Tauhara College principals in 2025 are working to “evolve” the school culture

Flynn said he, too, looks forward to seeing how they work to improve the quality of daily school life and opportunities for student engagement.

Sean added: “It’s definitely about enjoying school and making it a place where people want to be, have fun and do well in school.”

The boys, both members of the kapa haka group, wanted to use their status to develop students’ competences in school haka.

“We have a school haka and everyone should be able to do it,” Sean said, “If half of us do it and the rest of us stand in the back, that’s a long way off. His power just isn’t the same.”

Flynn said: “When a teacher leaves or there are school events that we need to focus on, it is always a challenge to find boys who are confident enough. I really want to change that next year so that we have a larger group of girls and boys who can participate.”

The four students said they knew each other very well, in fact they had been very close all year.

Flynn said all school principal candidates worked together on their selection speeches.

“It wasn’t about anyone trying to win, it was about everyone trying to bring out the best in themselves.”

To show how well the four principals knew each other, all four presented their strengths.

About Flynn, Sean said, “If you can name an activity you can do in and out of school, Flynn probably does it or this will be his first reporting form. It’s just ridiculous.”

Flynn said of Aja that she is a “national dance duo champion” and a “menace” in the performing arts space.

Flynn said of Sean that he was a “rugby star”.

“A beast in the first XI football team and a participant in this year’s U19 national tournament.”

About Lucy, Aja stated that she is “well-rounded”, performing well in academics and sports.

“(She) is involved in the multicultural aspect of the school with the Japanese exchange students.”

Looking ahead to next year, Sean said he was keen to continue his football career overseas or in a bigger city in New Zealand.

Flynn said he was considering combining a science degree at the University of Canterbury, which could lead to biomedical research or chemical engineering.

Lucy said she might go to Japan before university, and Aja was interested in criminology, criminal psychology or law at the University of Canterbury or Victoria.

However, previously everyone was excited that 2025 would be a “fun year” but with a hint of responsibilities.

“As core disciples, we must lead from the front. So we need to have a positive attitude towards school and be really good leaders,” Lucy said.