Book Corner

Who are you?

Talofa Lava! My name is Leila Curry and I am a Year 13 student at Rangitoto College. Whether I am contributing to the Pasifica space within the PA tutor class or spending quality time with my aiga at home, these connections keep me grounded and motivated. I also balance my studies with hard mahi at the gym, which allows me to stay active and spend time with my best friends.

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

When I’m not hitting the books at Rangitoto College, I find that hanging out with my friends and whānau, combined with going to the gym, provides the perfect balance that keeps me happy and grounded.

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

When I was much younger (during my primary years), one book that truly stuck with me was The Gruffalo.

Describe why that book is memorable to you.

The Gruffalo was and remains memorable to me because it is firmly linked to my childhood memories of my dad and my family. Growing up, the story was more than just a book; it was a reflection of the values my whānau taught me—specifically, to never judge a book by its cover.

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

• Verity by Colleen Hoover
• The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle
• The Gone series by Michael Grant
• It Ends with Us and It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

What do you love about our library?

One thing I love about the Rangitoto College Library is the massive variety of genres, as well as the inclusive and inviting librarians who help out whenever they can.

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

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson has taught me that just when you think you have a complete understanding of how people function and why, you’re not even scratching the surface. There is far more complexity to human behavior than we give credit for; it’s taught me that true communication isn’t about getting others to understand me, but about me taking the time to understand them.

What are you currently reading?

Atomic Habits – James Clear

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

If you’re looking to gather a deeper understanding of how the human brain functions regarding creating good habits or learning to read other peoples’ emotions, then both Atomic Habits and Surrounded by Idiots are great reads. However, if you’re looking for a fiction book that will keep you guessing and get you addicted to reading, then The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle is the one.

What’s your favourite book, and why?

The Girl in the Mirror because not only did it reignite my love for reading and keep me guessing until the very end, but I also loved how it challenged my perceptions of truth and deception. This story, much like my interest in human psychology, reminds me that there is always a deeper, more intricate reality hidden behind the masks people choose to wear. Even the ones you love may not have your back 100%…

Why do you think people should read?
Reading is a form of disconnection from the real world. It allows you to not only take a breath and let the world continue while you get lost in a different reality, but also to build a deeper sense of empathy by living a thousand different lives through the eyes of others.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

My mother, my father, Indya Luke, Billie Werry, and Luke Thompson. (There are more people, but these are the people who constantly push me to be better.)

What are some mottos you live by?

• Everything happens for a reason.
• Balance is key to everything you do.
• Build a life you feel is worth living.
• Don’t give up on something you cannot go a day without thinking about.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

My ideal Sunday would be: wake up at 9:00am, hit a heavy-weight and intense workout, drive home and pick up a loaf of fresh bread so my whānau and I can make sandwiches and sit in the sun to chat, reset and clean my room and house, then to end the day, shower and get dressed up for a yummy dinner with my girls.

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

When life seems tough, look at the journey you have embarked on so far and remind yourself that you have come so far in your personal journey and school journey. Your past challenges are simply proof that you have the strength to handle whatever comes next.

Who are you?

My name is Rui-Han and I am in Year 13. I am a Deputy Head Student and one of the Academic Leadership Team leaders for 2026. I have lived on the Shore my whole life, and I went to Northcross Intermediate, Browns Bay Primary School, and Taiaotea Kindergarten! My parents moved from Malaysia to Browns Bay about 38 years ago, and my mum actually went to Rangitoto College too!

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

I am involved in lots of community work and volunteering. My hobbies are running (a lot!), walking the dog, and also reading. I spend most of my time after school working on event planning for my leadership involvements, which I am quite passionate about. I love watching the leaders in my team grow throughout the events and challenges we face.

What’s your favourite book, and why?

My favourite book is Human Acts by Han Kang. It is based on the historical event of the Gwangju Uprising and explores the nature of human connections and empathy in the face of political unrest. It is my favourite book because of how Kang used a second-person perspective (“you”) to directly connect readers to the trauma of the characters. This was quite confrontational, but I believe the lessons in this book are extremely relevant in the era of political unrest and the looming threat of World War III. I loved how the book, through the characters’ traumatic experiences, voiced the importance of empathy—empathy to understand other people’s perspectives and empathy to connect with others despite our differences.

Why do you think people should read?

I think people should read because it expands your worldview and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas. For me, opening a book is like opening a treasure chest because there is so much valuable knowledge to learn from authors of different backgrounds and experiences. If you have time to doomscroll, I reckon opening a book is more worth your time.

What are some mottos you live by?

I’d like to give a shoutout to my maths teacher, Mr. Dai. Before our calculus exams, he gave us a short essay by Helen Keller called Three Days to See. Helen’s experience as a deafblind author made that essay much more impactful, as she comments on how she thinks each human should experience blindness and deafness for a few days of their life. This is because “darkness would make him more appreciative of sight; silence would teach him the joys of sound.” I live by the motto of that essay: to be grateful and appreciate each day of living. My favourite quote from the essay is: “I have thought it would be an excellent rule to live each day as if we should die tomorrow.”

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday.

My perfect Saturday is waking up at 6am to do some study, and then volunteering for the pre-event set-up role at my local parkrun at Sherwood Reserve. If you don’t know, parkrun is a free community event where you can walk or run 5 kilometres. I would highly recommend you come along! The atmosphere is great and supportive. It’s at 8am every Saturday, with locations across Auckland, New Zealand, and around the world too.

My favourite part of Sunday is going for a long run, about 18–20 km. I recently discovered a great coastal route at Long Bay Regional Park. It’s a bit hilly, but the view of the ocean is worth it. I also saw lots of cows, rabbits, and rolling green hills, which is much nicer than running next to roads.

Who are you?

Kia ora! I’m Aadrisa Kumar, a Year 13 student at Rangitoto College. I was born in the South Island of New Zealand and I am of Indian descent. I’m honoured to be a Deputy Head Student this year, as well as a Culture and Globalisation leader. I love cooking and consider myself a bit of a foodie as well! My favourite cuisines are Thai and Vietnamese.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. It’s a mystery set on a remote island during a wedding, where things slowly start to unravel. I’m nearly halfway through the book, and I’m really enjoying how the story is told from different characters’ points of view. Each chapter reveals new backgrounds and makes you rethink what you thought you knew before. It’s just super cool how it shows that each character is part of a multitude of perspectives that all intertwine to create an end result!

What’s a message from reading that you’ve learnt?

One character from a book I’ve read is really interesting because she’s insecure and tends to focus on the negative. That’s how she sees herself and the world around her. It’s a reminder that what we focus on, and concentrate on, is what we end up noticing the most. For example, if I start looking for yellow cars, suddenly I notice yellow cars everywhere! However, it’s not that there are actually more of them; it’s just what my attention is drawn to. The same goes for positivity: if you look for positivity, you’ll notice more positivity around you. 🙂

What are some mottos you live by?

STAY POSITIVE! Your smile can echo for those who can’t express theirs.

What’s your favourite genre?

To be honest, I’ve always been all about mystery novels. What I find especially interesting about them is how they show that situations often come down to different perspectives. It’s a HUGE reminder to stay open-minded and be willing to understand people’s points of view. I’m also a HUGE fan of Agatha Christie! I love a good whodunnit, especially when the ending completely surprises me every time.

Why do you think people should read?

I really value connection and understanding others. I always try to talk to new people because I know that connections help us grow, thrive, and support each other! I think reading is similar in a way. Books allow us to step into other people’s experiences and ways of thinking. There are so many different perspectives in the world, and by understanding those stories, we become more connected to the people around us!

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

I want to be a version of myself that inspires others to stay positive and be unapologetically themselves. I really believe that people should embrace their authentic selves, because if you’re not being yourself, you’re not really doing it right. In the future, I hope I can continue encouraging people to be open-minded, kind, and confident in who they are!!!

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Florence and I am very lucky to be an arts leader and deputy head girl this year. I was born and grew up in Santiago, Chile, where I lived until I was ten. Moving here was quite the change, going from a big city to a much smaller coastal city and speaking only Spanish to trying to navigate school and life in English. However, I couldn’t be more grateful. I love the ocean, long nature walks, and I absolutely adore English as a subject now!!

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

I am really big on the arts. I have been part of the school choirs and productions since I was in Year 9, but even when I’m not the one performing, I love to watch plays, musicals, movies, and ballet, and go to art galleries. Outside of the arts, I love going for long walks around the beach, baking, and hanging out with my friends.

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

One that specifically comes to mind is an Argentinian comic book series called Gaturro by Nik. There are so many of these comics (I remember having up to comic 28!) and they are about a cat called Gaturro and his life. My favourite characters were Gaturro’s love interest, Agatha (who was definitely not interested back), and Gaturro’s spider friend, Arañita. When I was little, my dad would read these to my siblings and me before bed and would always do an Argentinian accent, which would make us laugh for hours.

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

I’ve actually really enjoyed most of the books I’ve read at school. In terms of novels, I loved reading some of the classics like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. But I think my absolute favourite texts have been Shakespeare plays! I started loving these when I read Macbeth in Year 10 and then Coriolanus and Othello in my senior years. And even though they’re not really books, the poems by Maya Angelou have been very influential in my time at school, especially ‘Phenomenal Woman’.

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

A book that I read recently is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It is about a woman who, after dying, goes to the ‘in-between’ of life and death; for her, this in-between is a library. Here, she is able to look at all the possibilities of her life and what would have happened if she could undo her regrets. Most of the book is dedicated to her going to these alternate realities with the goal to find the reality which is the most perfect. She quickly finds out that none of the worlds are truly perfect, ultimately going back to the one she had her original life in. I feel like you always hear the saying that the grass is always greener on the other side of the pasture, but this book really internalized that idea for me. Since reading this book, I have been much more grateful for all the things I get to do every day, being proud and confident in the decisions I make, good and bad, knowing that these will all combine for the greater good, creating the world destined for me.

What are you currently reading?

Since we are back at school, most of my current reading is for class. Our novel study for Year 13 is a book called Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka. Also for class, I have been reading some of the plays by Euripides; so far I’ve read Medea, Hecabe, and Electra. I have really enjoyed all of these; they’re definitely not what I was expecting from ancient Greek plays, with most of them having themes of murder, revenge, and grief, but with some of these themes being so strong, it is almost comical at times. And outside of class, I have been getting through Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, both of which are absolutely amazing so far with some of the best world-building I’ve ever read in books!

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

I would definitely recommend most of the Shakespeare plays as good reads outside of school. I know that because they’re studied in school, a lot of people don’t really enjoy reading Shakespeare plays, but I think that most people should give these another chance! I personally love Macbeth and Hamlet and have read quite a few other plays in my free time. After a while of reading Shakespeare, you really do get used to reading in Early Modern English, which helps develop your vocabulary and understanding of complex texts. Most of the plays deal with themes way beyond their time, and there are some absolutely hilarious one-liners.

What’s your favourite book, and why?

I have to say that my favourite book is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I am a very big fan of murder mystery books, and this one definitely has some interesting twists that make it a million times better. I first read this book when I was in Year 10 and absolutely loved it; it is probably one of the few books I have ever read in one sitting. It is about a group of people who all randomly get called to an island, but when they get there, strange things start happening. The book has a very well-thought-out and intricate plot line that keeps you guessing until the very end. There is quite a bit of characterisation at the start; however, this just helps in creating a very haunting feel when reading it, and around the middle of the book, the plot picks up suddenly. The ending is somewhat open-ended, which I don’t usually like with mystery books, but for this book, it is probably my favourite thing about it. It leaves you with the same sense of eeriness and confusion as the rest of the book does, so every time I’ve thought about this book since I read it, I am taken straight back to the world of mystery and horror that Christie created.

What are some mottos you live by?

“Fear is temporary, regret is forever; always live life to the fullest.” “Perfect is the enemy of good.” — Voltaire

“A hug is always the right size.” — Winnie the Pooh

“If you need to start something again remember: you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.”

“The only time you’ll ever truly fail is when you’ve given up.”

Who are you?

My name is Macsen Frith, a Year 13 student. Sports are a huge part of who I am, especially rugby. I’ve been playing rugby for around 14 years, with the last 3 years being for the school’s 1st XV, which has been an awesome experience. I come from a pretty active family as well and have two brothers, Cohan (who is in Year 10) and Caius, so we are always competing with each other. When I’m not training or playing rugby, I enjoy spending time with my friends or going to the beach, which is one of my favourite ways to relax.

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

When I have free time, I always like to get out and do something. I enjoy spending time exploring waterfalls or just heading out into nature. As we live so close to the beach, I feel like it would be a shame if I didn’t take advantage of it.

What’s a book you remember reading or having read to you when you were younger?

When I was younger, my mum would read to me every night. My favourites were Roald Dahl or David Walliams books because the imagination and humour made reading fun. I’ve actually been lucky enough to meet David Walliams and have a conversation with him.

What are some mottos you live by?

A motto I live by is “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” It reminds me to always work hard and do my best, because you never know when the right chance will come along. This motto stuck with me because it applies to both school and sports. If you put the effort in, you’ll be able to seize the opportunities when they arise.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

My perfect Saturday would be spent playing for the 1st XV in front of a huge home crowd and winning. There is nothing better than the atmosphere of a home game with the crowd cheering, the intensity of the game, and the feeling that the team’s effort in training has paid off.

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

For the future, I plan on going to either Auckland or Canterbury University next year to do a commerce degree, but I also dream of keeping rugby a big part of my life. Ideally, I’d love to play professionally either here or in Wales and continue challenging myself both on and off the field.

Who are you?

Kia ora! My name is Mikey, and I’m one of the Deputy Head Students and Māori leaders of our kura.

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

I love getting into a creative zone in my brain. A lot of the time I’m drawing, painting, or collaging. I also love the outdoors, whether it’s swimming, hiking, or running. I try to go on a cheeky run four times a week.

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

When I was younger, I was really into Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Describe why that book is memorable to you.

The book serves as a memory to me as it showed me how far your imagination can go as a child, and why we should keep that imagination alive as we venture through life.

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

I enjoyed reading Fahrenheit 451 in my Year 11 English class with Mr Birchall. It taught me that today’s world is what you make it. You can be boring and follow meaningless authorities, or be yourself and believe in what matters to you.

What do you love about our library?

I love the reading rooms and their relaxed environment.

Why do you think people should read?

I think people should read as it helps them to gain knowledge. It’s so easy to get information online, but a book teaches you things that aren’t so easy to find.

What are some mottos you live by?

“You can be cold, wet, and miserable, or just cold and wet.” I like to keep this in my mind as it reminds me that there’s always a brighter side to challenges and conflict that may come up in life.

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

I hope to live a life full of experiences and opportunities. I also hope to be healthy and fit even when my wrinkles come.

Who are you?

Whaea Amanda, aka Mrs Uenuku. I am a kaiako of English, Year 13 Dean, and Te Kaihapai—I tautoko Matua Ke’arn in his role as the Kaihautu.

What’s your claim to fame?

I was once a New Zealand Junior Judo Representative and won a few medals; I have been on a few kids’ TV programmes like What Now and Fanimals, but also appeared a few times on news and current affairs programmes in the past.

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

I love being involved in kaupapa Māori and watching/managing teams when my kids play sports.

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

I love the mahi that the school does around ensuring our Māori and Pacifica learners and whānau are supported both academically and culturally.

What were you doing before this role?

I was down the hill at Murrays Bay Intermediate School for several years as a teacher aide and then as a classroom teacher. I also supported Mrs Aporo with Kapa Haka. Long before that, I worked in the prison and court systems with prisoners.

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?

Picture books growing up were traditionally Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books, the hardcover Little Golden Books series, and of course, you can’t go past Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary. Growing up past those, it was definitely the original The Baby-Sitters Club book series and my favourite, the Lucy Daniels Animal Ark series.

What are you currently reading?

I’m a chronic “mood-reader.” I like to have a few things on the go so I can match my reading to my energy. If I need a mindset shift, I go to Mel Robbins; if I want to escape, it’s Sarah J. Maas. It keeps reading from feeling like a chore:

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (Social Media Recommendation)
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (a reread since she’s now gone viral—my friend used to review her books for Goodreads when she first published them and was an emerging author)
• Tui Pea Luva by Mele Tonga-Grant (Pasifika-influenced poetry)
• Tamaki-Makaurau: Myths and Legends of Auckland Landmarks by Edith Phillips-Gibson (as I have just finished teaching aetiological stories to my Year 9s)

I also count my podcasts as part of my “reading” list because they’re how I digest stories on the go: Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie for that relatable energy, and Nurse John or Teachers Off Duty for some added humour!

What do you/will you love reading to your kids?

If it’s my students—books that they can relate to and connect with. If it’s my mokos at home—sophisticated picture books with bright colours and rhyme to help them find that joy and love of reading.

What’s your favourite book?

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. I love it because it’s a realistic take on life. It doesn’t just promise success; it acknowledges that there will be “lurches,” “slumps,” and “The Waiting Place.” It’s an honest roadmap for life. It celebrates the highs but doesn’t shy away from the fact that sometimes things go wrong. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens, you have to keep your feet moving.

What are some mottos you live by? *

• “Do the mahi, get the treats”—work hard to get what you seek. It puts the power in my hands. It says that my success isn’t down to luck; it’s down to my output. If I want something, I know exactly what I need to do: get to work.
• “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—it’s my moral compass. I believe that if you want respect, you give it. If you want help when you’re down, you offer it when someone else is. It’s about putting the energy into the world that you want to receive back.

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

“Mess up, fess up”—adults are here to tautoko you through the hard stuff, but we can only help you with what we know or what you tell us. You learn from your mistakes and can move on.

Who are you?

I’m Hyung Lee. This year, I have the privilege of being one of the Year 13 Deans. Outside of school, I am a father of two, which keeps me busy and grounded. In the classroom and on the field, I teach Mathematics and Physical Education.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?
I love the mechanical honesty of motorcycles. There’s a specific kind of “inner peace” you find when you’re leaning into a corner while Edith Piaf’s songs are playing in your helmet. It’s a strange contrast, but it works.

What are you currently reading?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. As someone who isn’t a “bookworm,” this one stuck with me because it isn’t really about bikes. It’s about the concept of quality. It taught me that whether you are solving a complex equation or fixing a machine, the care you put into the process is what matters most.

What’s your favourite book?

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim. I really cherish this book. Although it’s originally a Korean book, it helps me relax and feel much lighter. It’s the perfect book to read when you need a mental break.

What are some mottos you live by?

“Consistency over intensity.” Anyone can work hard for one day; the person who shows up every day wins.

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

Stop worrying so much about the finish line. Year 13 is a high-pressure environment, and everyone is asking you about your “final results.” Focus on your daily habits. If you are consistent in your effort and your character, the grades and the future plans will fall into place naturally.