This year's College Prizegiving was different in several ways from previous years. Firstly it was a combined Junior and Senior one, and secondly, it was held in the evening.

Thirty minutes before the 7pm start about 150 members of our community gathered for the unveiling of a plaque in memory of our Deputy Principal Steve Parrant, who passed away last term.

During Prizegiving the Parrant family presented two trophies, named the Steve Parrant Legacy Trophies. One was for the student who best reflected our MANA values during the year, and the second was awarded to the staff-member who did the same.  These were awarded to year 12 student Massie Harvey and the staff recipients were Mr Bruce McIntyre and Mr Waynne Napier respectively.  

Retiring teachers Kevin and Sandy Brown were also honoured during the Prizegiving Ceremony, after serving the College for a total of 82 years. Kevin’s 47 years at Manawatu College included 17 years as Deputy Principal (1989 – 2008), whilst Sandy’s 35 years included eight years as an Assistant Principal.

Kevin has contributed enormously to Manawatu College in so many ways over the last 47 years, and in his caring, under-stated manner he positively impacted thousands of students and hundreds of adults who have passed through the College during his time here.

A legacy Kevin leaves for a new generation is the Cultural Exchange with Narita City, Japan (formerly the Shimofusa Exchange). Kevin has been the mainstay for this annual exchange which has been running for 23 years.

35 years of teaching service here at Manawatu College drew to a close on Monday for Sandy Brown.

Four words best describe Sandy’s qualities as a person and as a staff member:
CARING: Sandy cared deeply about her kids, and poured many, many hours into ensuring they had the best chances of success, especially those who had little support from home.
STRIVING: Always doing her best for her students. The countless hours of marking and correcting student workbooks.
PASSIONATE: About Canterbury, Field House, Manawatu College and giving her students the best opportunities for success.
FORTRIGHT: Telling it how it is, but with a wicked turn-of-phrase and sense of humour.

Kevin & Sandy can look back with pride at all they have contributed to their beloved students and College, and their legacies.  Thank you both.

At the beginning of term three, we also farewelled another senior staff member, Mr Allan Webb, who retired earlier than planned due to the sudden illness of his wife.  Allan contributed significantly to the efficient and effective running of the College, in particular, our finances. His expertise and attention to detail helped us to be in the strong financial situation we are in today.

Mrs Gailyn Garner also steps down from her position as Assistant Principal, after 18 years of overseeing a varying number of associated responsibilities. Her dedicated efforts contributing to attendance and events such as prizegivings running well are appreciated, as is her kind-hearted and generous nature.  I hasten to assure you all though that the sweet blonde-haired lady will continue to teach mathematics full-time and head up the faculty.

The Supreme Award winners for the evening were:

THE NATHAN GUY EMERGING LEADERS CUP
Meghan Davenport.

2018 ARTS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Sonya Enoka

2018 TE KOROWAI MATAURANGA
O NGA PUKENGA O NGA KETE WANANGA
Danien Bryant

2018 SPORT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Shelby Wells

2018 SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Saryah Chambers.

JUNIOR DUX
Brianna Strawbridge.

RUNNER UP TO DUX
Justin Jurgens

DUX AWARD
Meghan Davenport.

Congratulations to all of our students for their achievements in 2018.

Bruce McIntyre

Principal