Growing up, I avoided putting myself out there, and the idea of stepping outside my comfort zone and becoming a leader felt quite daunting. Therefore, when I arrived at Rangitoto College in Year 9, I decided that I was going to challenge myself, sign up for things I had never tried before, and become a leader whom the younger version of me would be proud of. As a result, Rangitoto College has been unbelievably beneficial to my development as a leader.

One of the first opportunities I had to develop my leadership was my decision to play volleyball. In Year 10, I was named captain of the Junior Premier Volleyball team, which went on to win the Auckland Championship and finish third in the North Island junior competition. This experience was monumental for me as I learned and gained experience leading a team. Making the Senior Premier team in Year 11 took that further, with the team finishing second in New Zealand and first in Australia. During the Australian finals, I learned an invaluable lesson playing alongside the older players as they led through their actions and lifted others without saying a word. That was the kind of leader I wanted to be. This year, we went on to claim another second place at nationals, and I remain incredibly proud, honoured, and grateful to be part of such a remarkable programme.

In Year 10, I also joined the Sports Leadership Team, which I have now been part of for three years. Working alongside others in that team has sharpened my ability to collaborate, listen, and contribute toward a shared goal. I believe that these skills sit at the heart of any real leadership role. In Year 11, I also took on volleyball coaching, which gave me my first real experience of developing others rather than just performing myself. The responsibility of helping younger players grow is something I took seriously, and it gave me a much deeper respect for the people who had invested in me. Rangitoto College also offered numerous programmes to develop my leadership further. The Sports Leadership Programme taught me how to lead effectively in a sporting environment, while the Year 11 and Year 12 Leadership Programmes broadened my understanding of what it means to grow as a leader in any setting.

In Year 12, I was selected for the Blues Youth Leadership Programme, which offered something different again. I had the chance to sit with leaders at the very top of New Zealand rugby and hear how they think, how they make decisions, and how they build culture. That same year, I was chosen for the Year 12 Mentoring Programme, which revolved around working with Year 10 leaders. By guiding others through challenges, I learned the importance of service-oriented leadership, and it remains one of the most rewarding things I have done at this school. Rangitoto College has also helped me grow as a public speaker. As someone who once dreaded speaking to a crowd, I have now spoken at my cohort’s assemblies, acted as MC at a parent enrolment evening, and addressed students at Northcross Intermediate. None of that would have felt possible to the Year 9 version of me.

I still have one year left at Rangitoto and am hoping to be able to continue to develop my leadership skills and make the most out of my remaining time. The opportunities this school has given me have shaped not just my abilities, but my understanding of what leadership really means. It is about showing up consistently, caring about the people around you, and being willing to keep growing. I am incredibly grateful for the environment, opportunities, and support that Rangitoto College has provided for me to develop as a leader.

Iwi: Waikato, Te Rarawa

Kia Ora, my name is Tyler Patuki. As a Māori and Pasifika Year 11 student at Rangitoto College, I have really enjoyed my time at this school so far and had many great experiences. Being at this school has helped me to deepen my connections with my friends, teachers and even my own culture. This is what made my experience at Rangitoto college truly enjoyable.

In Year 10 I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of things at Rangitoto College, which have helped me to grow as a person teaching me many skills. Some of these being various sports such as rugby, tag and the sports performance academy. Another thing that I had the amazing opportunity to join is Tū Rangatira. Tū Rangatira bases their knowledge around mātauranga Māori which is then taught to us students enhancing our knowledge and understanding of Māori the culture. One last thing that I was very grateful to be a part of in Year 10 was our kapa haka group. This group helped me by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and teaching me how to be a true leader within the school.

Each of these groups have given me very valuable experience by teaching me key life skills such as teamwork, discipline, Māori culture and how to be a leader. These groups have also deepened my connection with teachers and peers as they have allowed me to connect with them on a much closer level through many different activities.

Rangitoto College is a truly remarkable school as it is determined to give every student great opportunity and works very hard to ensure that each and every one of us is able to have a memorable experience here at Rangitoto college.

I am very grateful to have had every one of the opportunities that have been presented to me. Each opportunity has taught me so much key knowledge and skills which is why I am truly grateful to be a part of this amazing school.