Introducing our head students and student leaders for 2025.

Head Boy - Cove Keenan

I started my schooling at Golden Sands Primary before joining Pāpāmoa College in 2019, where I’ve made the most of everything this school has to offer. Over the years, I’ve thrown myself into a range of activities, from rugby to basketball, touch, and even golf. Now, I’m proud to represent the school in the 1st XV Rugby team.

My leadership journey began back in year 8 as part of the Lower Middle School Leaders team, which gave me the skills and experience I’ll bring to this role.

As Head Boy for 2025, I aim to make this the most memorable and rewarding school year for every student. I want to strengthen our schools' culture and sense of community so that everyone feels proud to be part of Pāpāmoa College - whether that’s on the field, on stage, or in the classroom. More importantly, I want to inspire students to push themselves, to improve, and to make the most of their time here, so they leave with no regrets and a sense of achievement.

Looking ahead, I plan to study sports nutrition at a university near an Australian surf beach. One day, I hope to travel the world, seizing every opportunity that comes my way. But for now, my focus is on making 2025 a year to remember.

Head Girl - Ava Buchanan

I first started at Pāpāmoa College in 2022, coming from St Mary’s College and Ponsonby Primary School. Since joining, I have been involved in a variety of leadership roles, which have led me to my current position as Head Girl for 2025.

I’ve enjoyed being part of the Kapa Haka Ropu, which has allowed me to connect with my cultural heritage and build strong relationships with other students. In addition, I’ve been involved in the 2024 Cultural Council, joined one of the senior netball teams, and participated in the 2024 ball committee. These experiences have helped me to develop as an individual and become more engaged in my school life here at Pāpāmoa College. I was also selected to represent Pāpāmoa College on the 21-day Outward Bound course, which challenged me physically and mentally and sparked my passion for leadership. 

My favourite subjects are English and Health. I find English engaging because it allows me to express myself and think critically, while Health resonates with me because it’s about promoting well-being, something I’m passionate about since I want to help others in the future.

Sports have also been a big part of my life at Pāpāmoa College. While I’ve been involved in various sports, netball has been my main focus, and I currently play for one of the senior teams. I’ve gained valuable skills and built strong friendships through my involvement in sports, and I’m also stoked to be playing rugby for the school this year for the first time. It’s a new challenge I’m excited to take on.

Being selected as Head Girl for 2025  is extremely exhilarating and it is such an honour to give back to the school. Although it can be scary at times, I am motivated and ready to take on the responsibilities ahead for the rest of the year. I’m excited to be a voice for the students, bringing firsthand experience and being someone they can turn to, connect with, and feel understood by.

This year I am also looking forward to working with the rest of the head student and senior leadership team and helping to create a welcoming, inclusive school culture for everyone.

After I finish at Pāpāmoa College, I plan to study Psychology at University and continue learning Te Reo Māori part-time at Te Wānanga O Aotearoa, as I’ve always wanted to learn the language of my culture and home country.

Deputy Head Boy - Jayden Holdaway

I have attended Pāpāmoa College since year 7 back in 2019. Before Pāpāmoa College, I went to Te Akau Ki Pāpāmoa.

Across the many years I have been at Pāpāmoa College, I've been actively engaged in a variety of extra-cirriculars. From Performing arts to Sports, I've had a go at everything I could get my hands on, with some personal highlights being representing the school on the 1st XV, attending a Mooting competition at the University of Waikato, several minor and major roles in school productions and being the current treasurer of Pāpāmoa College's Leos club.

As for my academic interests, my favourite subject is Photography. I love the various ways to express a singular idea using both abstract and practical methods.

I'm pumped up to take on the role of Deputy Head Boy for 2024, with all the challenges that come with the role and the amazing experiences and connections I can gain. I have a goal to inspire and encourage others at Pāpāmoa College to take every opportunity given to them, to foster and nurture their skills and abilities to push themselves far beyond what they thought they were capable of.

After graduating from Pāpāmoa College, I plan to go on to university to study engineering, hopefully making a positive impact on others lives

Deputy Head Girl - Renee Thomas

My journey at Pāpāmoa College started back in 2019 when I was a shy year 7, straight out of Te Akau Ki Pāpāmoa. Over the years, I would like to say I have grown into an independent person who now will take on any opportunity presented.

Although I was never applied in a set leadership role, I have shown my ability to be a leader through being involved. I have done this by playing in many different sports teams, helping in the community and other extracurricular activities the school has to offer. Being involved in more than one aspect of the school has taught me so many different lessons and skills, it has helped me to gain experiences and open multiple new doors for opportunities and perspectives.

As for academics, I am interested in any kind of science and I really enjoy physical education and health as it personally reflects my hobbies. This year, I've taken a new subject psychology, which I believe will help me develop personally and teach me something appealing about human nature.

To be selected as Deputy Head Girl for 2025 has been one of my biggest achievements and I feel so blessed to be in this position. This year I am aiming to have a positive impact on the schools environment. I want to focus on making every student feel included and safe through their days at school. This aim is influenced by my own personal experience here at Pāpāmoa College, I think that it is important to feel a sense of belonging in a big place like a school so that you can thrive as a student and reach your personal potential.

Please, If you ever have anything to express or even just want to say hey, come up and introduce yourself as I would love to meet as many new people as possible.

Once my schooling journey ends, I am passionate about taking the next big step into studying Health Science at University. I would also really love to join some volunteer work and experience volunteer programs overseas.  

Student Leaders

Together with our Head Students we also congratulate our new student leaders:

Camryn Adlam, Carlos Ammon, Cameron Day, Hannah Edwards, James Ferns, Ryder Fowler, Jade Kahika, Cairo Kahotea, Arjon Marsden, Malaelua Matusi, Jade McGregor, Taylah Medeiros, Himawari Ochiai, Poppy Plank, Keira Smith, Tayla Stowers, Tavita Iopa Tavita, Alex Tilby-Adams, Corlene Van Der Spuy, Ilai Walker