Blue Mountain College

Boston Setefano

Talented all-rounder Boston Setefano wants to inspire the next generation.

The Blue Mountain College head student hopes to study education, Māori and philosophy at the University of Otago next year, with the goal of becoming a secondary school teacher.

"I’ve been told the degree in education is a fuller preparation for teaching and can open other avenues if I want to take my career further.

"I’m looking forward to exploring different ways of thinking."

The 18-year-old’s cultural background informs his interests and approach to life.

"Kapa haka has been huge for me.

"I was lucky enough to learn under University of Canterbury lecturer Aaron Hāpuku when he visited our group in Gore.

"It was pretty amazing to learn under someone with his knowledge and prestige."

As well as being an academic and cultural high achiever, Boston’s other great passion is sports.

"I’ve done boxing, basketball and I’ve played a lot of rugby for West Otago and, in the past, for Otago Māori Country Rugby.

"I’ve enjoyed playing at representative level."

He says his rugby career has ranged across several positions, both among the backs and up front, most recently as lock.

Taking opportunities for leadership, both on and off the field, is a way to contribute to his communities, he says.

"Strong leadership uplifts everybody.

"I enjoy being in a position to teach other people and lead by example."

Achievements

Head student (2025); academic blue top scholar (2024, 2025); NCEA level 1 with excellence and merit in English, history, geography, mathematics and physics (2023); NCEA level 2 with excellence and merit in food technology, digital technology (2024); school general excellence prize (2022); best all-round year 11 prize (2023); junior Mana Pounamu Award (2023); school distance education prize (2023); food and nutrition prize (2023); senior Mana Pounamu Award (2024); Te Ao Māori Leadership Award for kapa haka (2024); diligence award (2024); Kaea Tāne for Kapa Haka (2025); Kaitiaki Tāne for Te Ihi ō Māruawai (2025); Kaitiaki Tāne for Te Ahi Kā Hāpori (2025); University of Otago On Campus Scholarship (2024); Gore Supreme Young Leaders Award (2022); BMC Australian rugby tour (2022); West Otago Rugby Club member (2022-25); Otago Māori Country Rugby rep (2022-24).

Role model

Aaron Hāpuku.

Hopes for the future

To be a positive Māori role model and encourage ākonga to embrace their culture.

Logan Halder

West Otago high achiever Logan Halder is rarely happier than when he’s hands on, fixing things.

"I’m planning to go to university or polytech next year to study engineering.

"I live on a farm and my dad’s a diesel mechanic and we spend a lot of time working on farm equipment and different mechanical projects."

The Blue Mountain College deputy head student says he enjoys his studies, alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities.

"I like maths-based subjects like physics, calculus and graphics, which are where I’m doing scholarship studies at the moment.

"My goal is to become a mechanical engineer or maybe a project manager on a big development some day."

Living in West Otago has meant making the most of the outdoors for the keen hunter.

"I love hunting, duck-shooting and my trap-shooting.

"I compete with the school trap-shooting team at various competitions."

Enduro racing is another big passion for the 17-year-old.

"It’s competitive and physical. It’s a lot of fun."

When not studying, out on the range or on his bike, Logan also finds time to play for West Otago Rugby, where he has played first-five for several years.

"I’ve moved to lock this year. It’s been a good change."

He is proud to have been nominated for Class Act this year.

"My family are pretty excited about it."

Achievements

Deputy head student (2025); academic Blue (2025); premier scholar year 12 (2025); academic Blue (2024); top scholar year 11 (2024); NCEA level 1 with excellence (2023); NCEA level 2 with excellence (2024); general excellence prize (2023, 2024); top achiever prize (2022); studying scholarship physics, calculus and graphics (2025); sports Blue for athletics (2023); year 13 tramp (2025); West Otago Clay Target Club (2023-25); West Otago clay target C-grade points score champion (2023-25); Blue Mountain clay target team (2023-25); Otago Rural Schools Competition winner (2025); West Otago Rugby (2023-25); Blue Mountain Motorcycle Club (2025); Gore and District Motorcycle Club (2025); Teen Ag health and safety representative (2025).