Ethan Reille
But what does inspire the 18-year-old Waitaki Boys’ High School head boy is his deep-seated love of helping people, and has recently discovered politics may be the best way to do what he loves best.
"Up until 2020, I had no interest in politics. I was one of those students that thought that it was for the extremely high achievers.
"But I’ve always had a heart for people. I want to understand people more and find solutions to problems and make people happy with easier ways of living.
"So when I got an opportunity to get involved in my community and understand how policy is made, it literally sparked my interest, knowing that I could make a difference in my community and for other students, just by having a voice on political topics."
Ethan is an advocate for youth citizenship and social responsibility. This is personified by his commitment to both community and youth leadership.
Along with being head boy, Ethan has been the pupil representative on the school’s board of trustees since 2020 and chairman of the student council.
Outside of school, he is the chairman of the Waitaki District Youth Council, a youth representative on the Stronger Waitaki community group, a member of the Youth Parliament and a Blake Inspire delegate this year and was a Local Hero medallist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2021.
Academically, he was the top junior scholar in 2019, achieved excellence endorsements in both NCEA level 1 and 2 and was runner-up to the top scholar in NCEA level 2.
Next year, Ethan intends to study political communications at Victoria University of Wellington, "before entering a job, curating change at a local and national government level".
Ideally, he sees himself working for a government agency such as the Ministry of Education or Ministry for Youth Development.
He is also keen to research and write government policy.
"I want to understand where there is a gap in our communities or where a minority is being affected, and find solutions so government can take action on that."
Achievements: Head boy (2022); BOT pupil rep (2020-22); student council chairman (2022); Waitaki District Youth Council chairman (2022); Stronger Waitaki community group youth rep (2022); Youth Parliament (2022); Blake Inspire delegate (2022); Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medallist (2021); top junior scholar award (2019); NCEA level 1 and 2 with excellence.
Role model: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Hopes for the future: To study political communications at Victoria University.
Tyree Manaia
Waitaki Boys’ High School cultural prefect Tyree Manaia finds truth and inspiration in the old adage.
The 18-year-old was born in Fiji and is of Tuvaluan descent, and his family moved to New Zealand when he was 1-year-old.
Since then, he has been learning all he can about his roots in Tuvalu.
"It’s good to know where you come from, where you started from. Growing up in a different country, we sometimes forget where we come from.
"I’ve been trying to know my roots, even though I didn’t grow up on the islands, so I know what the culture is like.
"It helps me to feel whole."
He said knowing his roots also played a big part in his future because it helped him get to know other people and their cultures better.
"You can relate to people better which means you can create better relationships which means a brighter future."
Tyree is incredibly proud of his Pasifika heritage and this is reflected by his roles at school, where he is a cultural prefect and the student leader of the school’s Pasifika group — Talanga o Waitaki.
"We have language weeks, we try to get the boys to get involved in activities that they wouldn’t normally do, and we make them feeds from the islands just for them to try out.
"When they start learning about other cultures, it makes them want to learn more about their past, their history and their cultures as well.
"It’s important to know about your roots because it’s a big part of who you are, your values, where you’re from."
On the sports field, Tyree has been in the school’s 1st XV rugby team for three years, he is captain of the team this year, and was recently named in the North Otago NPC Heartland squad.
He also captains the school’s volleyball team, which won this year’s Aoraki Championship.
Academically, Tyree has achieved NCEA level 1 with excellence and level 2 with merit, and wants to combine his passion for science and giving back to the community, by studying to be a doctor.
"Our Pasifika communities need to see more Pasifika faces helping them make healthy choices, and when they are under stress, I believe I could give them the comfort and advice to make the right choices for their families."
Achievements: NCEA level 1 with excellence, level 2 with merit; cultural prefect (2022); Talanga o Waitaki Pasifika group leader (2022); WBHS rugby 1st XV (2020-2022), captain (2022); North Otago NPC Heartland Squad (2022); WBHS volley ball captain (2022); Aoraki Volley Ball Champions (2019, 2020, 2021).
Role models: My parents.
Hopes for the future: To study health sciences at the University of Otago and become a doctor.
