Student Leaders are involved with the planning and presentation of many events and represent the school throughout the community. As some of the busiest and most well-known students at Nayland, one of their tasks is to be interrogated for the school newsletter. Some time ago we caught up with Jaxon Marshall. Next we’ll speak with Emma Barnes-Wetere of the student leaders. Student Journalist Finn Kerby-Pinguet interviews.

What inspired you to become a student leader?

“Since I was a junior at Nayland College I had always looked up to the student leaders for the way they made school assemblies fun and set an example as positive students that embrace opportunities within our school and celebrate student success.“

What subjects are you studying? 

“This year I am studying Media Studies, English, Music, Spanish and Geography”

What encouragement do you give to Year 9's and new students to Nayland?

“Make the most of all the opportunities available to you and be kind to yourself and others.”

What do you hope/plan to do after college?

“After college I am going to study Law and Māori Studies at Victoria University in Wellington.”

What is your favourite thing about Nayland?

“My favourite things about Nayland are the people and the supportive environment. I have met many great people at Nayland and because of the support of fellow students and teachers I have taken up opportunities which have resulted in me reaching achievements I am proud of.”

What responsibilities do student leaders hold?

“The main responsibilities of a student leader are to represent the school at public events or when visiting other schools, to run assemblies and make them engaging for students and to lead the student council.”

With Student Leaders representing Nayland in many events across the Nelson community and presenting assemblies, they are the major leaders and role models of Nayland College. Emma herself is involved in a variety of activities and projects around the school.

Other than student leadership, what other things are you doing/involved in at Nayland?

“I am involved in Puaha Te Tai (our Kapa Haka group), the student council, Māori student council, I am a peer mentor, and I am part of the school debating club as I represented Kahurangi-Marlborough at the National Secondary School debating tournament this year. Some projects I have been working on this year within our school include planting 62 native plants at Nayland thanks to a grant I was awarded from the Sir Peter Blake Trust and campaigning alongside fellow student Taea Staples for the Tino Rangatiratanga flag to fly at our school.”

How would you encourage your house to get involved with school events and win the house cup?

“While winning the house cup is exciting, I think it is more rewarding to simply get involved with opportunities within the school to have fun and try new things and the house points are simply an added bonus.”

Thank you to Emma for the interview and supplying an image.