It was the brainchild of former Otago Daily Times editor Robin Charteris, who invited then prime minister Helen Clark to present the awards, and since then every prime minister has agreed to do the same.
When the Class Act programme began in 2000, 26 of the 29 high schools in the newspaper’s primary circulation area each selected one or two outstanding pupils to join that year’s class.
In this, its 26th year, 29 schools are participating. Between them, they have nominated 56 pupils as representative of the cream of Otago’s secondary school elite in 2025.
We take pride in seeing and reading, through odt.co.nz and the columns of this newspaper, the milestones and achievements of our Class Act recipients as they make their way into adult life.
We live in an increasingly volatile and divided world, which makes us acutely aware of the importance and value of education, science and strong leadership. The youth of the region have a big responsibility, for the future is in their hands. It is from this talented and ambitious group our future leaders in politics, arts, business, education and sports will emerge.
On Thursday afternoon, at a special awards ceremony, the pupils will come together as a class and, individually, be presented with Class Act 2025 certificates by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
We are proud the present prime minister has continued the tradition and agreed to be our guest speaker at the calling together of these outstanding pupils. His presence is an honour for Otago and testament to the excellence of these young people.
The 56 pupils nominated for awards have been photographed and profiled on the following pages of this publication. We trust you enjoy reading it and, like us, are inspired and encouraged by the young people featured.
Congratulations to all.
Paul McIntyre
Editor
Otago Daily Times
