The Dux 2025, awarded to our top academic student, went to Jorja Bethell.

Jorja Bethell was awarded the prestigious title of Dux for 2025, the school's highest academic honour. Jorja has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence throughout her time at Te Aratai, achieving Excellence Endorsements at Levels 1 and 2, and is on track to achieve the same at Level 3. Her outstanding talents in science, history, and calculus, combined with her remarkable work ethic and genuine dedication to learning, have set her apart as a truly exceptional student.

Beyond her academic achievements, Jorja has shown extraordinary commitment through her participation in the Coast to Coast Rangers, demonstrating the same determination and resilience that characterise her approach to her studies. Her ability to balance such demanding commitments whilst maintaining the highest academic standards is a testament to her discipline and character.

The school community congratulates Jorja on this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions to Te Aratai College.

Proxime Accessit, runner-up to the Dux, was awarded to Mark Laurence Cervantes. Mark embodies the essence of academic excellence, leadership, and integrity at Te Aratai College. As a Head Student and proud member of the school production, he has balanced his leadership responsibilities with remarkable dedication to his learning.

Having earned Excellence endorsements at both Level 1 and Level 2, and well on track for the same at Level 3, Mark’s achievements are the product of sustained effort, self-discipline and an unwavering desire to do their best. Yet, it is not just his grades that make him stand out; it is his attitude. This student is inquisitive, reflective and deeply respectful, always striving to understand rather than simply complete.

Zavier Keepa (Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi) was awarded the Rob Burrough Cup for Demonstration of School Values for the second consecutive year.

This prestigious award recognises a student who consistently embodies our school's core values (uara) of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Rangatiratanga, and Tūrangawaewae. Zavier exemplifies these principles both within the school and in the wider community.

A polite and humble young man, Zavier not only strives for excellence in his academic work but also uplifts others through his positive interactions. He demonstrates respect, generosity, hard work, and pride in all aspects of his school life, truly living ngā uara o Te Aratai in his everyday actions. Zavier has also been named one of the four Head Prefects for 2026.

Our Supreme Award winners on the evening were:

Jhon Paul Pagote

Te Aratai College Supreme Arts Award

Urima Donna Enosa

Judith Brailsford Cup for Pacifica Leadership
Rangitohiora Paringatai-Dallas

Koka Alamein Connell Taonga for Māori Performing Arts 

Conway Andrews

The IP Anderson Award for Leadership

Rangitohiora Paringatai-Dallas

25th Anniversary Commemorative Prize

Cleo Nicholas

25th Anniversary Commemorative Prize