We want to thank all our whānau who came to celebrate the success of our tauira at the 2024 Māori Success Evening.

The evening began with a performance from kapa haka, who sang with grace and pride. Our Manukura spoke both in Māori and English about the events they and the Māori Council have run this year, as well as advice for students to take with them into the future.

Check out all of our winners below!

RAPID Awards

RAPID are our school values. These students were nominated by kaiako for representing one or more of these values.

Manaaki Tangata - Respect

Tahana Katipa

One of the top performers in Social Studies, Tahana also has always demonstrated great respect for teachers and peers.

Te Aohou Davis Walker

Te has had a rough year but he turns up everyday and tries to be respectful to staff and especially his less able peers. He is quite the gentleman!

Javondrei Ranginui 

His work ethic is outstanding and his ability to stay on task and do the best he can in everything he does shows respect for himself and others.

Jessica Mouranga

She shows care, support and respect for others.

Jada Tulaga

She is an amazing student who is always very respectful.

Zy Bella Hart-Baty 

Zy Bella consistently exemplifies respect across all areas of Sports Studies. She is empathetic, supportive, and unfailingly respectful, serving as a role model for her peers.

Harlem Whiu 

The team at Hillcrest Childcare are so pleased to have Harlem volunteer at our centre. He is great with ngā tamariki and engages with them at their level, this is important for young tamariki as it shows respect. He supports kaiako by offering to clean up during busy transition times (ie: morning tea). He show great initiative, stepping up to help without being prompted, is respectful and enthusiastic, best of all he shows great commitment by showing up on time and arriving each week. We have a lot of positive feedback about having male influence at our centre from kaiako, whānau and tamariki!

JD Harris 

JD consistently demonstrates Manaaki Taagata in our Metal Work. I am always impressed by the way he interacts respectfully and positively with others.

Wiremu Dickson

Wiremu is always respectful, and speaks with a soft tone with everyone. He treats teachers and his peers with mana. Wiremu always tries his best in class, and helps his peers to do their best too.

Harmony Waretini

Harmony is not only a hardworking student, she is also a very positive and friendly classroom participant. She is very cooperative with her classmates and always puts others first while managing to get her own work completed to a very a high standard. Mrs Bardsley writes that Harmony is incredibly inclusive of others and her ability to connect to texts is chef’s kiss Harmony encapsulates the whakatauki ‘Kāore te kumara e kōrero ana mo tōna ake reka - the kumara does not brag about its sweetness’ - through her humble approach to excellence.

Kelly Wharepapa

A well behaved student who demonstrated great respect for peers and teachers.

Caius Piripi

Over the past couple of years, Caius has shown both growth and maturity, evolving into a positive leader among his peers. He guides others both inside and outside of the classroom setting.

Caylee Knox

Kindness and helpfulness working with the cast and crew for the Year 13 production.

Eke Pānuku - Aim

Samuel Doake

Samuel has consistently achieved outstanding grades in his internal PE assessments, reflecting his exceptional dedication and effort. This year, he exhibited impressive leadership by leading the Sheppard haka. Samuel's commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire and assist those around him make him a remarkable role model.

Tanner Kopeke

Tanner's ideas in their writing are expressed in an articulate, detailed and thoughtful manner. Tanner offers insightful and original reflections and opinions on a range of texts.

Matthew Hemara

Producing excellent, well thought out work in 9JEEP and always aiming to do the best that he can.

Rayhan Maitai

Working diligently and effectively on two roles for the year 13 production after picking up Drama at Level 3.

Leila Steward

Leila consistently strives for excellence in all areas of Health and Physical Education. She demonstrates significant dedication, consistently performing at her highest level. Leila’s leadership and exemplary behaviour make her a role model for her peers.

Charlotte Jamieson

Charlotte is a lifelong learner, she aims to be the best she can be in everything that she does. She shows genuine wonder and awe at the world around her.

Samara Cribb

Samara has earned Excellence grades in all her Sport Studies assessments this year, demonstrating exceptional performance and dedication. Her outstanding sporting abilities, active participation in extracurricular activities, and academic excellence make her a truly exemplary all-around student and a role model for her peers.

Samara is a natural leader and a high achiever who shows all of the qualities we want from our akonga at Hillcrest. She is respectful and humble, while quietly succeeding in academics, sports, Kapa Haka, student councils, and much more.

Roman Mouranga

Roman's work ethic in English is impeccable. His writing is convincing and demonstrates a thorough critical understanding of a range of texts.

Georgia Ryan

Excellent participation in JEEP. Georgia has produced some great work and offers well.

Khloe Raru

Khloe always comes to class with a really positive attitude. She is open to learning and very generous in sharing her thoughts and ideas to support the learning of others.

Kelly Wharepapa

Kelly is an outstanding student in English. She strives for high standards, and contributes to class discussions with a te ao Māori perspective. 

Ryse Whioke-Taylor

Ryse is a Year 12 student in my Year 13 Digital Media class. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and talent. Her work is outstanding!

Ella Cooney

I teach Ella for both Art History and Art Sculpture, she is a dedicated- and creative art student. She is self-motivated and an independent thinker and consistently works to an ‘Excellence' capacity.

Katelyn Wharepapa 

For continually working to a high standard, taking on challenges and embracing her learning.

Shaeden Rudolph 

Shaeden has worked consistently throughout the year in Hospitality. He always approaches his tasks with a positive attitude and aims to produce the best possible dish he can. Sheaden is always polite and friendly. An absolute credit to his whanau and himself.

Jaz Grey

For their contributions to class, helping her classmates and always looking to further her learning.

Taylor Aretere
Taylor has made remarkable progress over the last two years, particularly in improving his attendance. This positive shift reflects a growing sense of responsibility and commitment to his education. He is a polite student who has come a long way.

Mahia te Mahi - Persevere

Gabby Baucke

Showing leadership at the Otumoetai Sports Exchange by leading the karanga at the pōwhiri.

Shanti McKoy

She is an excellent all round student who has pushed herself consistently to achieve at a high level.

Nga Puhi Hemopo

Nga Puhi has worked consistently this year through a massive Level 2 English workload. It is hard to select just one category to commend her on. She carries herself with grace and patience. Her work reflects an understanding of the world and a connection with whaanau and place.

Te Aohou Davis-Walker

He has shown the development in the qualities of Mahia te mahi as the year has progressed.

This is seen particularly in his Mathletics work. He often completes extra tasks outside of class time and takes pride in his achievements/successes.

Rahera Kani

Rahera worked really hard with her team to produce a delicious product for Market Day, and wrote a clear and concise Business Plan with her team.

Corbin Radford

He toka tū moana. This whakatauaki conveys a sense of durability; akin to a rock pounded by the surf. It represents standing upright, steadfast and strong – resilient against all elements. Able to withstand all challenge, to defy all opposition.

Cali Smith

Her striving to be the best she can in all situations both academic and cocurricular. Cali volunteers at the Kai Kitchen regularly.

Neve O’Hallaran-Newman

Neve showing leadership skills at the Otumoetai Sports Exchange by leading the Karanga at the pōwhiri.

Dante Williams

Striving to be the best in all he does.

Tyreese Tataurangi

Tyreese has consistently shown mahia te mahi. He has relished the challenges and grown immensely in skill and confidence.

Hana Hughes
She is dedicated and hardworking student who consistently and quietly strives for excellence.

Pānia Gallagher
Pania has shown perseverance in Chemistry this year. Even though she has found the subject difficult at times, she has worked hard. She has been attending lunch tutorials, and has shown courage by asking for help/requesting further explanation, to ensure she has a good understanding of the concepts being taught. Kia kaha Pania!

Samuel Doake

Always aims to do his best and is achieving with Excellence in Art due to his perseverance and work ethic.

Zoe Van Den Bosch

Zoe has had some ups and downs and challenges this year, but she has been determined to succeed anyway. She has risen above these challenges to succeed academically, gaining NCEA level 2 before the end of term 3, and making a positive impression in her trades course.

Samantha Roberts

Samantha and a group of her friends produced nicely presented stationery products to sell at our Year 10 Commerce Market Day. She followed through from a business plan. She had creative flair in creating an attractive product for students at school.

Halena Haggie

Halena consistently demonstrates Mahia te mahi in our class. I am always impressed with the way she takes complete ownership of her learning and strives towards success.

Micaiah Everitt 

Micaiah joined the class later in Term 1.  He has worked through the workload of L2 English to complete the internals and specifically has put a lot of work into his Reading Logs.  He readily communicates and is an honest individual.  Micaiah has managed the workload and needs to take stock of what he has achieved in English to date.

Whakapakari Pūmanawa ngā Pūkenga - Identify

Mena Paul

For having a strong understanding of who she is.

Kyah Faiers

Kyah has exemplified whakaakari pūmanawa ngā pūkenga not just through her work in te reo Pākehā, but also in her desire to succeed as a student at Tihipuke.

Uenuku McKoy

Uenuku has shown a strong desire to succeed in English this year. He persevered through nerves to present a speech about the importance of learning te reo Māori. His confidence in te reo Pākehā has increased immensely this year and it has been wonderful to see. Uenuku has also been volunteering at Hillcrest Community Childcare, which has opened up new experiences to learn new skills. He is great with ngā tamariki and supports kaiako by offering to clean up during busy transition times (ie: morning tea). We have a lot of positive feedback about having male influence at our centre from kaiako, whaanau and tamariki!

Shaeden Rudolph

This year, Shaeden has been a part of 2NUiCODE, an Iwi run digital coding program, which has also allowed him to be part of a digital and innovation haerenga to San Francisco. This fully exemplifies the kaupapa of Maori ākonga succeeding as Maori.

Kororia Grace

Kororia has let her leadership skills shine in Drama. She saw an area of expertise in organising her peers, so was our stage manager for the L1 Children's Theatre scenes and then worked with a group for a performance scene, leading korero with her rōpū about the purpose of the play Waiora.

Harlynn Samuels-Brown 

Harlynn is a lovely student who consistently demonstrates politeness, hard work, and dedication in all areas. She approaches her studies with a positive attitude and is always respectful to both her peers and teachers. Harlynn's strong work ethic and commitment to doing her best makes her an all-round excellent student. 

Whaipainga Rerenga Kētanga me ngā Rerekētanga - Diversity 

Prestyn Hiakita-Case 

He brings his Te Ao Māori knowledge to the classroom and shares with all. Prestyn is never afraid to correct the pronunciation of kupu and contributes to class discussions with his perspective, which is centred in te ao Māori.

Rahera Kani

Rahera has a strong sense of self and culture. Her work has consistently shown her connection to Te Ao Maaori. Rahera is a talented and impassioned speaker.

Dezahray-Rose Beazley

For contributions to Pasifika

Petiwaea Thompson

For contributions to Pasifika

Samara Cribb

For contributions to Pasifika

Huruwai Davoren

For contributions to Pasifika

Shanti McKoy

For contributions to Pasifika

Whaea Miria Awards

This is a new award to recognise both the amazing work that our Student Engagement Officer does, but also the mahi our students have put in to improving their participation at school. 

JD Otis-Harris

JD was initially missing a day here and there until he eventually disengaged from school and refused to attend. With the support of his whānau, he has been attending more frequently. JD is also committed to his passion and skill in league, playing in the regional club competition and recently making the Niuean team.

Verna Field 

Verna started at HHS in April. She was initially attending 2/3 days a week and is now attending full-time. She has made the most progress with attendance this term.

Deans’ Awards

These awards are ones that have been put forward by the deans of each year level to recognise the outstanding progress or contribution made by these students.

Year 9 - Max Kahukura

Max Kahukura receives the Year 9 RAPID Award for displaying honesty and integrity in his interactions with others. He has achieved well in the classroom. He has shown that he can persevere through challenges and always aims to do his best in the classroom. Max has transitioned into a great member of the Hillcrest High School community participating in all school activities including Cross Country, Athletics Day and the Junior Innovation Academy. Max can be very proud of his efforts as he epitomises the RAPID values of our Kura. Congratulations Max.

Year 10 - Leila Steward

Leila exemplifies our school’s RAPID values, and we are proud to have her as a member of our Year 10 team. She is the recipient of the Year 10 RAPID Award, recognizing her commitment and dedication both inside the classroom and within her extracurricular activities. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and resilience. A true mana wahine, Leila leads by example and embraces every challenge with confidence and a smile. 

Year 11 - Kororia Grace

Kororia has shown persistence in dedication in finding a purpose to education. She is a great role model for her peers. She is a leading light in the trades academy.

Year 12 - Kyah Faiers

Kyah has shown significant growth and maturity over the past two years, particularly within the Te Ao Māori space. She is able to confidently guide others in embracing and understanding Māori culture. Kyah's improved attendance reflects a deeper commitment to her personal and academic growth. 

Year 13 - Maraea Tahana

Maraea Tahana is an all-rounder. She is a strong academic, she has been involved in sports and she has participated in different activities across the school. This year we were particularly proud of her success in the Waikato University Management School's Leadership Academy. This year she also had an essential role in managing the backstage of our Year 13 production. Maraea should be so proud of the young person she is today and we are grateful to have her as a part of our Tihipuke whānau.

Major Trophies

Most Accomplished Māori Sportsperson - Shanti McKoy

• Represented Waikato at the Inter-provincial U17 IPC Beach volleyball (top seed 8th)

• Represented Hillcrest High School  at the Inter-school beach volleyball team (9th)

• Selected captain for  U17s IPC Indoor Volleyball (unable to play at Nationals due to injury)

• Represented U18 Aotearoa Māori Poirewa in Thailand as the Captain (August, 2024)

• WaiBop for long jump and 200m

• Waikato touch U16 B

• 2024 Hillcrest High School Netball premier

• 4th in school cross-country.

Top Māori Student in the Arts - Ella Cooney and Cameron Holmes

Ella Cooney is an Excellence student who does both Art History and Sculpture. 

Callum Holmes has had outstanding performances in the 2024 Shakespeare production playing King Duncan in Macbeth and Mr Woodhouse in the Year 13 production Emma. His contribution to Drama at Hillcrest High school this year has been exceptional. 

Junior Contribution to Whānau - Leila Steward and Uenuku McKoy

Uenuku is a great student and becoming a great leader within whānau. Uenuku has participated in the Māori council giving his input and ideas. He has also done a ko wai ahau presentation to whānau where we learnt more about where he is from, hobbies, whānau and his plans for the future. Uenuku has been doing awesome things in whānau and we look forward to seeing him develop into the young leader he is becoming. Haere taka mua, taka muri; kaua e whai. 

Leila is an awesome leader not only within whānau but throughout the whole kura. Leila is an allrounder with her success in sports and her success with her education and is always looking for ways to help out in whānau. Leila is part of the Māori council and has been helping with running events at the kura, as well as adding her own ideas and opinions in meetings. Leila has also done a ko wai ahau presentation to whānau where we learnt more about where she is from, her hobbies, whānau and her plans for the future. Leila has helped us with every fundraiser we have organised for whānau and never hesitates when asked to do something or help out. We look forward to seeing Leila keep succeeding in her hobbies and schooling and develop into the young leader she is. Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. 

Senior Contribution to Whānau - Petiwaea Thompson

Petiwaea is one of our manukura and a great leader within whānau. Petiwaea started off the ko wai ahau presentations in whānau with an awesome powerpoint explaining who she is, where she comes from, her whānau, her hobbies and her plans for the future with passion and set the bar high for the other presentations. She has run the Māori council this year setting up meetings and running events and activities throughout Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Petiwaea has been a great leader within Kapa Haka, she stood at Koroneihana and has been a powerful leader and inspiration to others within this space. Petiwaea has been an awesome asset to whānau and we will miss her, we look forward to seeing her succeed in her next chapter and wish her the best. Mahia te mahi, hei painga mō te iwi.  

Most Improved in Kapa Haka (Senior) - Samara Cribb and Gabby Baucke

Samara and Gabby originally weren’t too keen on doing kapa haka, they were a bit whakamā about it. But their Dedication and hard work paid off at Koroneihana for these two students.  It's wonderful to see how much you have both grown both in your skills and confidence.  Keep inspiring whānau with your passion and commitment.  He kiri tuna kōrua, Mauri Ora!

Most Improved in Kapa Haka (Junior) - Aaliyah Browne and Shanaya Kaluthotage

Shanaya only moved to New Zealand from Sri Lanka at the end of last year. Since joining us in Aotearoa and Hillcrest, Shanaya has thrown herself into te ao Maori and kapa haka - she can often be seen around school with her poi as though it’s something she has been doing since birth.

Aalyiah has really stepped up from the time she committed herself to Kapa Haka and whanau hauora until now.  She works hard, and is dedicated to the kaupapa. She truly is inspirational and embodies Manaakitanga values always. 

Contribution to Kapa Haka - Hyraani Raupita and Kyah Faiers

We would like to commend these 2 students for their contributions to Kapa Haka.  Their commitment and dedication has really uplifted the group and their willingness to support and encourage other tauira is admirable.  Kia mau, kia ita! 

Contribution to Culture - Kaliyah Fatupaito

Kaliyah embodies the values of Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga.  She inspires other tauira to strive for excellence.  She has been selected for an amazing opportunity from Puhoro to attend “Nōku te Ao” initiative that will be held in Silicon Valley, San Francisco in December, It's a joy to see how she embraces her culture and uplift rangatahi in our kura.  We are so proud of you, Kaliyah.  

Hine-i-te-Rangi Memorial Trophy - Petiwaea Thompson 

The name of this trophy is the “Hine-i-Te-Rangi” memorial award. Hine-i-Te-Rangi is a celestial star that rises in the month of November, and is at its brightest in the early weeks of December. It symbolises new growth and prosperity. Tribal confederations outside of Waikato-Tainui refer to it as Hewa-i-Te-Rangi. There is of course, also a deeper level and connection within the name. For us, Hine refers to Hineanahera, which is Mereruhia’s name, and ‘i Te Rangi’ refers to Te Rangiataahua, thus combining the qualities and attributes of two of our bright stars who were tragically lost. The recipient of the Hine-i-Te-Rangi award has demonstrated an unapologetic commitment to kaupapa Maaori at Hillcrest High School.

Kaitaataki Tāne - Turongonui Raupita

This taonga honors a male leader for his remarkable contributions to Kapa Haka. Turongos steadfast commitment to Te Ao Māori within our school community extends beyond Kapa Haka to encompass all kaupapa Māori. In just one year at Tihipuke, he has inspired many and made a lasting positive impact on our kura. We are truly fortunate to have you, Turongo!

Kaitaataki Wāhine - Petiwaea Thompson

This taonga recognises a female leader and the contributions towards Kapa Haka.

Representing Tihipuke at Koroneihana last year and this year, her leadership in Kapa Haka is truly inspiring.  The way she brings everyone together, showcasing our culture with such passion and grace, makes a lasting impact. He Manu tioriori! Keep shining and leading with your beautiful spirit.  

Maori Learner Tuarua - Mia Green

33 Excellence Credits at Level 3

Overall Top Māori Academic - Jade Green

36 Excellence Credits at Level 3

Tihipuke Attitude and Leadership Trophy - Kaliyah Fatupaito

Kaliyah, we are so proud of the young adult you are today. You have worked consistently with a positive attitude and a hunger for education. Your enthusiasm and interest has taken you far in your journey, where you are now about to head off on two exciting adventures, first to America and then to Otago University where you have received a $17,500 Scholarship. You care deeply for your friends, you are respectful to your elders and you have always made the most of the opportunities given to you. As Manukura you have shown the younger rangatahi the power of being an intuitive leader. You are a leader who can instinctively gauge the mood and needs of the room. Your kind and caring nature has been an absolute gift to our kura.

A huge mihi to each and everyone of you for your contribution to the success of our rangatahi here at Hillcrest High School. We could not do it without our whānau, our kaiako, and our friends to support us along the way. Mauri ora!

A massive thank you to Whaea Casey and Whaea Erica for running an awesome celebration evening!