Over the next couple of weeks we will introduce you to our student leaders. This week we start with our Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, Academic Captain, Sports Captain, Mercy Ambassador, Service Captain, Māori Leader and Pasifika Leader.

Anahera Leo'o

As Head Girl of Villa Maria College for 2025, I’m beyond excited to lead our school into a year filled with fun, growth, and community spirit. Together, let’s make the most of every opportunity, create lasting memories, and support one another every step of the way. Here’s to an unforgettable year at Villa Maria College!

Gabi Segar

I am honoured to be Deputy Head Girl for 2025 and to serve the College. I look forward to being more involved in the wider life of the school community. I am nervous about the expectations of this role, but I know that I have an amazing support system around me to keep me grounded. In my free time in the winter I enjoy skiing and in the summer I love to go to the beach. I am learning that my downtime is important in allowing me to rest and recharge. I value the time I spend with my friends where I can be myself and have a laugh. I am proud to be a Mercy woman, grounded in my faith, and I hope that the Villa community can nurture you all in your own personal faith journeys.

Please come and say 'hi' when you see me around school. I represent you all, and your ideas are important to me. I look forward to a year of fun and sisterhood!

Leilani Kalauta

Tālofa Lava, Kia Ora, and warmest greetings!
I am honoured to be the College’s Mercy Ambassador for 2025. I am incredibly excited for this year's Mānaki Day, especially following the success of the 2023 event. Personally, I am also looking forward to Polyfest, where I’ll have my last opportunity to perform alongside schools across Ōtautahi. Above all, I am eager to see our leadership team work together to foster connections across our College and promote inclusivity through example.

Emily Ng

Kia Ora! I am the Academic Captain for 2025. Throughout my time at VMC, I have been most active in public speaking and cultural roles, such as our school choirs, Bishop Lyons, and spoken word poetry.

I have a soft spot for English and the power that words carry when you speak from your heart. Despite this, many of the subjects I take this year (over half!) are STEM-based, which reflects my fervent interest in the concepts of science and calculus that keep our world ticking.

My focus for this year is Academic Wellbeing, a widely felt yet seldom challenged topic. I plan to work with the House academic leaders to bring awareness to the struggles we face as students. Every learning journey is different, and so I will be adaptable with my approach. If I feel students are not having their study needs met, I am happy to offer guidance and insight into what they can do to uplift themselves, whether it be through creating a balanced routine or recognising their vulnerabilities. This year will be about being bold enough to admit our shortcomings, while also celebrating our growth.

I feel ecstatic to see all the bright new faces at Villa this year, and urge junior and senior students to take as many big steps as they can in 2025! Always look forward and broaden your experiences - it will all be more than worth it once you reach the end of your Villa journey.

Most of all, get hyped for this year! Our leadership team is awesome, and I would love to see everyone at every event, from study groups to Battle of the Brains. Never stop wanting to learn, ask questions, and definitely ask for help when you need it. I can't wait to see the academic weapons we become in 2025!

Ariana Fernando

It is my privilege to be the Service Captain for 2025.  I am looking forward to serving the College and wider community this year, along with the Service team.

Throughout my time at Villa I have been involved in various aspects of Villa life. Whether they be cultural, sports, or academic. However, Service has always been my main priority.

I have been involved in events such as contributing to Kai for the Community, Service Balls, Can Drives, Winter Woollies, and many others. Outside of school I strive to make a positive impact on my community, by being involved in my local parish. I have accumulated over 50 service hours since I began my community involvement. Last year, I organised a Sausage Sizzle to fundraise for an orphanage in Sri Lanka, which was challenging. However, I persevered with enthusiasm and dedication knowing the impact it would have on the children there. I believe that service to others is essential, as we are all made in God’s image and likeness. It is our responsibility to enrich the lives of those less fortunate. Catherine McAuley stressed the importance of Mercy, which is to love, care, support, show faith, and provide for those in need. This is why I will endeavour to be an inspiring leader, focussing on serving our Villa community with a genuine care. Being a leader is all about putting the needs of others before your own, with a duty to serve the community as whole.  I am so blessed to have an amazing team to work alongside this year and I look forward to the positive impact they will have on the Kura.

Ava Smith

I am the 2025 Sports Captain! My love for sport has grown immensely in my time at Villa, and I’m super excited to be able to give back to the students of Villa in my role. My main competitive sports have been netball and rowing, which have both taught me important personal values and helped me grow as a person.

This year, I’m looking forward to not only participating in all my last House competitions, but also encouraging others to get amongst it in any way they feel comfortable. While I’m excited for new opportunities, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about balancing everything! But I’m ready to take it all on and make the most of it. I’m super excited for everything this year has to offer! 

Emily Molioo

Tālofa lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula Vinaka, Malo ni, fakaalofa lahi atu. Kia orana, and warm Pacific greetings! I am honoured to be the Pasifika Leader at Villa Maria College. Being part of our Pasefika community means a lot to me, and I want to make sure we have a space where we can celebrate our culture, support each other, and just be proud of who we are. My goal this year is to create a space where we can embrace our culture, support one another, and step forward with confidence in who we are. I want to make sure every Pasefika student feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Together, we can build a strong and united Pasefika community, one that honours our traditions while striving for excellence in all areas. I am so excited for what this year has in store and look forward to making a positive impact alongside you all. Fa’afetai lava, thank you.

Mihimarino Parata

Kia ora ko Mihimarino toku ingoa and I am the Māori leader for this year and I am so excited for the year ahead.