Horowhenua College principal Grant Congdon and NUA Shield recipient Teewei Uere.
Kia ora koutou, talofa lava, Greetings everyone.
This is my final opportunity of the year to bring to your attention something of recent significance that has happened at Horowhenua College.
The list is long, but what I want to share with you comes from the heart of who we are at NUA.
At our senior prizegiving last week a new award was introduced - the NUA Shield.
The recipient of this trophy is someone who has significantly upheld the values of the NUA Way.
The reason for introducing this award is clear - academic achievement is our core business, but as a college not only do we want to have students achieving excellent academic results, but also want to grow them as young adults who are honest and trustworthy, of sound character, confident, looking to add value and willing to serve.
The first-ever recipient of the NUA Shield shows all of these values in a special way and his name is Teewei Uere.
Teewei returned to college this year after spending most of last year fighting cancer.
Since he has been back he has shown the NUA way in everything he does.
He has been a loyal supporter of his 1st XV rugby team, although he can’t play yet.
He has been a committed member of our Pasifika cultural group Lototaha.
He has worked hard to complete Level 2 NCEA this year and he has inspired all of us with the positive attitude he has always shown in the face of a huge challenge.
He is a great NUA way role model and a deserving winner of this award.
Further to this, Teewei was named a member of our 2025 prefect team.
Our congratulations goes to Teewei and his family. We are all very proud of him.
My last words for this year are to thank everyone for the help and support you have provided us throughout the year. We really value being able to partner with iwi, whānau and family, and the wider community.
So from me, all the best for a happy and safe festive season, and next year, together, we will continue with the exciting work of growing successful young adults at Horowhenua College.
Ngā mihi nui koutou, Tofa soifua, Kind regards… and happy Christmas.
There have now been three men charged with murder.