well, which resulted in Stewart being inducted into the Eagles Golfing Society of NZ.

Stewart served on the Life Education Trust Board for over six years and was active in fundraising activities and supporting the educator in their work.  These programmes provide lessons in a mobile classroom that align with the New Zealand Curriculum and the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.

In 2020 Stewart was appointed as the Chairperson of Age Concern Horowhenua and over the past two years has made countless improvements to the policies and procedures, which has resulted in a stable and structured governance approach. Stewart provided guidance for the new manager and supported learning and development.  Stewart has been hugely active in the fundraising space, at public events and he even volunteers in the office to assist the team. Under Stewart’s leadership, Age Concern Horowhenua has gone from strength to strength in providing invaluable services and support for the elderly, and their families.  

Certificates of Recognition

Certificates of Recognition were presented to:

Kelly Binning-Rangi - Services to Education

Kelly has dedicated many years of service towards education in the Horowhenua across a variety of education providers such as Fairfield School, Levin Intermediate, Levin East School, Cambridge Street Kindergarten and within the community towards Ronald McDonald House.

Kelly has served on the Board of Trustees at Fairfield School for nine years; five and a half of these years were as Board Chair where Kelly led the school and board through a pandemic and two principal appointments.  Her achievements during this period included two new classrooms, re-zoning to allow for growth in the Fairfield area, the creation of a technology area known as the maker space, the re-establishment of the school library and the introduction of play-based learning in the junior school.

Alongside serving on the Board of Trustees, Kelly dedicated eight years to the Fairfield Community Group; a group that is extremely active in raising funds for the school to provide the “cherries on top” for students. Kelly’s endless hours organising and running events is significant.

Kelly served for three years on the Board of Trustees at Levin Intermediate School and during this time Levin Intermediate had a new administration block added to the school.

She also served for five years on the Levin East School Parent Teacher Association, where many fundraising events were organised to benefit students, however Cambridge Street Kindergarten is where it all began.  Kelly spent two years on the parent committee that was instrumental in raising the funds for a new outdoor playground.

During her service at various schools within the district, Kelly was also involved in fundraising for Ronald McDonald House in Wellington.  One of the more significant fundraising events was a formal dinner where items were donated from the community and auctioned to raise funds.

Kelly has always shown professionalism, mana and compassion in her interactions, she is held in high regard and her contribution to education in our district can only be described as immense.  

Chris Clarke - Community Affairs

Chris is being acknowledged for his considerable voluntary contribution to many organisations throughout the Horowhenua.

Chris has volunteered at Levin Riding for the Disabled for 16 years.  He has been Facilities Manager on the Levin Riding for Disabled Association Management Committee and led the maintenance of the facilities at Speldhurst Country Estate. 

Assisted by others, Chris has spent countless hours mowing lawns, harrowing paddocks and the riding arena, fixing fences and clearing away trees and branches when they fell. 

Levin Riding for the Disabled always needs hay for ponies and along with other volunteers, Chris sources and coordinates cutting, picking up and storing of the hay. 

Chris was instrumental in relocating the Riding for the Disabled from Speldhurst to the new Mako Mako Road location. He worked tirelessly on developing the new arena and base amenities for the riders.  Additionally he facilitated the contribution of local trades and service people to complete the extensive project.

The Levin Adventure Park train is an absolute treasure and is enjoyed by many families every year. For the last four years, Chris has been the maintenance person for the train which has involved reconditioning and keeping the train operating, always ensuring safety standards are met as well as ensuring the track is well maintained.

Motor sport and vintage cars are a passion for Chris. He has a long association with all facets including locally as a member of the both the Horowhenua Vintage Car Club and Levin Car Club, and at national level competing in motor sport and latterly contributing as administrator, marshall and scrutineer. 

When Chris and his wife Margaret moved to Levin in the mid-eighties, he joined the Levin Car Club serving on the committee and holding almost every position including the presidency.  Margaret has been invaluable in assisting Chris in this work and the club has recognised them both with Life Membership.

Chris is described as personable, totally reliable, with a vast knowledge which he is only too willing to share with others. 

Bill Davey - Social Affairs / Services

Bill is being recognised for his service to the Levin Interchurch Foodbank, a service utilised by so many within our community who are in need.

Bill is the Chairperson of the Levin Interchurch Foodbank and works tirelessly to ensure this much needed service meets the needs of our community.  Bill networks with the local supermarkets, other local suppliers, donors and the foodbank volunteers in such a way that Bill is the ‘face’ of the foodbank in Levin.

Although Bill works in a volunteer capacity, he dedicates his time at least five days per week.  His commitment and the contribution he makes is outstanding, and his role as Chairperson for the past five years is in title only, as Bill goes above and beyond working on the roster to pack parcels, collect food donations and actively support other volunteers on the food packing roster.

Bill provides leadership above what is expected.  He gets involved in every aspect of the foodbank operation, and his enthusiasm and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ is inspirational.  He communicates well with everyone and is always ready to help foodbank volunteers when the demand for food parcels goes beyond expectations, which as you can imagine happens frequently. 

The reputation of the Levin Interchurch Foodbank is a credit to the work that Bill does, and provides vital relief to the community.  

Horowhenua Youth Excellence Scholarships

Horowhenua Youth Excellence Scholarships were awarded to:

Emma Zussino - Academia

Emma is an outstanding, high academic achiever at Horowhenua College, who is fully involved in all aspects of her college life. Emma is a very focused and capable academic student.

In 2020, Emma gained NCEA Level 1 endorsed with excellence. In 2021 Emma continued her academic achievement by gaining NCEA Level 2 endorsed with excellence. She also achieved one subject endorsed with excellence - English and three subjects endorsed with merit - business studies, chemistry and biology. At the end of year prize giving Emma received the Level 2 prizes for 1st in biology, 1st in chemistry, 1st in English and 1st in Business studies. This was an outstanding academic performance and was topped off with Emma being awarded the Top Year 12 Academic Trophy. Emma has continued to achieve excellent academic results in 2022. This included her being chosen to participate in the Otago University Science Academy (OUASSA). This is a significant opportunity because it is only top performing science students from around NZ who are accepted into this academy programme.

Additionally, Emma is a very active and capable sports woman and talented dancer.

Next year Emma intends to study a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Management at Auckland University. She will put the scholarship towards costs associated with study.

Anand Ranchhod - Academia

Anand Ranchhod is an extremely capable academic student who has made a significant contribution at Horowhenua College and the wider community, through acts of service.

Anand has been a role model at school and in his academic achievement as well as in the wider aspects of Horowhenua College. Anand was selected for the 2022 Prefect Team, and his capabilities were further acknowledged when he was named Head Boy.

In 2021 Anand was awarded the top level two academic student. He also received the following level two awards; 1st in Physics and Mathematics, 2nd in Biology and 2nd in Chemistry which gained him an excellence endorsement.

Outside of his Academic achievements, Anand has also significantly contributed to acts of service throughout the College and the Horowhenua Community. He has participated in a huge amount of activities, such as helping to issue out Chromebooks to Students who need them, helps distributing lunches to students during break times, helps at Open Evenings and Parent Evenings and is a regular “go to student” for staff who need support and assistance to complete a task. He is also a member of the YEP, College Student Council and is a Peer Student Leader.

Anand intends to study a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts at Auckland University. This scholarship will go towards study costs.

Eneti Tofa - Academia

Eneti has had a fantastic five years at Waiopehu College, he is a very gifted student academically and every year since Year Nine, has received an award for Academic Excellence.

Eneti is an All-rounder, not only has he received numerous academic awards over his time at Waiopehu in Mathematics – Advanced, Physics and English, he has also received multiple Awards for Music and for Service to the College.

Eneti is a valued member of the College’s Student Executive Team and currently holds the role of Head Student. He has proven to be a very capable leader and has quietly and confidently navigated this role with a maturity and organisational style that beyond his years.

Eneti is a valued member of the College’s student Executive Team and currently holds the role of Head Boy. He has proven to be a very capable leader and has quietly and confidently navigated this role with a maturity and organisational style that is beyond his years. He works extremely hard in all he does, whether that be academically or in extra-curricular activities.

Eneti has selflessly given many hours of his time to help the college live stream prizegivings and sporting events during the pandemic and also assisted Levin East School.

Eneti’s hard work throughout his college years have lead him to be recently announced as Waiopehu College’s Dux for 2022.

Eneti plans to enrol at Canterbury University in 2023 to study Physics and Mathematics. This scholarship will assist with study costs.

Amber Rollinson - Art & Culture

Amber is an Excellence Drama student at Horowhenua College. She is currently working a year ahead of her NCEA Level as she was promoted into the Level 1 Drama class in Year 10 because of her natural performance ability and her dedication to her roles.

Amber is an excellent performer, she shows dedication to her role both on and off the stage. She continuously pushes herself to progress as a person and performer and consistently makes an effort to excel in her performing and schooling.

Recently, Amber has successfully auditioned for one of 20 spots for the 2022 Kiwi All-Stars Musical Theatre Ensemble. This sees students who are a part of the first New Zealand based group from across the Motu heading to Australia in October to perform at the Junior Theatre Festival. Here they will participate in acting workshops, tours of local theatres and learn, grow and develop their skills in the performing arts.

Amber is currently looking at her career pathway and at which performing arts university will suit her talents and abilities. In the future she plans to practice music, be involved in future productions with a focus on directing as well as performing and to explore career options within this field.

This scholarship will help support Amber with Performing Arts and study costs.

Imogen Williamson - Art & Culture

Imogen is a passionate and high achieving student in the arts, at 13 years of age, she has an extensive list of achievements.

Imogen’s achievements for 2022 include;

  • Playing Jeremy Potts at the Levin Little Theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
  • She performed in the recent productions of Frozen as Middle Elsa with the Levin Performing Arts Society
  • Imogen attended the Manawatu Performing Arts Society Singing Competition and gained 1st place with her own selection and 1st in Song in Character
  • And she gained an equal top mark in Manawatū, and distinction for Grade 3, Trinity College London, New Zealand.

Imogen will continue to be actively involved in musical theatre productions across the Manawatū where she will sing, dance and act and will continue to study and develop her skills and experience.

And if that is not enough, Imogen will continue playing the violin and piano both in and out of school through to tertiary level academically. She will also continue to participate in community productions, festivals and competitions.

Imogen will use the scholarship towards costs involved with singing, drama and dance lessons. Well done and congratulations Imogen.

Petesa Tomane - Art & Culture

Petesa is a Year 13 Student at Horowhenua College and holds her Pacific culture in high regard. In 2022 Petesa was selected as part of the Horowhenua College Perfect Team for 2022 and appointed as Cultural Prefect, requiring Petesa to organise, promote and facilitate cultural events within the college.

Petesa is one of the student leaders of the college’s Pacific performance group, Lototaha. This group practice for many long hours in preparation for the annual regional Pasifika Fusion competition. This competition is a highlight of the year and in 2021 Petesa was a member of Lototaha who won the Kava Bowl for the best cultural performance, in 2022 they were placed an admirable second.

Not only has Petesa been involved with Lototaha but as Cultural Prefect she has celebrated the variety of cultures represented in our college by acknowledging their language week as it occurs throughout the year. This has seen Petesa visit the college staffroom on numerous occasions and, along with other students, instruct teachers about various cultures, in particular, Pacific Island cultures. This has been hugely appreciated by staff and who enjoyed practicing language and greetings, as well as being privileged to witness cultural dances and performances in our staffroom.

Petesa plans to attend Victoria University next year. While there she intends to be part of the university Pasifika Cultural Group and participate in their Pasifika student’s first year mentoring programme. This scholarship will be used towards course related costs.

Noah Watters - Art & Culture

Noah is a Year 13 student at Waiopehu College and has been actively involved in arts and culture at college, Levin Performing Arts Society, HYPE and the Levin Little Theatre, for many years.

During this time, Noah has been a member of the college’s choir and has been involved in the school’s WHAT Show, which is an annual arts production and highlight of the calendar year in terms of performing arts. Noah has also worked both on and off the stage in various productions over his years at Waiopehu College, he has been generous with his time and commitment to Performing Arts locally.

This year Noah made his debut as director of the school production “Eating the Wolf”. Noah showed enthusiasm and leadership in directing this production and made a real impression on the students involved.  Noah has also taken on a role with the Levin Little Theatre’s end of year Pantomime which is coming up soon.

Noah is an accomplished singer and is a member of the Waiopehu College Barbershop and College Choir; Sine Nominex. He attended the Big Sing Choral Competition in Palmerston where he performed in both Barbershop and Choir Competitions.

Noah plans to train as a primary school teacher, his passion for performing arts will give his career in teaching a great advantage with his wonderful talents and creativity. This scholarship will contribute towards his course costs and expenses.

Grace Purches - Community Service

Grace is a fantastic example of someone who exemplifies the characteristics of altruism and compassion. She has a genuine desire to help those in need and spends a great deal of her time doing so.

At such a young age Grace should be commended and recognized for her altruistic spirit, she involves herself willingly and unselfishly and expects no accolades. Grace has a strong desire to succeed in all that she does and supported others to do the same. She is a quiet but assured student who is well liked and respected by her peers and teachers alike.

Grace is an active member and President of the Rotary Interact Club at Waiopehu College. She is our youngest president elect but her drive and determination coupled with a maturity beyond her years has made her an excellent choice for this position.

Grace is actively involved with is Ozanam House in Palmerston North. This trust was established to provide homely accommodation for out of town cancer patients and their caregiver whilst undergoing treatment. This has led to Grace being involved in other initiatives, such as Relay for Life.

She also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh Programme and she is passionate about her own success and that of her fellow students, this is a real credit to her and her maturity.

Ali Parata - Sports

Ali Parata is a talented and passionate sportswoman and has many achievements at a high level, across a wide range of sports.

Ali was selected for the 2022 Horowhenua College Prefect Team, and was appointed to the Sports Prefect role. She promotes, organises and facilitates sports events in the college and has provided many sporting opportunities and competitions for fellow students.

Ali was named captain of the college’s 1st XI Hockey Team in 2021 and 2022, and was selected for a number of representative teams. These include U15 Girls in 2018 and 2020, U15 Girls Horowhenua in 2019, U18 Girls Manawatū in 2022 and Manawatū Māori Womens Team in 2022.

Ali has also played netball for 5 years and she has also been a very active member in the college Canoe Polo team. She was a member of our Junior Girls Canoe Polo team for 2018 and 2019, and participated in the regional and national competitions as a junior girl.

In 2020 Ali became a member of the Senior Girls Canoe Polo team, participating in the regionals and national competitions for Senior Girls Canoe Polo. She also joined the Senior Boys Canoe Polo team in 2022 participating at the Nationals competition in the Canoe Polo Seniors Open.

Ali’s goal is to be selected for the National Junior Black Sticks Hockey Team and will be putting her scholarship towards University costs.

Jessica Leota - Sports

Jess is a Year 13 student at Horowhenua College and is an extraordinary sports woman. She shows natural ability in a wide range of sports and has the capacity, through hard work and commitment, to achieve to high levels in a range of sports including netball, tennis, hockey, volleyball, cross country and athletics.

During Jess’s five years at Horowhenua College, she has been a member of the Senior A Netball team, gained MVP awards for netball in 2018 and 2019 and was named the most dedicated netball player in 2020.

In 2021 she was named the Senior A Netball MVP and in 2022 captained the team.

An accomplished tennis player, Jess has been the Levin under 18 Girls Singles Tennis Champion for the last four years. She also won trophies for the Ladies Singles Champion in 2020 and 2021 and Ladies Doubles Champion in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Jess was the college’s Intermediate Girls Cross Country in 2019 and 2020, and went on to win the Senior Girls Cross Country in 2021 and 2022. Jess was named Senior Girls Athletic Champion this year.

Jess was named Sports Woman of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and was selected as Head Girl and Sports Prefect this year. In this role Jess has organised, promoted and facilitated sporting events within the college for fellow students.

Jess has a goal to compete in one of Wellington’s top netball teams and no doubt she will achieve this. Next year, Jess plans to attend Victoria University.

Kahurangi Skudder - Sports

Kahurangi has played representative basketball for Levin Basketball Association for a number of years and has represented the Horowhenua District and Manawatū Region.

In 2022, Kahurangi and her U15 Manawatū Basketball team, made the top eight at the Basketball Nationals. Earlier this year, she participated in the First Nations Polynesian Basketball Tournament for Tonga, and help the team win a silver medal which is something that she is very proud of.

Kahurangi has been playing rep Touch Rugby for Touch Manawatū since she was 11. This year, she was again selected and trained to play U16's at Nationals, but due to Covid, 2022 Nationals were cancelled. However, a select few from the area were chosen to attend Touch New Zealand training camps and trials. Kahurangi trialled successfully and made the New Zealand U16 Squad.

A highlight of Kahurangi’s schooling at Manukura in Palmerston North, has been Netball. She has been member of Manawatū representative teams for the last three seasons, selected in the A Teams for u14s for two years and in 2022, the u16s.

Kahurangi’s sporting talent does not stop there, she has also represented the district in athletics.

Kahurangi's dream is to receive a scholarship to play basketball and this scholarship will go towards sporting and tournaments costs.

Oliver Kennett - Sports

Oliver is a motivated and high achieving sportsman and has worked very hard to reach the top across several sporting codes.

In 2022, Oliver represented Horowhenua College and the Levin Cycling Club at the Cycling New Zealand Schools North Island Road Champs held in Cambridge. Oliver competed well and was selected for Cycling New Zealand Schools Road Nationals held in October.

Oliver has also competed at many surf lifesaving carnivals. In 2022, Oliver won Levin Waitarere Surf Live Saving Club’s Best Male competitor and will continue on his Life Guard training over the summer season.

Through the Levin Swimming Club, Oliver received trophies for Best 13yr old as well as Swimmer of the year for 2021 - 2022. Being a member of their Senior Squad, he has participated in National Age Groups in Wellington and Manawatū, Secondary School Championships & multiple local inter-club and regional meets.

Oliver is very active in open water swimming, participating in races from 2.5kms up to 5kms.

Oliver is also a member of the Horowhenua College Rock climbing and running club and competed in a triathlon at Linton Army Camp surf club.

Oliver’s goals are to swim the Cook Strait and go as far as he can in competitive swimming and cycling, with the ultimate dream of representing New Zealand.

This scholarship will go towards sports equipment and travel costs.


Civic Honours and Certificates of Recognition Photos

Horowhenua Youth Excellence Scholarships Photos