As part of the Kete Wana programme in the Junior College, the students are able to obtain their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards in 'Do the Duke', which finishes with a three-day backcountry journey.

This year was another very successful trip and our students performed at the highest level, both with their leadership and friendships they formed over the trip.

This was many of the students' first experience in the New Zealand backcountry and they adapted to life away from the comforts of home with ease. I was especially proud of their ability to organise their own food, cooking and clean up, without input from the staff accompanying them. The biggest take away for the students would be for the bonds they created with each other, many noting how fun the trip was because of the people they shared it with.

The overall highlight of the trip was on the second day, where the students walked for 10 hours to reach the summit of Mt Somers, a vertical height gain of 938 metres over 6 kilometres, only to return the same way. A testament to their fitness and positively, they still managed to play 'duck duck goose' back at the hut later (while the staff sat exhausted inside the hut).

A special mention goes to Juanita Miln (Science kaiako) and Craig Dalzell (reliever) who both agreed to come on the trip with me, stepping in at the last minute to cover for other staff who couldn't make it. They both deserve a huge pat on the back. Thank you so much! And to Nathan for all the organising and preparation before the trip, ka pai.

Students on the trip:

Tasman Cook (Silver)

Xian Millar

Scott Kenton (Silver)

Santi Montejo (Silver)

Eli Watson

Sophie Munro

Bianca Luong

Ruby Comfort

Hazel McNulty

Ruby McAllister

Lily Nicholls