Stars come out for Matariki

The Year 13 students in all their finery for the Okaihau College ball. Photo / Supplied

Matariki was the theme of this year's Okaihau College ball, with 150 Year 11-13 students sparing no effort to enjoy the biggest social event on the calendar.

The Year 13 Ball Committee, led by head students Kathy Kopa, Manaaki Kaukau-Troughton, Aimee Walden, Carym Wharerau and Aroha King-Puru, put in many hours of preparation to set the stage, dressing the hall with clever lighting (including lots and lots of fairy lights), flax sculptures and black matting, to create an ambience fitting for the theme and the occasion.

Every one of the students made an effort to look stunning, but some made a bigger impression than others.

King and Queen were Caym Wharerau and Ivi Fale, Duke and Duchess - Kaire Walmsley/Jenay Maihi and Phoenix Littin, Prince and Princess - Linda Johnston and Siakini Taulangau.

Best-dressed - Tuapri Cowan and Olivia Walden. Best entrance - Mele Livai and Ivi Fale (in the Rural Delivery van). Best couple - Tyla Nisbet and Tyler Kopa. Best dancers - Keiran-Jade Nelson and Emmanuel Talauli. Best pick up lines - Troy Ramsay and Ngareta Teira-Tuiloma. Best bromance - Tupari Cowan and Abraham Latimer.

DJ Marama Blaikie (Year 13) worked through the playlist supplied by the students, while Year 10 provided the waiters and waitresses, also dressed in theme.

Many of the students also went the extra mile with their mode of transport to the venue. There were a number of 4WD vehicles, a couple of Mitsubishi Evos, some Holden Commodore V8s, the local Postie and an Isuzu D-Max.

Teacher and resident car aficionado Stuart Mcdonald was impressed with the array of 4WDs, commenting that they were a true reflection of Northland and the local community.

"A number of parents, caregivers, staff, whanau and community members were at the entrance to the hall to watch students arrive," principal Alan Forgie said. "It was great to see this level of support from our school community, and a significant reward for the students, who had put so much effort into themselves and the evening."

Mr Forgie thanked all those who had helped make the evening a memorable one, including the Okaihau Volunteer Fire Brigade which provided security, Kaikohe police, who kept an eye on proceedings, and the caterers.

Year 13 students acknowledged the support of digital technology teacher Mike Donaldson, official photographer, and DVC teacher Karen Paraone, who put time and effort into helping students get organised and co-ordinating decorating.