“I was born ready” is how one of Nayland College’s new head students sums up stepping into the role, while another jokes they were “a leader before I was walking”.
Nayland College’s six diverse head students for 2026 are modest but exuberant a few weeks into their pivotal roles, representing the 1400 rangatahi at the kura where they’ve each pushed their potential in music, dance, carving and kapa haka to name a few.
Ayva Wikaira-Duncan, Haylen Walker, Honor Robb, Luke Halcrow, Matilda McMullen and Pearl Heke were all successful in their bids to be appointed at the end of Term 3 in 2025 by staff and their year 12 peers, a “thunderous” applause when their names were read aloud.
Lauded as having “enthusiasm for making things better”, each has plans up their blazer sleeves to hone the outcomes within the areas which have been their arenas.
Ayva and Haylen are both members of the school’s kapa haka group Puuaha Te Tai.
Now spearheading the cultural committee, they hope to build on previous successes by celebrating cultural diversity and using their Māori heritage to inspire younger Māori.
“We’ve had strong cultural leaders at the school through the years and the college has definitely improved,” Ayva says.
“Strong Māori role models for others, I think that's really important, people that Māori students can look up to so they're not shy.”
Honor is in charge of the houora (well-being) committee and will ensure all juniors transition smoothly into secondary school, something she admits she struggled with five years ago.
Trumpet player Pearl is the top brass for arts and academics and is excited to prepare game shows for students to go head-to-head, while Luke is sport captain, and Matilda is digging into the environmental committee's leadership.
