Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
Ko te Amorangi ki mua, ko te Hāpai o ki muri,
Tīhei Mauri Ora!

On behalf of the 2026 Wellington College Prefect team, I’d like to warmly welcome you to our kura.

Coming into this year, my biggest aspiration for our school is that we become a community where people feel confident enough to speak up and willing enough to get involved. When I first arrived at Wellington College, I was just another student trying to work out where I fit, what I was good at, and where my voice actually mattered. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership does not begin with a title, a badge, or standing at the front, but with choosing to care about the people around you. It begins with having the courage to ask questions, to check in on your mates, to stand by your values, and to be honest even when it feels uncomfortable. As we welcome new students and whānau into Te Kāreti Tamatāne o Te Whanganui-a-Tara, my hope is that every boy who walks through our gates knows there is a place for them here in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, or simply among their mates and that they feel supported as part of our wider WC whānau.

Alongside speaking up, I hope more of us choose to get involved in the life of the school and make the most of the opportunities in front of us. Getting involved does not mean doing everything or fitting into one box, but being open to trying new things, backing one another, and contributing in ways that feel genuine. Some of my most meaningful experiences at Wellington College came from stepping outside of my comfort zone, and they taught me that the more you put into this place, the more it gives back. While I am proud to serve as Head Prefect and to represent the school in 2026, I believe leadership belongs to anyone who chooses to care about this community. We all get one chance at school to build friendships, take on challenges, and grow into the people we aspire to be. My hope for the year ahead is that we walk that journey together supporting one another, getting involved, and allowing our school to shine.