Mrs Channings said a prefect was expected to uphold the expectations and traditions of Turakina Maori Girls' College and be "positive role models in the local and wider community, with the ability to inspire and motivate others in the school, especially the juniors".
She said the school was, this year, emphasising student leadership and the newly-appointed prefects had attended a three-day leadership training camp in Auckland as part of a joint scheme with Auckland University of Technology.
AUT tutors will, each term, hold day-long sessions with the student leaders, who Mrs Channings will meet every fortnight as well to discuss training challenges and outcomes.
"All our girls are encouraged to strive and aim for the stars, and to have high expectations for yourself - it's about aiming high and going for the top.
"The challenge for Maori in general and for our young people is to modify their thinking in terms of what they can achieve - if they go into law, why not think about being Prime Minister, if teaching, why not aim to be Minister of Education, if netball, why not aim to become a Silver Fern?"
Te Rau Kura Martin - Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa - was proud to have won a leadership role at the school and welcomed the opportunity to be a role model for schoolmates and to help her sister and nieces in their roles as well.
"It's important to me as a prefect to step up and be a leader for our next generation.
"It will be challenging but there are a few of us and we can help and support each other."
Ms Martin said this was her fourth and final year at the school and she was to study midwifery in Wellington next year.
Hinekohu Martin-Wade - Ngati Toa, Tuhoe, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa - was excited to be training as a prefect and most valued "the positive environment at school" that helped foster leadership and achievement.
Ms Martin-Wade planned on a career in media, which she aimed to study at university.