Senior students have opportunities to be trained and develop leadership skills in a variety of areas: peer support for Year 9 students, peer mediators, peer reading and peer sexuality contact people. Year 13 students also have the opportunity to become school prefects. Year 9/10/11/12 students can become members of the School Council which is led by the prefects.
HEAD GIRL – SHELLEY HUGGINS
Shelley is a proud Rutherfordian and Te Atatu girl. She loves getting involved and trying out new things. She has been part of 1st XI football, 1st XI hockey, softball, water polo, dragonboating, orienteering, table tennis, debating, student council, sports committee, peer mentoring and others. Shelley endorsed NCEA level 1 and 2 with Excellence and has set a goal to achieve excellence again at Level 3. Above all Shelley is a people person and loves interacting with others and building positive authentic relationships. Shelley is so honoured to be Head Girl for 2017 and can’t wait to work with her fellow prefects and, sports and cultural committee. She wants to make this year the best one yet! Arohamai, arohaatu. Love received, love returned.
HEAD BOY – SANG HYUN KIM
Sang Hyun feels extremely privileged to be Rutherford’s Head Boy for 2017. The Rutherford Spirit has been part of him for a long time as both his two older siblings both attended and became prefects at Rutherford College. And while he doesn’t live in Te Atatu, he feels at home within the school and in the community. He is a student who has been actively involved within a wide variety of groups within the school such as student council, cultural committee, concert band, PSSP, peer mentoring, school productions, and school badminton. He is also involved in groups outside of Rutherford such as the Westcity Concert Band, and is also a black belt at taekwondo.Sang Hyun is a firm believer that a strong spirit and willingness to try your best will take you far in life.
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL – CAITLIN LORIGAN
Caitlyn has always been an actively involved student at Rutherford College from playing sports such as Hockey and Football to being involved in Student council, Sports Committee, Z Club, and other cultural groups. Caitlin is a hard working student who strives for personal excellence gaining an Excellence Endorsement in NCEA Level 1 and Level 2, with the same goal for Level 3. She has a passion for helping those around her and volunteering within the wider community, as she is a Youth Ambassador for Hospice and hopes to one day serve in the Navy. Caitlyn believes that being a leader is about doing the little things right and includes the manner with which you conduct yourself. Caitlin hopes to inspire others.
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL – PETRA SAECKER-BATTLEY
Petra is a student that believes in achieving to her maximum in all areas, especially academically, endorsing both levels 1 and 2 with excellence. She is also heavily involved in co-curricular activities around the school, this includes debating, Z Club and UNICEF, in which she has a passion to voice her opinion and make a difference in the world. Being a prefect, deputy head girl and leader of UNICEF at Rutherford this year will be a significant challenge for Petra. In these leadership roles she hopes to bring about positive change to both the school and wider community. She believes a prefect is somebody who embodies the core Rutherford values and gives their all into making Rutherford an enjoyable and inclusive environment.
DEPUTY HEAD BOY – REX KENNEDY
Rex was born and raised on the Te Atatu Peninsula. He endorsed Level 1 and 2 with Excellence and aims to do the same at level 3. He is heavily involved in the cultural side of the school being in concert band, school productions and playing at various school events to name a few. He also plays badminton and hopes to pick up squash in the future. He is a passionate writer and particularly enjoys media writing which he hopes to turn into a career in journalism. He hopes to study communications at AUT and then find a job writing for magazines.
DEPUTY HEAD BOY – RAWIRI HOHEPA
Rawiri is an insightful, approachable young man who relishes a challenge and can be counted on to do his best at everything he sets his mind to. Rawiri is a top academic. He endorsed both Level 1 and 2 NCEA with Excellence, and intends to do the same with Level 3 in 2017. Just as importantly, he has volunteered and helped out at events in his community and has been involved in many school groups such as Te Kotuku Kapa Haka, Student Council, Philosophy Lounge, Orienteering, Archery, and the 40Hr Famine. He hopes that 2017 is the year he can give back to Rutherford College in whatever way he can, whether it be getting more involved in the wider school life, supporting his peers, or simply performing small acts of kindness throughout the day.
KATALAU AHOME’E
Katalau is a proud Tongan with Niuen blood flowing through his veins and is a soldier of God no matter where he is. In year 10, he started playing Volleyball continuing through to his final year in Rutherford. He has been in the Student Council, and has been a Canteen member for almost two years now. Katalau is a heavy reader who endorsed Level 1 with Merit and fell short of an Excellence endorsement by 3 credits in NCEA Level 2. He would love to work in areas of political science sometime in the future. He strongly believes in the value of integrity because it’s important for people to stand up for their own beliefs and what they perceive as correct or false.
LEO BALLANTYNE
Leo is an individual who highly values the ability to connect with others, whether that’s through humour or discussion. Leo believes that his best values are his ability to solve problems, both academically and otherwise, and keep both his successes and shortcomings in perspective. He also believes that his sense of humour allows him to fit seamlessly into many social situations. Leo has a passion for most English based subjects including Classics, English and Media Studies and currently plans on pursuing a conjoint degree of law and politics in university, hoping to eventually enter the field of civil rights law. His only hobby of interest is his ability to play the saxophone with acceptable skill. Leo endorsed both NCEA level one and two with excellence and hopes to continue the trend this year.
ANTONIO BONKOVICH
Antonio was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. Although he is from Croatian descent, he is a proud kiwi. He has spent the last 17 years of his life in Te Atatu where he attended Peninsula Primary School and Te Atatu Intermediate. Antonio is a very passionate footballer and started playing at the age of 6. He plays for Auckland City FC in the national U20 youth league and hopes to get the chance to go to the U17 world cup in India with the national team later this year. Antonio has endorsed level 1 and 2 with excellence and hopes to do the same at level 3. He is humbled by the role of prefect and hopes to bring positivity and support to his fellow pupils. As a prefect he does not want to be seen as someone in charge but as someone who is there to support others.
CAMERON BROWN
Cameron was born in New Zealand and is half English. He grew up in Henderson and is a proud westie. Most people who know him realise that he is very passionate about football, it’s pretty much his life! His goal outside of school is to make the NZ U20 football team to travel to South Korea for the U20 FIFA World Cup in May. Cameron endorsed Level 1 and Level 2 with Excellence and his academic goal this year is to do the same for Level 3. After he leaves Rutherford he is hoping to do a degree in Civil Engineering. He says he has thoroughly enjoyed his 4 years so far at Rutherford and loves the fact that we have a close community feel. As a prefect his aim is to make sure all the juniors feel a part of the Rutherford family.
JORDAN DENTON
Jordan has lived in Te Atatu all her life, attending Flanshaw Primary, Rangeview Intermediate and now Rutherford. During her time at Rutherford she has enjoyed sports such as netball and softball and would like to be involved in more this year as a prefect. She endorsed Level 1 with Excellence and Level 2 with Merit and is hoping to endorse Level 3 with Excellence this year. Jordan also wants to become more confident in engaging with the cultural aspects of our school and become a good role model for younger students in the school both through her words and actions. She hopes this is a good year for everyone and is honoured to become a prefect.
KATIE GORDON
Katie is a passionate and hardworking student. She has been very involved with Z Club in the past 2 years, and hopes to help the club grow in 2017. She achieved NCEA Level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence, and is hoping to endorse Level 3 as well. Katie enjoys reading and writing, and is planning to study English Literature at university. In her last year Katie wants to be a positive influence on younger students, and hopes to create more awareness about wider world issues.
BRENDAN GUMTAU-RYAN
Brendan achieved Level 1 with merit and Level 2 with excellence. He aims to pass Level 3 also with excellence. He hopes to give back to the school through events such as athletics day and swimming sports which were a major part of his growth at Rutherford and hope others feel the same. His aim is to study engineering at Auckland University after school or even possibly join the Royal New Zealand Navy.
TANVI KEMKAR
Tanvi is a Kiwi Indian born in West India and raised in Auckland. She loves the fusion of 2 different cultures that has influenced her while growing up. She is involved in many extracurricular activities in the Rutherford Community such as PSSP, Cultural Committee, Student Council, UNICEF and many more. Tanvi also believes academics are just as important. She endorsed NCEA level 1 and 2 with Excellence and hopes to do the same for Level 3. After high school she hopes to pursue a career in either Law or Engineering at the University of Auckland. Tanvi believes a prefect is a leader who displays initiative and leads by example, they are someone who represents the student body and the school with utmost pride. Tanvi is proud and thankful for this opportunity and hopes to make Rutherford an enjoyable experience for all.
RIANNA LEOTA
Rianna is of Samoan descent, and an avid Christian. She loves playing volleyball, reading and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to pursue a career in Medicine and travel around the world using those skills helping people. She endorsed Level 1 and 2 with Excellence, and is hoping to do the same with Level 3.
JENNIFER LOWE
Jennifer is a passionate student who enjoys participating in many different areas throughout the school. She believes that challenging yourself in academics and other aspects, such as in cultural activities, is essential in leading a fun, fulfilling school life.She hopes to inspire people to participate in new activities that they have never tried before, and also to encourage better school involvement all around. Jennifer endorsed Level 1 and 2 with excellence. Her passion lies in writing and art. After high school, she aims to study architecture.
KYLE McCAMISH
Kyle grew up in central Auckland till about 9 years old, he moved to Henderson where he attended Henderson Primary for year 5&6 then went to Rangeview intermediate. Kyle started playing basketball in year 10 because his father and older brother told him he should “use his lankiness”, then a year later he tried out for Waitakere reps and has been a member of Waitakere basketball ever since then and enjoys every minute of it. Kyle’s love for sport made him apply for sports committee in year 11 and he is now Deputy Sports Captain 2017. Kyle has passed level 1 with merit and passed Level 2 comfortably and hopes to endorse level 3 with at least merit. Kyle is honoured to represent his school by being chosen as a prefect.
MAT OXENHAM
Mathew is proudly born and raised in West Auckland, attending Matipo primary and Te Atatu Intermediate. Since joining Rutherford, with the help of a legendary group of teachers, he has achieved L1 and L2 endorsed with merit. He is an athlete who has won multiple national and international Wrestling titles in the past and he plans to continue as a member of the NZ national wrestling team and National secondary schools wrestling teams. He is looking forward to representing Rutherford as a prefect and Sports captain and hopes to take opportunities to give back to the school and local community in 2017.
EZRA PIRIKA
Ezra is a Maori student, a leader within Te Kotuku Kapa haka, who is truly proud to be representing the school as a prefect in 2017. He participated in rugby in 2016. He wishes to further his studies at Waikato University to study more about his culture and join the police and hopefully be a cultural liaison officer and return to where his family is from and give back to the community. He endorsed Level 1 with merit and was not far off doing the same with Level 2 last year.
LIANA SABETIAN
Liana is proud to be the first ever half Solomon Islander and Iranian Prefect. Over the last 4 years she has been involved in the girls 1stXI football, Studio Shows and African group. She hopes to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Diversity and individuality are what she values the most and is what has got her to where she is today. Rutherford College has allowed her to express these freely. She endorsed level one and two with excellence and plans to do so again for level 3, hoping to pursue a career to do with ecology. She is looking forward to working with the prefect team to help make Rutherford even better.
RYAN SABICH
Ryan endorsed NCEA level 1 with Excellence and NCEA level 2 with Merit. He plans to achieve NCEA level 3 with Excellence this year as well. Over the last 4 years he has represented the school many times in sporting activities. He has been involved in 1stXI Football and competed multiple times at Auckland Champs for swimming. A positive mindset and confidence is something that is really important to him as these have helped him throughout his years at school and he hopes to encourage students to have a ‘give it a go’ mind set to any task set before them. He is looking forward to working with the prefect group this year to be able to contribute his ideas and make school a more enjoyable place to be in.
FAVOUR UKAH
Favour is from the Congo and moved here when she was 7. She went to Holy Cross Catholic school before attending Rutherford. Her favourite subjects are Dance and Drama. She endorsed level 1 and 2 with Merit but she is hoping to endorse this year with Excellence. Throughout her years at Rutherford she has been involved in studio show, U dance, School Productions, Rutherford’s Got Talent, Christian group, Football, Netball, Debating, Peer Mentoring, Open Evenings, Cultural Committee, African group and Polyfest. She was instrumental in starting the first ever Rutherford College African Group who took 1st place in their category in 2016. She likes sewing and creating her own clothes and started her own fashion label in 2016. After high school she is hoping to study international human rights law or Fashion design and expand her own business. She is very honoured to be given many opportunities within school and is thankful for the constant reminder to strive for personal excellence and to never measure her abilities to what another person can do.
JAYMEE WHARERAU
Jaymee is extremely honoured to have been selected to take on the responsibility of being a Prefect for this year. Although she did not involve herself fully in her first year at Rutherford College, she has since become more involved throughout the school over the past few years joining groups such as Student Council, Animal Rights, Peer Mentoring, and Students against dangerous driving(SADD) just to name a few. With this being the last year at Rutherford College, she plans to take in every moment, and be the best version of herself both in and out of school. She feels the need to give back to Rutherford College as it has given her so much. She plans on doing this by involving herself in many different areas of the school this year, and also being a role model for the whole school on how a Rutherford student should carry themselves. To her, Rutherford is much more than just a school, it has been a community to her and has given her the opportunity to pass NCEA Level 1&2 and gives her the chance to pass Level 3 which she plans on getting with endorsed with Excellence.
SABRINA WONG
Sabrina was born and raised in New Zealand and is proud of where she stands; her nana calling her “a kiwi girl”, whilst her peers call her “the Chinese kid”. Her differences allow her to explore her passions which lie in the academic fields alongside with the barefooted adventures outside the classroom. As the oldest sibling, she has also learned the role of guiding and providing a hand when needed. As a prefect, Sabrina wants to promote the importance of opportunities to students, especially to junior students. Time is so precious, so do not waste it. Involvement builds relationships and these relationships will take you a long way. Sabrina’s motto for this year will continue to stay the same since she began college: smile, and know that changes are always happening. Change yourself in a good way, and change so that people will still recognise you. During her time at Rutherford, she has learned that With Risks, Come Opportunities. With this mindset, Sabrina has constantly challenged herself every year to excel her previous years. She has gained Level 1 and 2 with Excellence, and has achieved Level 3 at Merit as a Year 12 student. She believes that if you work hard, everything you thought that was once impossible, could be within reach. When Sabrina leaves school, she dreams of pursuing a career in engineering or as a pharmacist.
MELANIE WHITE
