Auckland 'all-rounder' named NZ's top scholar

Hon Hekia Parata Minister of Education, Joshua Hansen and Prime Minister John Key. Photo / NZ Herald

An Auckland "all-rounder" has been named the country's top scholar for 2014.

Josh Hansen, 18, from Westlake Boys' High school was yesterday awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Academic Excellence.

The cross-country runner, school leader and current Victoria University student last year received seven New Zealand Scholarships, including five Outstanding Scholarships and a Top Subject award.

Education Minister Hekia Parata congratulated Josh, saying it was the top academic accolade secondary students could aim for.

"Joshua is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and a drive to succeed, and I wish him all the best for the future," she said.

Westlake Boys Headmaster David Ferguson commented that "the school was extremely proud" of both Josh's achievement and that of fellow Westlake student, Chris Hagan, also named amongst New Zealand's top ten students celebrated at a ceremony at Parliament yesterday.

"Both lads have worked extremely hard to reap the rewards of their secondary schooling and, as a result, have incredibly exciting futures. We look forward to following their progress with great interest"," Mr Ferguson said.

When the Herald interviewed Josh earlier this year he said he credited the teachers at school and his family for helping with his success. Playing sport was also a nice break from studying.

Joshua is currently studying towards a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in French and History at Victoria University of Wellington.