On the 18th of May the Ministry of Education held an event at Tūranga honouring Emerging Ethnic Leaders in high schools across Ōtautahi.

Tigest Yismaw and Gol Naz Shasawar (both Year 13) were presented with certificates at this event for their leadership skills at Hagley College. The morning started with a welcome from Mayor Lianne Dalziel, followed by an inspirational speech by Abbas Nazari, author of "After the Tampa." He had the whole room captivated by his inspiring story and positive message about how to be a leader. Twenty two Ōtautahi schools were in attendance at this event. Gol Naz and Tigest were excellent representatives for Te Puna Wai O Waipapa and we had a great morning together, which included time to socialise with the honourees from the other schools. Ka pai, Tigest and Gol Naz!