A rural school on the outskirts of Whangārei is doing what it can to boost students by appointing pupils to an executive committee leadership team.
Mangakahia Area School principal Maria Dunn said she wanted to make positive changes in the school, which caters to rangitahi from Years 1 through to 13 and has 90 students currently enrolled.
“I came in last term, and I thought to reset this kura and give our young people hope, belonging and identity, and do [things] with [students], rather than to [them],” she said.
Five students form the executive committee - three are in Year 12 and two are in Year 11. To apply for the role, students had to develop a CV and cover letter and carry out a presentation to students and staff. The group meets fortnightly to discuss issues and ideas within the school.
Dunn said the aim was to create a “real” experience for budding leaders and to demonstrate what was involved.