Where are they now?
CODY TUCKER
2012: Runner-up in the open men’s division of the New Zealand Wake Skate Nationals, Tucker also showcased his musical skills by taking the lead role in the school musical and regularly performing at a Wanaka venue. He hoped to pursue music as a profession while completing a bachelor of design degree.
2022: Tucker completed a bachelor of design (with honours) and now lives at Lake Hawea where he works as a designer under bespoke furniture designer Ed Cruikshank and Firebrand NZ, which makes high-end fire tools. He has also been working closely with his community, designing entrance signs, chairing a taskforce on the area’s future and co-designing a 50-year masterplan. This work helped inspire him to run for the Wanaka ward of the Queenstown Lakes District Council in the current elections. He still sings and plays guitar at local pubs, cafes and private functions.
GABRIEL SCHWARZ
2012: Schwarz was a New Zealand Football under-17 triallist and had previously been to Barcelona as captain of Ricki Herbert’s 82 academy side in the Mediterranean International Cup. He hoped to become a professional footballer.
2022: A series of head injuries stopped Schwarz’s football career but he still plays the sport socially and has continued with his other school interests, music and drama. He works for RealNZ as a nature guide on night tours through Southern Fiordland and Rakiura/Stewart Island. Based in Wanaka, he has a physical education degree and plans to return to university in the future.
