Helena and Eunie were recently nominated for the 2026 Academic Awards Night organised by the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust and University of Waikato. Both Helena and Eunie received awards highlighting their outstanding achievements among migrant youth and students from refugee backgrounds.
Helena Ho, one of our 2026 Manukura student leaders, completed her L3 NCEA with Excellence Endorsed last year while in Year 12. She was also one of only 11 students nationwide receiving a Scholarship in L3 Sculpture. This year, Helena is adding to her kete of creative and critical thinking skills by taking more L3 subjects to extend herself. She is also completing a tertiary paper through the University of Waikato, developing her leadership skills as manukura, and leading the school community council, as well as supporting the ball committee.
Helena’s achievements involve:
Community volunteering (e.g Plunket gift wrapping and ANZAC poppy planting)
Student council (Arts) - Year 11
Level 2 Excellence Endorsement - Year 11
Finalist/exhibited in National Youth Art Awards - Year 11
Parata Kaikookiri - Year 12
Level 3 Excellence Endorsement - Year 12
Level 3 Sculpture Scholarship - Year 12
Mastery subject awards (Top of Class & Subject), Mathematics (Top of Class & Subject), Sculpture (Top of Subject) -Year 12 DVC
Premier Whānau award - Year 12
Student Council (Community) - Years 12-13
Manukura - Year 13
Eunie Park is an exceptionally dedicated student whose contributions to our school span across high-level academics, the arts, and sport. A true scholar, Eunie achieved a Level 2 Excellence endorsement with every single credit earned at the Excellence level across Physics, Calculus, and Chemistry. Her academic momentum has only continued into 2026, where she currently serves on the Academic Council Executive Team and as a Kaikōkiri for Haumi, all while already securing a Level 3 Excellence endorsement within the first term.
Beyond the classroom, Eunie is a premier musician and athlete. She holds an ATCL Violin Diploma and has represented the school on the national stage as a member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO) for two consecutive years. In the sporting arena, she showcases her versatility as a U19 Waikato Representative in Beach Volleyball. Eunie is also deeply committed to service, focusing her Duke of Edinburgh Puna project on raising awareness for women’s health and breast cancer. Looking ahead, Eunie aspires to study Medicine in Australia with the goal of becoming a surgeon - a path well - suited to her precision, work ethic, and passion for helping others.
Eunie’s achievements involve:
VIOLIN
ATCL violin diploma
NZSSSO 2025-2026
Hamilton comps excellence in string playing cup
Chamber Contest regional finalist
ACADEMICS
2024 level 2 excellence endorsement all credits from class subjects (Physics, Algebra Calc, Chemistry, + modules)
Kaikookiri for Haumi 2026
Academic council executive team 2026
2024 Level 2 Physics Excellence Course Endorsement
2025 Level 3 Biology and Chemistry Course Endorsement
Level 3 Excellence Endorsement Term 1 of 2026
SPORTS
U19s Waikato Representative Beach Volleyball
Completed a half marathon this year
PUNA WANANGA
Duke of Edinburgh Puna - Focus on Women’s Health - raising awareness for breast cancer - events throughout the school happening in late May and June.
Congratulations to Helena and Eunie. Their achievements are truly inspirational.
