The Roxburgh Area School head pupil advises those around him to ‘‘enjoy life, do whatever comes and take all the opportunities you can''.
From rugby and cricket to productions and committees, Rowan is involved in it all.
Living in the small town of Roxburgh has not stopped him from making his mark at a national level in rugby.
He not only plays for the school's 1st XV, but has captained the Central Otago and Otago under-16 representative teams, played for the South Island under-16 team and the South Island and New Zealand Area Schools team, as well as participated in the New Zealand under-17 development camp.
However, his sporting talent is not limited to an oval ball as he also participated in cricket, athletics, volleyball and basketball, as well as holding school titles in swimming and cross-country.
Other opportunities he took included attending the Outward Bound course and a New Zealand Area Schools leadership course.
Rowan's Maori heritage is also important to him and he often leads the school in kapa haka and encouraged bi-cultural relationships.
The Manu Pounamu and He Whare Wananga awards were both presented to him by the school for his leadership and character.
With all his activities, it is a good thing he likes to keep busy. ‘‘I don't like to sit around doing nothing.''
Achievements: Head student; captain of Central Otago and Otago U16 rugby teams; South Island and New Zealand Area Schools rugby team member; senior boys cross-country champion; senior boys swimming champion; Manu Pounamu and He Whare Wananga award recipients.
Role model: ‘‘Richie McCaw-the man. He is a down-to-earth country boy who leads by example.''
Hopes for the future: Tertiary education, probably university.