Lachlan Cater
My name is Lachlan Cater.
I am incredibly excited to be head student of Opihi College in 2026 because it is an opportunity to give back to a school community that has shaped who I am.
Opihi College has always been a place where students are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves and aim high.
To represent our school in this leadership role is both an honour and a responsibility that I am proud to accept.
Sport has played a huge part in my time at Opihi College.
Being involved in sport has taught me resilience, teamwork and commitment qualities that are essential in strong leadership.
Through both wins and losses, I have learned the importance of supporting others, setting goals and leading by example.
I have recently been selected for the ISA New Zealand U19 softball team, where I hope to learn some more leadership qualities around the world.
I hope to use these experiences to inspire students to get involved, try new opportunities and represent our school with pride.
As head student, my goal is to strengthen the student voice and help create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
I am excited to work alongside staff, my fellow head students and students to build school spirit, encourage participation and uphold the values that make Opihi College such a special place.
I look forward to making 2026 a remarkable year for Opihi College.
Caitlyn Kruger
My name is Caitlyn Kruger, and I am incredibly excited to step into the role of head student.
This is something I have looked forward to for a long time, and I feel very proud to represent a school that means so much to me.
Opihi College has shaped who I am, and I am grateful for the chance to give back to the community that has supported me.
I am a motivated and curious person who enjoys learning new things and challenging myself.
I am passionate about sport and being involved in different teams has helped me build strong teamwork skills, strategic thinking and determination.
I also enjoy figuring out how things work, especially when it comes to technology or problem solving, and I always try to bring a positive, patient and reliable attitude to everything I do.
As head student, I am looking forward to helping create a school environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and proud to be part of Opihi College.
I am excited for the year ahead and for the opportunity to contribute to our school community in a meaningful way.
Lachlan Stratford
My name is Lachlan Stratford, and I am incredibly proud to have been selected as head student. It is a role I have hoped to take on since I was young, and it means a lot to step into a position I have looked up to for so long.
I am a committed and community minded student whose involvement in school life has been consistent from a young age.
I began volunteering at 10 years old, coaching a junior football team, and that early experience shaped the way I approach leadership today.
I spent several years rowing, training hard and achieving third in South Island singles.
I continue to stay active in a range of sports while supporting others around me.
My drive and discipline extend beyond sport and I enjoy challenging myself academically in the classroom as well.
This long-standing commitment to representing Opihi College and contributing wherever I can makes being chosen as head student such an honour.
In this role I aim to bring integrity, initiative and an inclusive spirit to the wider school community, ensuring every student feels supported and proud to be part of Opihi College.
