E tu Kahikatea, hei whakapae uroroa. Awhi mai, awhi atu, taatou, taatou e.
Kahikatea stand together; their roots intertwine, strengthening each other. We all help one another, and together we will be strong.
Kaiaarahitanga Aakonga
At Pukekohe High School we offer students multiple opportunities for students to experience leadership and participate and contribute as leaders.
We want to ensure our student leadership roles are meaningful and purposeful; and responsibilities are shared across key roles.
Objectives of Kaiaarahitanga Aakonga
- To work together as ngaa kaiaarahi aakonga (student leaders), and with the school’s SLT, teachers, and wider student community;
- To be present and provide active student leadership across the school;
- To act as tuakana, provide positive role models and mentoring for younger students (teina);
- To organise and facilitate key school initiatives and events that create a sense of community and wairua in our school; and
- To represent Pukekohe High School at key community events.
Kaiaarahitanga Aakonga Roles
The initial application process is to confirm appointments to the following key student leadership roles.
The Senior student leadership structure consists of six Amokura/Head Students.
The main role of ngaa amokura will be to:
- Create a sense of community and spirit across the student body
- Assist in co-ordinating school events
- Fulfill student leadership expectations such as leading student assemblies, organising celebrations and serving as a role model for other students
- Representing Pukekohe High School within the community
- Leading the Councils (below)
Each of these Amokura leads a different kaunihera/council:
- Amokura Akoranga – Learning Council
- Amokura Maaori – Maaori Council
- Amokura Pasifika – Pacifika Council
- Amokura Toi me Ahurea – Arts and Culture Council
- Amokura Haakinakina – Sports Council
- Amokura Hauora – Well-being and school spirit Council (made up of the House Leaders)
- Amokura Hāpori – Community & Service
Each kaunihera aakonga (student council) will be led by one of our Amokura/ Head students and each have 4 – 5 x Year 12 and Year 13 Kaiaarahi Kaunihera (Council leaders). These students will be supported by one kaiako/ teacher. Each kaunihera aakonga will have regular scheduled planning meetings (approx. 1 per fortnight).
The main role of the role of the Kaunihera Aakonga will be to organise and facilitate 1 significant initiative/ event per year (e.g. Wairua Week, Manaakitanga Week) and 1 lunchtime event/ challenge per year (e.g. House Quiz, sports games). These initiatives/ events should align with our school values and could coincide with wider community events (e.g. Te Wiki o Te Reo Maaori). Challenges should encourage house spirit and will be awarded house points. These initiatives/ events/ challenges must be planned and added to the school calendar at the beginning of the year (during our leadership training opportunity).
Student leaders play an important role in our school, setting the tone for school culture and planning and implementing various initiatives across our seven student councils. Our student leaders are also aspirational role models for their peers. Ngaa Manukura will play a senior role across the student councils and support our Amokura in the leadership of our student body.
Current Year 9 – Year 12 aakonga will also have the opportunity to apply for a Kaitautoko Tuakana role.
These aakonga will be responsible for the peer mentoring and induction of new Year 9 aakonga entering our school. A programme of induction and mentoring will be established and training will be provided for Kaitautoko Tuakana. This is a very important role for senior aakonga to support our junior aakonga to be successful at our school. There is an expectation that all members of Kaunihera are a part of peer support, and you attend the mentoring sessions throughout the year.
Ngaa Aamokura
We are pleased to introduce our 2026 Ngaa Aamokura.
Caleb Quinlan
Kia ora Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe.
My name is Caleb Quinlan, and I am proud and incredibly grateful to be your Amokura Akoranga (Head of Learning) for the 2026 academic year.
I am a Franklin country boy, and home is our family farm along the banks of the Whangamarino River in Mercer. Growing up in a rural setting gave me a strong appreciation for our environment and helped shape the humility that I pride myself on having as a leadership strength today. Playing football locally and for our 1st XI takes up most of my time outside of school hours, but I also enjoy golf, playing guitar and fishing.
My connection to our area and its agriculture, along with my growing interest in sustainable finance, has led me to my goal of pursuing a Bachelors Degree in International Agribusiness once I graduate at the end of the year.
One of the biggest things I have taken from my schooling is learning to enjoy the process of working towards a goal and celebrating the small wins along the way. While reaching that goal feels rewarding, I’ve found that it’s usually the journey and the personal growth along the way that are most memorable. As Amokura Akoranga this year, and through tuakana-teina, I want to help ease student transition through changes — whether that’s starting their journey at Pukekohe High School or working their way through NCEA. Regardless of our time or place in our school, when we support each other on our journeys, everyone benefits. We learn from one another while also growing as people and progressing towards our future. “Whiria Te Tangata, Whiria Te Angituu – Weave the people, create success,” really resonates with me and aligns with what I wish to achieve. I want to build strong tuakana-teina relationships, allowing a place where the experience of juniors, seniors, and staff can be integrated to support not only academic development but also the development of our character. I also want to break the stigma around ‘academics’- proving learning can be enjoyable and accessible for all when we stay curious and align with our passions. I’m excited to get stuck in, work closely with my fellow Amokura, and help bring the different parts of our school together.
Caleb Quinlan
Kia ora Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe.
My name is Caleb Quinlan, and I am proud and incredibly grateful to be your Amokura Akoranga (Head of Learning) for the 2026 academic year.
I am a Franklin country boy, and home is our family farm along the banks of the Whangamarino River in Mercer. Growing up in a rural setting gave me a strong appreciation for our environment and helped shape the humility that I pride myself on having as a leadership strength today. Playing football locally and for our 1st XI takes up most of my time outside of school hours, but I also enjoy golf, playing guitar and fishing.
My connection to our area and its agriculture, along with my growing interest in sustainable finance, has led me to my goal of pursuing a Bachelors Degree in International Agribusiness once I graduate at the end of the year.
One of the biggest things I have taken from my schooling is learning to enjoy the process of working towards a goal and celebrating the small wins along the way. While reaching that goal feels rewarding, I’ve found that it’s usually the journey and the personal growth along the way that are most memorable. As Amokura Akoranga this year, and through tuakana-teina, I want to help ease student transition through changes — whether that’s starting their journey at Pukekohe High School or working their way through NCEA. Regardless of our time or place in our school, when we support each other on our journeys, everyone benefits. We learn from one another while also growing as people and progressing towards our future. “Whiria Te Tangata, Whiria Te Angituu – Weave the people, create success,” really resonates with me and aligns with what I wish to achieve. I want to build strong tuakana-teina relationships, allowing a place where the experience of juniors, seniors, and staff can be integrated to support not only academic development but also the development of our character. I also want to break the stigma around ‘academics’- proving learning can be enjoyable and accessible for all when we stay curious and align with our passions. I’m excited to get stuck in, work closely with my fellow Amokura, and help bring the different parts of our school together.
Elizabeth Klavenes (mini photo next to text)
Malo e lelei ko hoku ingoa Elizabeth Klavenes. My family originates from the villages Pangaimotu, Vava’u, Fasi moe Afi, Fo’ui, ‘O’ua, Lotofoa, Ha’apai and Sandefjord, Norway. I was born in Cebu City in the Philippines, where I lived for three years. I come from a big family of 9, being the third youngest out of seven kids. I love being involved in my community, as I am one of the original members of the Pukekohe Youth Leadership Council (or PYLC for short), which is a youth lead group that is dedicated to helping better the youth space in our local community. A little bit about me – I like to bake and travel to new places and I love to read…… when I can get away from my family long enough. Growing up, my family instilled in me the values that have shaped me today to be the person I am, and I aim to bring those values into everything I hope to achieve with my council this year. I plan to bring together the different councils within the pasifika space, guided by key Tongan values such as faka’apa’apa (respect), tauhi vā (maintaing strong relationships) , ngāue fakataha (working together), fefaka’apa’apa (mutual respect) and loto tō (humility and service). By uniting these councils, we can strengthen relationships across the school and create a culture where students uplift one another rather than work separately. I would like these Tongan values to leave a lasting mark on the school by shaping how we lead, how we support our peers, and how we show respect in all spaces. Through this, pasifika leadership will be visible, meaningful and lived every day – creating harmony, pride, and a sense of belonging for all students. I am excited to work with my council and the SLT team as well as building connections with my fellow students this upcoming year. Mālō ‘aupito!
Zack Meads (mini photo next to text)
Kia Ora and Welcome to Pukekohe High School. My name is Zack Meads and I am extremely grateful to have been named the Amokura Haakinakina (Sports Head Student) in 2026.I was born in Wellington and moved and have lived in Pukekohe since 2013. Since then I have grown up in Pukekohe attending Valley School and Pukekohe Intermediate before starting here in Year 9.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, running, and travelling across different parts of the country and hope to do this more in the future. In school I have been involved in many events and sports teams, including orienteering, football, swimming and athletics over the years and look forward to continue to have a large presence in my role in the sports department in 2026.
As a 2026 Amokura, I look forward to working with the Pukekohe High School community this year to progress and make changes in the schools environment and day to day life in a way they in-vision. My goal is to do this where all students feel like they can be themselves and enjoy their time at school. Across the year, I will aim to use my experiences and knowledge, to be a role model, and show positivity and determination towards enabling my peers into being the best versions of themselves and being proud students of Pukekohe High School.
Joshua Durham (mini photo next to text)
Ko Joshua Durham tōku ingoa. I was born in Pukekohe and attended KingsGate Primary and Pukekohe Intermediate before spending several years living overseas with my whānau, including time in California, United States, and later in a children’s village in Durban, South Africa.
Those experiences helped shape my values around inclusion, service, and making people feel welcome. I enjoy being around people and helping create environments where others feel comfortable, included, and supported.
I joined Pukekohe High School in Year 9 and have been actively involved in school life ever since. I’ve made great mates here and really value the sense of community within our kura. I enjoy getting involved across the school, including in different sports over the years, and I bring good energy to what I’m part of. I’m not easily embarrassed and enjoy helping lift the atmosphere and backing others.
Outside of school, I attend church locally with my family and am the youngest of three boys.
As an Amokura, I want to be approachable, positive, and supportive, and to help make Pukekohe High School a place where students feel connected and proud to belong.
Erika Villejo (mini photo next to text)
Kia ora koutou and Kamusta! My name is Erika Villejo, and I’m honoured to step into the role of Amokura Toi me Ahurea for 2026. Art has always been more than just a subject to me – it’s a way of expressing identity, telling stories, and bringing people together.
While I didn’t grow up in the Philippines, my connection to my motherland’s culture, creativity, and strong sense of community has shaped how I understand art and cultural expression. It has shown me how the arts can honour identity, preserve stories, and create meaningful connections across different backgrounds.
In my own time, I enjoy painting, writing, drawing, and sewing. Through these practices, I’ve learned the importance of patience, experimentation, and self-expression, as well as the power of sharing creativity with others. These experiences have shaped the way I lead and inspired me to encourage others to explore their own creative voices.
As Amokura, I want to help create a welcoming and supportive space where all students feel confident and proud to explore their creativity — whether through visual art, music, dance, or cultural expression. I believe the arts thrive when we uplift one another, celebrate diversity, and support each other’s creative journeys, and I’m excited to work alongside you all this year.
Katie Chamberlain (mini photo next to text)
Ko Aoraki te Maunga
Ko Waitaki te Awa
Ko Uruao te Waka
Ko Kati Mamoe, Ngai Tahu te Iwi
Ko Runanga ō Moeraki te Marae
Nō Waipounamu ahau
Engarei Kei Pukekohe ahau e noho ana
Ko Jade Chamberlain raua Ko Joshua Chamberlain ōku Matua
Ko Katie Chamberlain Tōku Ingoa
No Reira Tena Koutou, Tena Koutou, Tena Koutou Katoa
Kia Ora, I am the Pukekohe High School Haapori (Community) Amokura for 2026.
It’s my pleasure and honour to lead and be a part of this space this year among all my Amokura and Manukura peers. I have many generations that were raised in Pukekohe which made my schooling very simple. I went from Pukekohe Hill school to Pukekohe Intermediate, then over to Pukekohe High School which I have attended for the last 5 years. Other than school I enjoy playing sports, some of the sports I play are Hockey during winter and Rowing during the summer. Sport has helped me to strengthen myself and my mind in ways I could never have imagined, it constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. I am also a proud member of our school Kapa Haka Roopu Ngā Uri O Te Kohekohe Kapa Haka allows me to display my culture through meaning and mana and has helped me to strengthen my cultural identity. Other than my extra curricular activities my goal within this council is to create connections with our people within our Kura and the community of Pukekohe to enhance our schools reputation. I take pride in being a part of Pukekohe High School and the amazing opportunities this school has to offer. I am excited and proud to lead the Haapori council this year.
Gracie Moon (mini photo next to text)
He uri tēnei nō te whenua o Ngapuhi. Nō te maunga o Kirioke, Nō te awa o Punakitere, Nō te waka i heke mai nō rangiatea ki Aotearoa o Ngatokimatawhaorua ki Waitangi, Nō te whare o Te-Iringa. Nō ngā tāngata māori o Ngapuhi. He uri tenei nō te whenua o ōku mātua tūpuna. Ko Martha. Ko Anaru. Ko rātou ko ahau, ko ahau ko ratou. Ko Gracie Moon ahau. Tihei mauri ora.
I was born in Palmerston North but am proud to call Northland my home and tāku turangawaewae. I have close connections to my culture, my whenua and my whakapapa. I am the Amokura Māori for 2026 and am excited to share and grow in this experience with everyone. I look forward to working with our senior leadership team alongside my six other Amokura to lead and guide everyone with humility, grace and trust.
Caleb Quinlan
Kia ora Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe.
My name is Caleb Quinlan, and I am proud and incredibly grateful to be your Amokura Akoranga (Head of Learning) for the 2026 academic year.
I am a Franklin country boy, and home is our family farm along the banks of the Whangamarino River in Mercer. Growing up in a rural setting gave me a strong appreciation for our environment and helped shape the humility that I pride myself on having as a leadership strength today. Playing football locally and for our 1st XI takes up most of my time outside of school hours, but I also enjoy golf, playing guitar and fishing.
My connection to our area and its agriculture, along with my growing interest in sustainable finance, has led me to my goal of pursuing a Bachelors Degree in International Agribusiness once I graduate at the end of the year.
One of the biggest things I have taken from my schooling is learning to enjoy the process of working towards a goal and celebrating the small wins along the way. While reaching that goal feels rewarding, I’ve found that it’s usually the journey and the personal growth along the way that are most memorable. As Amokura Akoranga this year, and through tuakana-teina, I want to help ease student transition through changes — whether that’s starting their journey at Pukekohe High School or working their way through NCEA. Regardless of our time or place in our school, when we support each other on our journeys, everyone benefits. We learn from one another while also growing as people and progressing towards our future. “Whiria Te Tangata, Whiria Te Angituu – Weave the people, create success,” really resonates with me and aligns with what I wish to achieve. I want to build strong tuakana-teina relationships, allowing a place where the experience of juniors, seniors, and staff can be integrated to support not only academic development but also the development of our character. I also want to break the stigma around ‘academics’- proving learning can be enjoyable and accessible for all when we stay curious and align with our passions. I’m excited to get stuck in, work closely with my fellow Amokura, and help bring the different parts of our school together.
Ngaa Manukura
We are excited to present the students who have been selected to be Ngaa Manukura – our Year 13 Prefects for 2026.
These are prestigious new leadership roles that intend to acknowledge the significant contributions and service of Year 13 students. Ngaa Manukura will play a senior role across the student councils and support our Amokura in the leadership of our student body.
- Caitlin Stuart & Jaide Boulton – Ngaa Manukura Haapori
- Teja Graham & Lexie Moody – Ngaa Manukura Maaori
- Chrystal Heagney-Hakim & Mia Fernandez – Ngaa Manukura Toi me Ahurea
- Anna Spackman & Ibrahim Umar – Ngaa Manukura Akoranga
- Charley Fear & Grace Montgomery – Ngaa Manukura Haakinakina
- Ariana Greig – Ngaa Manukura Pasifika
- Piper Jackson & Emma Lane – Ngaa Manukura Hauora