Joseph Meleisea brings dedication and passion to the role as one of our four student leaders for 2019.

While his current position has only just started, Joseph has been involved with leadership opportunities since primary school. “I was house leader at Nayland Primary in year 6, and then I was sports leader in year 8 at Broadgreen Intermediate,” Joseph said.

Joseph has been focused on becoming a student leader since he first arrived at Nayland College. “When I came to Nayland, I knew I was going to take this school seriously and aim to go for student leader. From then on, I tried to send a good message to the teachers to show them that the role should be reserved for me.”

Joseph’s commitment and involvement in leadership goes beyond the school. He is also a youth leader for the Annesbrook Church Youth Group along with fellow student leader, Mia Faulkner.

An aim that Joseph has is to enhance the Māori culture within the school. “I really want to build the Māori culture here at Nayland ... I want to get people outside of the whānau class to come and join kapa haka and try to speak as much Te Reo Māori as possible around the school.”

Joseph explains that he is already finding his new role rewarding. “I like the platform that I’ve been given ... being able to have a voice for the students and being able to give them a chance to have their input.”

As a member of the senior boys volleyball team, boys choir, mixed choir and a keen basketball player, Joseph is involved with a variety of extra-curricular activities. He also has a lead role in the upcoming school production Oliver! “I have a lead role as Bill Sikes. I’m meant to act mean, but it’s way too hard for me to be mean.”

Joseph is also very proud of the growth he has seen during his time at Nayland with students' participation in the Nayland College haka. “In kapa haka group, we now see it not only as cool, but as an honor being able to do the school haka,” he said.

Next year, when Joseph leaves school, he would like to go to EXCEL School of Performing Arts in Auckland. Joseph’s advice for aspiring future student leaders is to not worry about what others think. “Don’t be afraid to do what other people would say isn’t cool. If you find something interesting and your friends don’t agree with it, don’t give up on it.”

Great wisdom from a student leader who has evidently thrived during his time here at Nayland College.