Book Corner

Who are you?

Hi, I’m Joshua, and I’m a Year 13 student this year in Rangitoto College and I am one of the Head students for 2026 as well as the student representative for the Board of Trustees. I was born and bred in the Bays and have called this place home for my entire life. Ever since I was small, I’ve been a passionate reader, and it has been a crucial factor in aiding my studies.  

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

I love to go to the gym, debate and play football.

What’s a book you remember reading/having read to you when you were little? 

Geronimo Stilton. 

What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading here at school? (either here or at a previous school)

The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Bacchus. 

What do you love about our library?

Just how big it is! You can basically find any book that you want here. 

What’s a book that’s changed your mind about something?

1984! It boggled my mind the idea of a dystopian world published in 1949 and we have signed up to constant surveillance without being aware of the consequences. 

What are you currently reading?

Winter Nights – Dostoevsky

What’s a book you can recommend to others, and why? 

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. This book really teaches you how to callous your mind and find what your ‘drive’ is in life. 

What’s your favourite book, and why?

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I love the vivid descriptions and the intense visceral emotions that it evokes. 

Why do you think people should read?

I think reading helps expand your knowledge base. Whether you’re conversing with a friend, whether you’re striking up a conversation with someone new, having that expansive pool of knowledge can really make you a more interesting person. Additionally, it’s just a good way to keep learning!

Where do you seek inspiration from?

I seek inspiration from several different avenues. From football players like Messi to UFC kickboxers like Alex Pereira to speakers like Nick Vuljicic, I love being inspired by learning about the backgrounds of others. It provides a sense of belief that I maybe can also do it. 

What are some mottos you live by?

“I do it for those who can’t”

“随遇而安” (Take things as they come and go)

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

Morning: Sleep in 

Breakfast: Fruit Salad + Toast

Football with the lads. 

Lunch: Any Vietnamese food

Out fishing or hiking!

Dinner + Dessert: Any italian food

A gooooooood movie. 

Name a figure, either from your own life, a historical figure, or a celebrity (alive or otherwise) who you would love to have lunch with.

Elon Musk. 

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

• Find your ‘values’ toolkit – find what shapes you in those times you face adversity
• The good times won’t last long, but the bad times won’t either 🙂

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?

Don’t know too much about my hopes and dreams. Taking it step by step. Want to live a life inspired by this Harvard article though – https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/

Who are you? 

I’m Miss Cheng and I’m an English teacher and I also lead the Scholarship Psychology course.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

Travelling, watching movies and TV shows, hikes and walks with my family’s unruly dogs 

What do you love about our library/working at Rangitoto College? 

I absolutely love our library as I’m pretty sure we have more books than the local libraries. The librarians really cater to our students’ interest. 

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?

All kinds of books! From recipes to picture books! I was lucky enough to be surrounded by books growing up. My parents were always reading a newspaper in front of us.

Tell us a brilliant book memory? 

My parents used to go to the Sunday flea market at Takapuna and they would just leave me and my siblings at Takapuna Library ( I suspect for some peace and quiet!). That’s when I fell in love with books. It started with the Sweet Valley High series then the Dragonlance series and ever since then I love a good book series!

Do you remember reading/loving any books at school?

Romeo and Juliet! It was the same time as Baz Luhrmann’s version that came out. I remember being captivated by the complexity on the theme of love! Then it was King Lear in Year 13 and I remember how I gripped by the opening of the play!

Tell us about them. What’s a book that’s changed your life/mind? 

I remember reading from the school library The Five People You Will Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It really changed my view on death and importantly, how we are all connected and our actions do have an impact on others.

What are you currently reading?  

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Where do you seek inspiration? 

Travelling especially when  I’m just people watching or talking to tourists and locals. I love learning about new cultures and I’m always amazed at how different each culture is, and yet there is an unspoken universality among us.

What do you always recommend? 

Anything by Neal Shusterman for students and everyone should read Madeline Miller’s Circe and Song of Achilles. 

What’s your favourite book? 

Circe by Madeline Miller and Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol 

What’s your favourite film? 

I have a favourite TV series The Haunting of Hill House that was adapted from the novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson.

Was it originally a book and which was better?

For the first time in a long time both were exceptionally well made and absolutely terrifying! 

What are some mottos you live by?

Funny enough I was clearing my childhood room and this quote was stuck on my wall that still resonates with me till this day- “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain 

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday? 

My perfect weekend will be having a lie in and then getting a good brunch. If it’s a nice day I would plonk myself down with my book  and take the dogs on a beach walk before returning to have dinner with friends. 

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

Find your tribe and stay true to yourself. 

Who are you?

Kia ora, my name is Brody Donald, and I’m a Year 13 student at Rangitoto College. I am one of the Head students for 2026. In this area, I have the privilege to oversee the Arts, Korean and Pastoral leadership committees. I am also the Head of Technical Crew at Rangi. In this role, I lead the team that works behind the scenes on multiple school events throughout the year. I am also a Student Volunteer Army Ambassador at the school.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

Hanging out with friends, watching sports, umpiring softball, going for walks with my dog Bronte, playing music in a band, running, listening to music and working behind the scenes on a range of events, either in stage management, lighting, sound or crew.

What’s your claim to fame?

I am currently a Softball New Zealand Level 4 umpire and have been officiating for six years. I have been able to travel around New Zealand to umpire multiple national tournaments and have even made the odd TV appearance. When I was in Year 9, I was fortunate enough to umpire seven international warm-up games prior to the 2022 WBSC Men’s World Cup. I got to officiate teams such as USA, Canada, Argentina, Japan, Philippines, Czech Republic, and I got to work with some international umpires.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Blue Adrenaline by Bill O’Brien. Bill O’Brien is a New Zealand writer, and he has based this book on his experience and knowledge he gained in the New Zealand Police after serving 35 years. I’m enjoying this book so far, as it’s given me an insight into how police in NZ work and their day-to-day experiences. I would recommend this book to anyone considering joining the New Zealand Police, as after reading the first few chapters, you would have learnt something you didn’t know, and it might just attract you to the job.

What’s a book you can recommend to others, and why?

Legacy by James Kerr. This book was recommended to me by Mr Searle after he set a few questions from chapter one for homework for the Year 12 leadership programme. After getting inspired from just the first chapter, I continued to read it. If you’re an aspiring leader, I highly recommend this book to you as it will equip you with different leadership techniques and inspirational quotes that will improve your leadership craft. If you don’t see yourself as a leader, I would still recommend this book.

What are some mottos you live by?

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized” 

“Respect is a two-way street; if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it”

“The key to success is action.”

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. – What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.” 

Describe your perfect Weekend?

My perfect weekend is all about staying active, busy, being outdoors and being around great people. Whether it’s going for an early morning or late evening run, attending the local Parkrun, or taking my dog for a walk, heading to the ballpark and helping out beginner umpires on Saturday mornings and then umpiring the senior grades in the afternoon. Listening to lots of music and spending quality time with friends and family to round it all off. 

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?

After school, I plan on studying Criminology at Uni. After finishing university, I plan on travelling the world for a bit and on returning to join the New Zealand Police with the goal of becoming a police dog handler and stepping into some leadership positions. I also plan on continuing officiating softball and following my dream to one day get my WBSC international certification and umpire at the Olympics and multiple World Cups around the globe.

Who are you? 

Kia ora, my name is Finley Holt and I’m an English teacher here at Rangitoto College.

What’s your claim to fame? 

You may know me as one of the support teachers for the Community and Environment Student Committee. Another one of my claims to fame is being a Rangitoto College Alumni. My experiences as a student left me inspired to provide the same opportunities in learning for future students of the college.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

I’m a big fan of any outdoor activities, especially hiking, surfing, fishing, and bouldering. I also enjoy film photography. I find the anticipation of seeing how the photos develop exciting. Finally I love travelling. I’d like to see as much of the world and its cultures as possible.

What do you love about our library/working at Rangitoto College? 

I love working with like minded people at the college. Being able to bounce ideas on improving our teaching practice and seeing the results reflected in my student’s experience gives me fulfillment as a teacher. I also enjoy hearing how all my current and previous students are developing. Being waved down during break times to be told about their achievements leaves me so proud of their accomplishments.

I love our library for the ever growing range of texts and genres. There is something for everyone if you spend the time to find it. If you haven’t found something you enjoy at our extensive library, I don’t think you’ve looked hard enough.

Do you remember reading/loving any books at school?

When I was at school I remember reading The Curious Incident of the Dog, The Night Time and Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. These texts showed me the range of experiences that can be found in novels. Whilst they aren’t both biographies, the novels helped develop my interest in reading about others’ experiences in their lifes. Since then I’ve always had a love for biographies. Reading about others’ approach to life or the challenges they’ve overcome has been inspiring and provided many lessons and reflections.

Tell us about them. What’s a book that’s changed your life/mind?

The novel The Alchemist changed my life. The book carries wonderful messages about success coming from learning from your mistakes and persisting. Understanding the journey itself is as important as the treasure, as it provides opportunities for growth. Finally it offers the goal to find your purpose in life and have the courage to follow it. I always choose this novel when asked for book recommendations.

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

My advice is to remember it’s okay to fail or get things wrong. 

These moments often provide the best opportunities for self improvement and reflection. Failures help you discover what kind of person you are, to figure out which path you want to take in life, and offers chances to show resilience in the face of a challenge.

Who are you?

Kia ora, I’m Maya, and this year I am incredibly grateful to be one of your head students for 2026. I was born and raised in Aotearoa, with full Middle Eastern roots, but Rangitoto College is a place I like to call my second home, where I take immense pride in all the opportunities on offer here, and all the amazing people I’ve met throughout my 5 years. Around the kura, you can find me in the music department (singing), on the netball courts or trying something new within various aspects of college life. I am a huge people person, so please don’t hesitate to say hello!! 

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

When I’m not reading, you’ll find me at the beach, hanging out with my friends and/or family, at the gym, trying new foods, exploring, going on walks or singing 24/7. 

What’s your favourite book, and why?

My favourite book of all time is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Wonder is a text that never fails to move me. I have read the book 3 times and watched the film twice, and each time I recognise new lessons throughout the text. The values explored in Wonder strongly resonate with me, as the novel carries powerful life lessons such as empathy, kindness, and the importance of choosing compassion even when it is difficult. Through Auggie’s journey, readers are reminded that everyone is fighting a battle we cannot see, and that small acts of kindness can truly make a positive impact. What I admire most about Wonder is its ability to challenge perspectives while remaining hopeful, which allows us to look beyond appearances and treat others with respect and humanity. I like the use of multiple perspectives as it displays the unseen struggles individuals carry and emphasises that understanding others requires patience and openness. The book also shows that kindness is a conscious choice that demands courage, reflecting on how bravery can exist in quiet forms; in inclusion, standing up for others, or simply showing up despite discomfort. These seemingly small moments have the power to shape relationships and change lives, which is why Wonder stays with me long after I finish reading it.

What do you love about our library?

Our library is large, extensive, and inclusive to all! Whether through the multitude of books on offer, or simply the amount of space and facilities on offer to aid all students’ academics. You can find me in the library almost every day of the week, before and after school, often printing out work, issuing a book or finishing work. The library is always so lively, with lovely, welcoming staff and student volunteers, with various activities going on, from mysteries to unfold on the whiteboard, to colouring competitions, to even guessing how many lollies are in a jar! There is truly something for everyone at our library.

What are some mottos you live by?

One I recite every morning is, “Be kind, and the world will be kind back to you”. 

Others include: “Curiosity is the engine of achievement”

And, for the Marvel fans, like me, “With great power comes great responsibility”

What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading here at school?

Reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley back in Year 11 introduced a different lens of literature to me, one that fueled my interest in English as a subject. Personally, I enjoyed studying Gothic literature, specifically Frankenstein, because it is an interesting, yet creepy story that also makes you think. I liked how it shows what can go wrong when someone is too obsessed with their ideas and doesn’t think about the consequences. The story made me feel sorry for the creature, even though he is seen as a monster, because he just wanted to be accepted. The text suggests that monsters are often made, not born, an interesting perspective to see it from. I also liked the suspense throughout the novel, which kept me engaged and made it enjoyable. Over the holidays, I followed up with Frankenstein by watching the film, though gruesome, it was cool to place visuals on such a phenomenal classic. 

Where do you seek inspiration from?

Every day I am inspired by people around me, my parents’ strength and leadership, my friends’ loyalty and talent, the dedication from my teachers and the knowledge of my peers. Above all, my greatest inspiration comes from my Nana. She’s a person I admire among all aspects of my life. She cooks the best food, which I love to eat whenever I go visit her, she spreads the most joy with her contagious and beaming smile, and most of all, she always puts others before herself. I always enjoy hearing from her and filling her in on my day. She inspires me in ways words can’t describe, but I aim to be that extra bit better every day, for her. 

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

A piece of advice I’m grateful to have received, and would love to pass on to whoever needs to hear it, is, to never change yourself for anyone. There is only one version of you in this world, so don’t choose to blend in. Embrace all opportunities, along with your roots and culture. Don’t change yourself to fit in with the crowd. Keep trying new things and give everything a go!

Who are you?

Hi! I’m Ryen Anderson, one of your head students for 2026. I am a middle child, one of three sisters, and this year I am going into my final year of high school. I have both Chinese and European heritage.  

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

When I’m not reading, you will probably catch me on the rugby field or the netball court. Sports have always been a major passion of mine, as I play tag, touch, rugby, sevens, and netball. I play both school and representative, and I would say this takes up the majority of my time outside of school. Apart from this, I spend the rest of my time hanging out with my friends, shopping (when I have money), hanging out with my family, and going to the beach, which I’m sure many people can relate with.

What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading here at school?

Whilst it is a very clichéd book, The Hunger Games is on I, and many others, love. I think the storyline is so cool and I appreciate that it is not only about the action. It actually makes you think about power, inequality, and how people survive in tough situations. Katniss feels real and strong without being perfect, and the story shows how courage and loyalty can matter even when everything is against you. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who hasn’t read the book series yet!!

What do you love about our library?

This is extremely cliché, but I love our school library here, as there is truly something for everyone. There is such a wide array of books here that cover so many topics and can appeal to so many different groups of people. Not only that, but we also have amazing technology and librarians here in the library who can help you find what you’re after. 

Why do you think people should read?

I think reading has such a common misconception of being the boring version of movies, but I strongly disagree with this, as I have read many books that have reached me deeper than movies. Not only does reading expand your imagination and brain, but it also allows you to connect with the characters of the stories on a deeper level as you join them on the journey through the book.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

A perfect Saturday for me would be to wake up and go on a run in the morning, have good weather all day so my friends and I can go to the beach, and afterwards get ready and go out to dinner with friends. 

Name a figure, either from your own life, a historical figure, or a celebrity (alive or otherwise) who you would love to have lunch with.

A person I would love to have lunch with is probably my Grandfather, Ross, as I unfortunately never got the chance to meet him, so it would be so incredibly cool to, not only meet him, but to also share with him my life story to date. 

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

A piece of advice I’m very grateful for is something my Poppa says to me on a daily basis, which I often take for granted but is a very important message for everyday. When I come to him with my problems and dilemmas, and he can clearly see I have a negative outlook on a particular situation, he will say “you become what you think about.” To me, this means if I constantly criticise and don’t believe in myself, if I have a negative attitude towards something that hasn’t even happened yet, chances are this mindset will parallel me into that reality. Therefore, he constantly tells me to believe in my abilities and back myself, because chances are that things will more likely work in my favour. Thanks Poppa ❤️

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?

A dream I have always had since I began playing sports would be to play 7s professionally, and this is something I have always wanted to do. However, I understand that this is a very competitive sport and is not actually sustainable for that long.  I would also like to go to university next year to study law.