Kia ora, I’m Courtney O’Neill, head girl at Mackenzie College for 2026.
Outside of school, I love to be social with friends and family, but also enjoy having time to myself to relax and recharge.
In the colder months, I keep fit playing netball and up the mountain skiing, while in the warmer months I love playing volleyball and heading out to the lake.
I am incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to help lead our school this year and I am thrilled to be able to give back to our small but mighty kura.
Being part of this community for the past six years has shown me just how truly special Mackenzie College is.
This school has played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am.
The opportunities here are endless and the supportive environment allows students to grow and challenge themselves.
Our experienced staff are so dedicated, they go above and beyond to support us.
My aim as head student is to strive to be a leader that my peers feel inspired to look up to.
I will lead by example, embrace challenges that come my way and ensure that every student and staff member feels valued.
Each year, our head students decide on a theme that helps shape the legacy they leave.
Our theme for 2026 is ‘‘stand together in the light and dark’’.
This idea reminds us that our school community is strongest when we support each other in both good times and difficult moments.
By showing positive school spirit and determination, we can lift each other up, face challenges together, and achieve more as a community.
Kia Ora, my name is Blake Jordan, and I have the honour of being the Mackenzie College head boy for 2026.
It’s a great privilege to be able to give back to this small rural school that I’ve spent the past six years at, growing not only in academics, but as a leader and individual as well.
I’m a very sporty kind of person, always getting stuck in and playing a variety of sports — rugby, adventure racing and basketball being some of my favourites.
Being so small, Mackenzie College is a place where everyone knows everyone.
This encourages students to create friendships with more than just those who have the same goals and interests.
Being a part of a small school has opened my eyes to the countless opportunities that aren’t available at any other school.
Not only are the teachers very passionate and willing to go above and beyond to help students, but the countless opportunities there are to get outside of the classroom and learn are also unmatched.
This year, I want to continue creating the opportunities that make our small school so great and inspire the younger students to take part in these adventurous activities that will leave them with unforgettable memories.
I hope to be the hand that reaches out to students and encourages them to push outside of their comfort zone and work hard to achieve their goals.
I am very excited to see what 2026 holds as I step into the head boy role and hope to enjoy the year while it lasts.
Kia Ora, my name is Lilley Johnson and I am excited to be the deputy head girl at Mackenzie College in 2026.
I come from a dairy farming family, so for the first few years of my life, we moved around a lot until we found our way to Fairlie and fell in love with this town.
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend Mackenzie College since year 7 and during that time it has become a place where I have grown both personally and academically.
I am passionate about my academics and feel incredibly lucky to be supported by such dedicated teachers.
The staff at Mackenzie College consistently go above and beyond, working tirelessly to help students to reach their goals and make the most of the many opportunities available to us in this special little school.
Something that I am hoping to encourage this year is for students to aim high and believe in their potential, and I know that the teachers at Mackenzie College will be more than happy to support and guide students to do this.
Additionally, the inclusive and supportive environment at Mackenzie College is something that I hope to continue strengthening this year.
I would like to help create a school culture where every student feels supported, valued, and confident to challenge themselves and take on new opportunities.
I hope to encourage students to participate in as many of the avenues that our school offers as possible, helping them to make the most of their time here.
Outside of school, I enjoy riding my horse and reading, which are great ways for me to relax.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent Mackenzie College and I look forward to working alongside the other student leaders and staff to make 2026 a great year for our school.
Hello, my name is Katsuto Ikai, and I am a Japanese boy born and raised in New Zealand.
I have the honour to be the deputy head boy for 2026.
I feel grateful for all of the opportunities this small but mighty school has given me over the years and am looking forward to making the most of my final year here.
This school has helped me academically and personally, always pushing me to do better in and out of school.
As a senior student, I want to lead by example and show the younger students that anything is possible as long as you are committed and willing to work hard.
I want to create an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and confident in their choices.
I look forward to spending my last year of high school alongside fellow student leaders and continuing to build a positive environment for everyone at Mackenzie College.
