Mount Aspiring College

Luke Harrold

Luke Harrold is a dedicated and talented skier who has achieved highly while remaining down to earth.

The year 12 Mt Aspiring College student is almost certain to qualify for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics in February and came sixth in the halfpipe world rankings.

While discussing his accomplishments, Luke remains humble and speaks about the journey of getting to where he is now.

"It's been a long-term goal," he says. "I've definitely had to sacrifice a lot to get into the position I am right now."

He is honest, saying his skiing has meant giving up time at school and with family and friends, often having to play catch-up.

"Just from being away and travelling and training, I’ve sacrificed having time with friends, having time with my family," he says. "A lot of time has gone into this goal."

It means a lot for Luke to get to where he is now and he is grateful for his support system.

He says his dad is one of his biggest role models and supporters, having stood by his side throughout his journey without putting pressure on him.

"From a young age, he's always been pushing me to do the best I can and have as much fun as possible along the way," Luke says.

His next steps are to attend the Winter Olympics and bring home a medal. With one year left in college, he is still unsure what the future holds beyond school, but does know he wants to continue skiing and try making a career out of it.

Achievements

Central Otago Junior Sportsman of the Year (2024); Otago Junior Sportsman of the Year (2024); Winter Games NZ Breakthrough Season Award (2024); Snow Sports NZ Breakthrough Season Award (2024); Halberg Awards – Emerging Talent Award finalist (2025); Central Otago Junior Sportsman of the Year (2025); Central Otago Sports Awards — People’s Choice Award for history-making triple in a Halfpipe competition (2025); Europa Cup Premium, Corvatsch, Slopestyle – 3rd Big Air – 7th (2025); World Champs, Engadin, Halfpipe – 4th (2025); Europa Cup Premium, Laax, Halfpipe – 2nd (2025); World Cup, Calgary. Halfpipe – 4th (2025); World Cup, Aspen. Halfpipe – 5th (2025); X Games, Aspen. Halfpipe – 6th (2025); Halfpipe – 9th (2024); World Cup, Secret Garden. Halfpipe – 22nd (2024); Australia/NZ Cup, Cardrona. Halfpipe – 2nd (2024); ; Australia/NZ Cup, Remarkables. Halfpipe – 1st (2024), March 2025. – World Champs, Engadin – performed a switch alley- pop triple corked 1260 mute grab trick in Halfpipe – a world first.

Hopes for the future

To bring home a medal in the upcoming Winter Olympics and continue growing his skiing career.

Ryan Tuki Enoka

Culture, family and honesty are some of the pillars that make Ryan Tuki Enoka the definition of an outstanding young leader.

The Mt Aspiring College head student has had his fair share of academic, athletic, and cultural accomplishments.

From NCEA merit endorsements to making the New Zealand Maori under-18 team camp and excelling in karate, the 18-year-old is a great example of an all-rounder.

But aside from his impressive list of achievements, Ryan is a student with strong values.

One of his highlights for the year was becoming head student, and it was his interview for the role that stood out for him.

"That was really something we all talked about in our interviews, was being honest and not being afraid to push for change within the school," he says.

Culture and family are a big part of Ryan’s identity, and it has helped inform his leadership and achievements.

As well as being part of the cultural committee, Ryan has also been the MC for the Kahu Youth Matariki celebration where he had the chance to share the voice of rangatahi with his community.

He also spoke about the impact his family had on his values, especially his father who is one of his strongest role models.

"The one thing he’s always made sure of, is that whatever we’re doing, we do it to the best of our abilities.

"And we were raised with a real sense of manners," he says.

As a year 13 student, Ryan has applied for the health science and biomedicine courses at the University of Otago, while also looking to continue playing rugby. He hopes to make an Otago provincial side or even a franchise side like the Highlanders.

Achievements

Head student (2025); NCEA level 1 and 2 with merit; highest achiever in level 2 Te Reo Maori; best year 12 student (2024); 1st XV rugby (2023-25); Otago Country U16 (2022, 2023), Otago Country U18 (2024); Highlanders school team (2024); Otago Country U18 Academy selection (2024); U17 captain (2023, 2024), U19 (2025) and forward of the year (2022, 2023); NZ Māori U18 triallist and South Island captain (2024); 4th NZ Track and Field champs U20 hammer throw (2025); 3rd SISS discus (2024, 2025); 1st Otago Club U18 discus, hammer and shot put (2023, 2024, 2025); 1st Otago Secondary Schools discus and hammer, 2nd shot put (2023, 2024, 2025); Otago Athletics award for top thrower in men’s U20 hammer, shot put and discus (2025); school senior athletics prize (2025); Junior Spirit of Central Award (2025); 1st Otago Southland U18 premier kata and kumite (2024); First Dan Black Belt achieved (2024); numerous Otago/Southland, South Island, Canterbury, Westland gold medals in kata and kumite; senior Te Reo Māori participant achievement (2025);