Kareena Dunlop
Kareena Dunlop
Performance is life for Clydevale 17-year-old Kareena Dunlop.
The versatile all-rounder is never happier than when up on stage singing, dancing and delivering lines, and hopes to spend her future in the public eye — one way or another.
This year’s Otago Rockquest solo winner is also engaged politically, and plans to study the subject alongside performing arts at the University of Otago next year.
"I’ve been to two UN Youth Conferences. The experience was quite fascinating. I like knowing how the world works and operates day-to-day, and can see myself getting involved in politics one day."
She said causes close to her heart right now were addressing racism as a whole, and helping engage and give young people a voice.
"I get quite passionate about things, and I’d like to get a bit of that into young people more generally. Apathy is bad for society."
Presenting to people overlapped both politics and performance, and the South Otago High School head girl took every opportunity to get up on stage.
"I’ve performed with South Otago Theatrical Society, a Wellington test musical for Broadway — The Drowsy Chaperone — and as opening artist for local performers’ album releases and at the Gold Guitars."
Her recent Rockquest win came thanks to an original pop song, Fallen Hard.
"Even when I’m relaxing, I’m dreaming up lyrics and tunes for songs."
A proud fifth generation South Otago resident, Kareena’s future may lie overseas, however.
"I want to head to the [United] States to continue my performing arts studies after next year. That’s where the biggest opportunities lie."
Achievements: South Otago High School head girl (2021); arts prefect (2021); overall excellence endorsement (2017, 2018); Rotary Speech Competition winner (2017-19); best student, music and drama trophies (2017); Ruckstuhl Trophy Junior Drama (2018); Williams Cup — Best Female Music Contribution (2019, 2020); academic blue (2019); NCEA level 1 & 2 overall excellence endorsement (2019, 2020); grade 1 music theory with distinction 98% (2020); grade 4 music theory with merit (2021); Duke of Edinburgh Award — bronze/silver (2019-21); Otago Rockquest — best vocalist, audience choice/vote (2018), and 1st place solo category (2021); South Otago Badminton female doubles trophy (2019); UN Youth Conference delegate (2019, 2021); SADD committee (2019-21).
Role model: Ariana Grande, for being so versatile and achieving so much.
Hopes for the future: To study performing arts in New York.
Hamish Mills
Hamish Mills
A curiosity about the world combined with a questioning outlook appears likely to take Balclutha 17-year-old Hamish Mills far in life.
The South Otago High School deputy head boy says he likes to be the thorn in the side in any debate — a characteristic that could prove useful in his ambition to enter politics one day.
"Some might see that as annoying, but it’s really just curiosity about how the world works and why things are the way they are.
"You look at someone like Elon Musk and he’s always questioning things and looking at them from a pragmatic viewpoint. And if you work hard you can change the future for the better."
Enrolled at the University of Otago to study commerce with PPE (philosophy, politics and economics) and finance next year, Hamish’s other area of focus was business.
"I was involved in the Young Enterprise Scheme last year where we designed and marketed a dissolving detergent cube.
"It went all right and we sold a few. I’m interested in money and the financial system, and how it keeps the world moving. And how that overlaps with politics."
Hamish jokes a little gloss may have been taken off his Class Act nomination since both older sisters — Briar and Sophie — were also recipients in their respective years.
"I think everyone was still excited, even though they’d both had it before me."
The academic all-rounder enjoyed playing football and taking part in triathlons to relax, although snowboarding was his sporting passion.
"Football has the advantage of being able to be played anywhere, anytime. Snowboarding not so much."
He said he had enjoyed his time at South Otago, but was looking forward to heading north next year.
"Our school’s small enough that you can get to know everyone.
"We’re just one big family."
Achievements: NCEA level 1 & 2 overall excellence endorsement (2019, 2020); academic blue (2019); school excellence badge/ award (2017, 2018); Otago University Accelerated Students Science Academy (OUASSA) (2020, 2021); University of Canterbury Math199 (2020); speech competition runner-up (2017, 2018); Top 200 University of Otago Junior Mathematics Competition (2018); UNSW ICAS examinations: distinction in mathematics, credit in science, credit in English (2018); 1st XI football (2019-21) and tournament team (2020); school orchestra (2017-21); Otago Music Festival (2017-19); junior productions (2017, 2018 lead); senior productions (2019, 2021); school chess champion (2021); UN Youth NZ member (2019-21); Young Enterprise Scheme (2020); deputy head boy (2021); community service/welfare prefect (2021); junior council tuakana (2018) Duke Of Edinburgh Award — Bronze/Silver (2019-21); SNOB Organising Committee (2021); SADD committee (2019-21).
Role model: Elon Musk, because he’s a true entrepreneur who believes in the future.
Hopes for the future: Entering politics.
