Emerging Talent & Scholarship Awards THURSDAY M AY 1 2T H, 2022 THE S P E NCE R HOT EL , TAKAPUNA
NORTH HARBOUR CLUB AND CHARITABLE TRUST
OUR SPONSORSHIP FAMILY PLATINUM
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BRONZE
SUPPLIERS
President’s Message We are thrilled to finally be announcing our 2021/22 AIMES Awards recipients. The applications for these young people were received back in June/July last year and the ability of them is nothing short of inspiring. As a community we are lucky to have such a wealth of talent in our region. On behalf of the Trustees and Club Members we are thrilled to be acknowledging them so early in their careers. I would like to wholeheartedly thank our AIMES Awards judging panel made up of Tom Ashley, Pam Bayer, Dean Flyger, Sue Kohn-Taylor, Shane Cortese and Chaired by Andrew MacDonald. The judges had an incredibly tough challenge on their hands this year facilitating the interviews during the August lockdown. While the logistics were less than ideal the passion behind this team and the time they gave to the process is truly admirable. This year’s winners will also be the first recipients of our AIMES Excellence Support Programme. This new initiative has been generously supported by Michelle Fan and Sky Cai of Precise Homes.
Whilst shooting for the stars is awe-inspiring and remarkable, with the highs can also come lows, uncertain times, learning curves and pressure – from everywhere. We want our alumni to receive more than just a one off cash grant. With our new Excellence Support Programme they will receive online support and access to Shore Junction as the home of our alumni. This programme will continue to be evolved each year with input from our alumni network. I am delighted to see this new initiative take flight. As I near the end of my tenure as President I would also like to acknowledge our Members, Sponsors and my fellow Trustees who have continued to stand by and support us. Like all organisations we have been on the turbulent COVID ride. We have looked at new ways to do things, we have drafted our new growth strategy and with the support from our club network this allowed us the time and space to put our new plans into action. We have also spent time building a new operational team and I am confident that the club is on strong footing to head into the future. I will say this again - there is not another organisation like this, and it makes me so incredibly proud. This is an amazing community and an amazing club. Congratulations to all of our winners this year. We wish you all the best for the future and will stand by to see where the path takes you. Phil Brosnan President
Oliver Cain
(25)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, ARTS/MUSIC
Oliver Cain is an English born Kiwi artist who studied visual arts throughout his time at Takapuna Grammar and went on to complete his BoVA (Bachelor of Visual Arts) at Unitec. His popular work changes, develops and covers a wide range of topics using a large range of materials. His artworks, subverted linguistic paintings, ceramic sculptures and installations, bear a certain physicality and push the boundaries between conceptualism and post-pop art. “Every once in a while, you are confronted with artworks that possess a strangely playful but vital presence. The architect of this frivolous oeuvre is Oliver Cain,” said The Normadic Art Gallery in their review of Oliver’s work. The creative process is the most important thing behind Oliver’s pieces and therefore his artworks can be made of anything and take any form. Appropriated everyday objects transform stereotypes and famous art historical references become twisted. As a proud member of the queer community, Oliver uses his work to examine, question and criticise the relationships between gender, (homo)sexuality and societies’ misconceptions about those themes. However despite what it might look like to the contemporary spectator, a purely
erotic and queer reading of the work would be misguided. There is a universal profundity at play revealing itself slowly for those willing to look and feel. “I’m committed to my practice and am always striving to find new ways to expand and widen my horizons within my work,” explained Oliver in his AIMES Award application. “My work covers a broad range of topics. My more recent work has touched on socially confronting issues surrounding homosexuality and the experiences facing the queer community. I have recently been developing my ideas to make them more personal and meaningful with the use of materials which add more physical, tactile and visceral feel to the work.” Oliver’s awards have included: Highly Commended 2020 - ECC NZ Student Design/Craft Awards; Craig’s Investment Partners Art 3D Award - 2020 Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards; Touring finalist for The Wallace Art Awards 2020; Overall Supreme Award - ECC 2019; Tuatara Ceramic Award - ECC 2019; Overall winner of the Eden Arts Award 2019; Touring finalist for The Wallace Art Awards 2019; Highly Commended 2018 - ECC NZ Student Design/Craft Awards; Finalist for The Wallace Art Awards 2018; Merit Award 2018 - Riley Consultant members competition; Merit Award 2018 Royal Easter Show. Oliver Cain receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Lauren Towns
(18)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, ARTS/MUSIC
Lauren Towns is an up and coming soprano with extensive professional experience, despite still being in her teens. Growing up in Bayswater, Lauren gained a love for performing while participating in school musicals, competitions and Christmas concerts at Bayswater Primary, Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar. After spending most of her early teens in professional musicals throughout New Zealand and Australia, Lauren shifted for training in Opera and Classical voice. At age 15 she joined the prestigious Queensland Academies’ Creative Industries (QACI) in Australia. Lauren completed her secondary school studies in 2020, receiving her International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a high Queensland ATAR Ranking of 92.8. Lauren’s achievements include:- Touring as a backing vocalist with Andre Rieu’s Soprano, Mirusia (2021); singing in the Brisbane Convention Centre 2018, 2019, 2020; singing at the Brisbane Lord Mayor Christmas Carols in 2018, 2019 and 2020; QACI Vision Award for “Outstanding creative achievement by an individual whose innovation, vision, creativity and enterprise exemplifies the academy vision”. At the award evening John Carozza had this to say when presenting the award. “Lauren has the voice of an angel, and the ability to radiate positive energy no matter the circumstances and will continue to be a shining beacon of
inspiration for so many.” In 2021 Lauren auditioned and was accepted as one of only 14 successful applicants into the Bachelor of Music (Performance) in Classical Voice Program at The Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. Lauren was also selected to study privately under world-renowned soprano Lisa Gasteen AO, whom she will learn from over her four-year honours degree. Lauren is also developing a classical crossover album that accumulates her favourite Jazz, Opera and Classical music repertoire as well as her original music. Lauren will use her AIMES grant to fund her album. She aims to continue her studies in opera at the Royal Collage of Music in London with a Masters of Performance (Music). After this, Lauren hopes to join an international opera company and participate in New Zealand opera while maintaining a solo career as a classical vocalist. Lauren has been cast in two major productions taking place for the Queensland Conservatorium 2022 season. The first is the “Val Machin Opera Scenes”, in May and “Iolanthe” by Gilbert & Sullivan under the Conductor Johannes Fritzsch and directed by Stuart Maunder AM. As Lauren’s voice is developing and growing in warmth, she is beginning to work on some Mezzo Soprano repertoire. Lauren is aiming to travel back to New Zealand in October to compete in the Lockwood New Zealand Aria Competition. Lauren Towns receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Shuan Liu
(18)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, ARTS/MUSIC
Shuan Liu is a first-year student working towards a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Auckland. She attended Pinehurst School and has a dream of being a concert pianist and sharing her music with the world. Shuan won the Margaret Doone Sonata Scholarship in 2019. She says that she learnt how to let go of herself and have fun or go nuts (depending on the piece) in the midst of a performance. “This has become a skill that I use in every single concert, such as in the finals of the 2020 Pacific International Piano Competition.” In early 2021 she was given the opportunity to play Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia summer school orchestra. Shuan has also received support from the Haydn Staples Foundation, Chiron Group and the Dame Malvina Foundation and is developing as a very well-rounded Major performer through experience in chamber music and song accompaniment, such as performing the first and third movements of Schumann’s Piano Quartet with members of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Shuan has also participated in the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest with the group Trio Achilles,
playing Shostakovich Piano Trio no. 1 – making it to the final round and they were awarded the Helen Diamond Young Award. She has also played the Brahms “Four Serious Songs” song cycle with singers and played sonatas such as Beethoven’s Sonata op. 23 no. 4 for Violin and Piano, four Mozart Violin Sonatas and Poulenc Clarinet Sonata no. 3. She has also had ‘Masterclasses’ with Niel Immelman, Marios Papadapulous, Marta Zabaleta, Jian Liu, Michael Endres and Gillian Bibby. This AIMES Award grant will help fund Shuan’s desire to further her piano studies in Germany. Target schools are in Hanover, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Shuan says she has decided that Germany is the best place through research such as including masterclasses, festivals and test lessons with German teachers. “I found that I really love the German approach to interpretation and the culture surrounding music. I have been learning the German language, saving some money, and also gaining more experience in things such as chamber music and collaborative piano, which are essential for studying in Germany.” Shuan Liu receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Liam Wright
(17)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, ARTS/MUSIC
Former Westlake Boys prefect Liam Wright is currently studying Music Performance and Commerce at the University of Auckland. He is an accomplished trumpet and cornet player having played since the age of eight. Liam was selected as Principal Cornet of the National Secondary Schools Brass Band, travelling to Christchurch in October 2021. He’s been selected to play for this Brass Band since 2017. Liam has also been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of NZ (under 23) in 2018 and 2019 which included their Australian Tour. He was also selected to play Solo Cornet with the National Youth Brass Band in Wellington in January 2022. Liam is a committed member of the North Shore Brass Band playing for a variety of annual community events including being chosen to play ‘The Last Post’ for the Anzac Day Commemoration held at ‘The Strand’ in Takapuna in 2021, also being invited each year to play on Anzac Day at the Poynton Retirement Village in Takapuna. At Westlake Boys Liam played Principal Trumpet for the Premier Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. Liam receives weekly lessons from world renowned Trumpet/Cornet Champion ‘Harmen Van Hoorne’.
For his Auckland University studies Liam says he has purchased professional standard orchestral trumpets in Bb and C and a Piccolo trumpet. “Receiving this award gives me the opportunity to purchase a professional grade trumpet which I will be able to use during university and throughout my future career.” Liam’s achievements include: National Cornet Champion (age under 15) 2018; National Cornet Champion (age under 19) 2019; National Cornet Champion (age under 19) 2021; National Junior Champion of Champions (any brass instrument) 2019; National Junior Champion of Champions (any brass instrument) 2021; Invitational Slow Melody (open age) - Highly Commended in the 2021 Brass Band Nationals; Auckland Regional Cornet Champion (age under 16) 2017 and 2018; Auckland Regional Cornet champion (age under 19) 2019 and 2021; ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) Grade 8 Distinction. Liam Wright receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Joshua Kirk
(23)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, ARTS/MUSIC
Former Takapuna Grammar student Josh Kirk is an emerging New Zealand musician aspiring to be a professional conductor. His passion for music started at an early age – age four attending Kids Music Company in Mairangi Bay. At six he began playing the piano and took lessons until the end of high school. At nine Josh started playing the violin, added the euphonium when he was 14, and took singing and musical theatre lessons in his last year at TGS. At TGS Josh was heavily involved in both musical and sporting activities. He was a prefect and a peer mentor and was awarded a Gold Merit badge for sustained excellence in co-curricular activities, the Orchestra Trophy for Orchestral Leadership, and the Barbershop Trophy for outstanding service to a chorus. Josh has also volunteered his time back to the school since leaving. He attended the University of Auckland, majoring in Classical Performance (violin), switching to the viola and graduating with a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) in 2019. During his studies Josh says he realised he was most suited to conducting. “I had always been obsessed with the concept of the orchestra. The idea that 70 or more people all perform incredibly complex individual roles to achieve a single, unified
effect is astounding.” In 2018 Josh approached Maestro Giordano Bellincampi, the Musical Director of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO), to ask if he could attend rehearsals to observe and learn. Since then, he has been very generous with the time he has given Josh and offered advice on potential career paths, including recommending studying in Adelaide. In 2020 Josh began studying towards an Honours degree in conducting at the University of Adelaide, completing his studies in July last year. Highlights for Josh have included:- Conducting the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra three times, selected for Conducting in the NZ Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) Fellowship Programme, conducting the NZSO National Youth Orchestra in rehearsal under the guidance of NZSO Principal Conductor in Residence Hamish McKeich; conducting the Devonport Chamber Orchestra; rehearsals with St. Mathews Chamber Orchestra; Conductor of Youth Orchestra Waikato; attended Australian Conducting Academy. Josh Kirk’s goals include studying at one of the wellrespected schools in Europe, such as Zurich University of the Arts, Amsterdam University of the Arts, Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, or the Music and Arts University of Vienna. Grant funds from this award will be used to help him achieve this goal, which will require pre-selection travel to Europe. Joshua Kirk receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Jannik Wittgen
(20)
AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, EDUCATION/SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Community service is an integral part of former Orewa College head prefect Jannik Wittgen’s life. He dedicates a large portion of time into leadership roles in not for profit organisations. University of Auckland recently identified his leadership potential with selection for the prestigious Dean’s Leadership Programme. Organisations he’s involved with include:- Spirit of Adventure Trust; NZ Cadet Forces; Mechanical & Mechatronics Students’ Association; Hospice NZ Shops. Jannik says funds from this award will ensure he can continue to volunteer. “Balancing part-time work to cover the cost of my university studies is a struggle. These funds ensure I don’t need to take on additional work, allowing me to put time into my community service.” Jannik Wittgen’s leadership was recognised at Orewa College. He was a Lighting and Sound Technician for their shows; Head Prefect in 2019; Student Council Member 2017-19; Board of Trustees Rep; House Monitor 2015/18. He achieved big at Orewa College. This included:- NZQA Outstanding Scholar Award (top 50 students in NZ); NZQA Top Scholar Award (German, top student in NZ); Outstanding Scholarship in Statistics and German; Scholarship in Chemistry and Physics; Dux of the College (year level dux every year); Top student award in Physics, Chemistry and Spanish. Academic success has continued at the University of
Auckland, with these achievements:- 9.0 GPA (A+ average) over all 12 courses completed so far; Named on the Engineering Dean’s List (top 5% of students); Selected for Dean’s Leadership Programme; UoA Beca Part II Engineering Award. After completing university, Jannik plans to work for a company that makes a real difference to our local communities and people. “I will consider any international options where I can have an even more significant positive influence on people’s lives. I will continue to hold myself to high academic standards and put in the effort I need to achieve these grades. After completing my Honours degree, I will consider returning to university for further study if I find a research area I am particularly passionate about.” Since applying for the AIMES Award Jannik’s achievements have continued. He has been awarded the UoA Beca Part II Engineering Award, recognising ‘communication skills; leadership potential; contribution to University and community activities; and desire to contribute positively to the engineering profession’; His team (Cellular Research Satellite - CURES) won the ‘Most Likely to succeed Prize’ from Peter Beck of Rocket Lab for their entry in the Auckland Programme for Space Systems Mission Proposal Competition; He received the 2021 G. Christian Under Officer’s Award for his volunteer work at 5 Squadron Air Training Corps. Jannik Wittgen receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Benjamin Old
(19)
2021 AIMES EMERGING TALENT AWARD, SPORT
Former Westlake Boys student Ben Old is an exceptional sportsman. Now a professional footballer, but also a very good golfer. Ben has lived most of his life in Castor Bay, attending Campbells Bay Primary and Murrays Bay Intermediate before going on to Westlake Boys High. Ben’s been playing football since age four, when he first joined the Glenfield club. After finding success at local and regional levels, at age 15 he made the tough decision to leave his family, join the Wellington Phoenix Academy (WPX) and board at Scots College in Wellington. It was a good decision, just as he learnt about his success in winning this AIMES Emerging Talent Award, he was offered his first professional contract with the Wellington Phoenix, receiving a three year deal with the club, fulfilling a childhood dream. He has since gone on to play for the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League in Australia during the 2021/22 season. Ben made his professional debut for the Wellington Phoenix in their only home game for the season in front of 24,000 fans, saying it was “undoubtedly the greatest moment of my life so far and something I will never forget”. In 2021 Ben was selected in the U23s OlyWhites,
making the 22-man squad which participated at the Tokyo Olympics. That was where he was when he submitted his AIMES Award application. “There are many reasons why your award grant would mean the world to me and help me reach my dream of signing my first professional contract with the Wellington Phoenix,” said Ben Old in his application. “With this being my first year out of school, my life has got significantly busier with having increasing demands on football accompanied with working part time at Toyota washing cars to pay for the requirements such as rent, food, travel etc. that I didn’t need to worry about when in boarding or living with my parents.” As well as the success Ben has had in football he is also doing a diploma at AUT. “My family and I decided that I needed to continue with education and study because with football being such an unpredictable sport its always important to have a backup plan.” Ben has also just recently been called up for the All Whites World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar where he had his first international cap and was the youngest player in the squad. Benjamin Old receives an AIMES Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bellingham Wallace, and a cash grant of $7,500.
Arlo Feeney
(14)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, ARTS/ACTOR
Westlake Boys student Arlo Feeney has been involved in the Acting industry from the age of eight and has been training as an actor since the age of seven. Over the past six years he has performed in theatre, acted in feature films, appeared in television shows, and performed musically. For such a young person his name has appeared in many shows already. In 2015, he voiced a monologue for ‘Between two Waves,’ a play that was performed in the Herald Theatre. That same year he also acted in ‘The Cul de Sac’ TV series and acted in The American TV show ‘Ash Vs Evil Dead’ and was in these shows again the following year. In 2016, Arlo played the role of Young Richie McCaw in ‘Chasing Great’ and had an interview and article written in the New Zealand Herald about his performance. Also in 2016, he participated in the Kids for Kids Slice of Heaven performance in the Bruce Mason Centre. In 2017, Arlo voiced a character in the New Zealand made film ‘Kiwi Christmas’. The same year he also played the principal role of ‘Rafael’ in the short film ‘It’s Not What Happens’ directed by John Harris. In the years 2018 and 2019 Arlo was in both productions at Murrays Bay Intermediate School, first as Sketch in
‘Hairspray Jr’, and then as a lead role of Dexter in ‘Singing in the rain Jr.’ Arlo played the lead role of Jasper in three episodes of the TV series ‘Blind Bitter Happiness’ in 2021, and played Tybalt in the Westlake Boys production of ‘Socially Distanced Shakespeare’. Arlo’s dream and goal is to continue his career as an Actor. “After my high school education I plan to train at a drama school such as NIDA or The Actors Program. In these upcoming years I will continue to play the role of Jasper in Blind Bitter Happiness, and I hope to get other roles in both Film and TV, as well as continuing with theatre performances.” Arlo will put the scholarship funds toward paying for a tuition at a drama school, and towards extra acting classes to improve his ability. Arlo Feeney receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows & Doors North Shore.
Janayah Wadsworth
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, MUSIC
Takapuna Grammar student Janayah Wadsworth loves to sing and perform. Her goal is to become a successful international recording artist and she says that every performance, every song she has sung since she first stepped on a stage at 7 years old is all working towards this end result. Her talent was first recognised by the North Harbour Club with Junior Excellence Award in 2018. Janayah has a host of experience under her belt having been performing from a very young age. “People often comment that I have a great stage presence and powerhouse vocals,” said Janayah in her award application. “Singing and performing is all I have ever wanted to do – it’s my passion and I love the creativity and seeing people really feel the emotions in the songs I sing and am now starting to write.” Janayah’s vocal coaches have included Rebecca Nelson, Suzanne Lynch, Cherie Mathieson and former AIMES Award winner Verity Esmae Burgess. In 2021 Janayah took out first prize in the national SGCNZ/Morrison Music Trust Shakespeare Music Composition Competition for the death scene in Romeo & Juliet.
In mid-2021 she released her first single in collaboration with Auckland DJ Cymbol, called Hanging On. Janayah’s now had two singles released on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple music. The second is with Lauren Gin and it was released in March this year. “It is called ‘Remedy’ and is another delve into Electronic Dance Music for me.” The highlight of 2021 for Janayah was being accepted into the BRIT School of Performing & Creative Arts in London UK. This is funded by the British Recording Industry Trust and was founded to help musicians and creatives enter the industry. Janayah is studying music with focus on vocals. Famous alumni from the school include Adele, Jessie J and Amy Winehouse. The highly selective audition process involved three tiers over three months including an extensive written application, two video performance submissions, and a virtual interview. The music strand that she has applied for takes approximately 50 people a year. Out of those 50, they take an average of 7 people from outside of London and the rest of the world. Janayah Wadsworth receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Alice Jones
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, MUSIC
Soft indie pop singer-songwriter and former Takapuna Grammar student Alice Jones is known professionally as Freya. A singer with gentle voice and soaring vocals. Alice says her music powerfully explores and conveys deep emotions of loss and love through poetic, wise lyrics and moving vocals. She has been a singer songwriter since her earliest years. “My songs really started coming together when I picked up the guitar at the age of 13. Self-taught, I learnt to accompany my voice, and started to write more sophisticated songs. It all kicked off fast from there. My first real gig as Freya was in July 2017, as the opening act for folk duo ‘The Free Wind’ at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. That same year I played the Devonstock one-day festival in Devonport.” Alice recorded her first original song at the age of 10, with only a Garageband drum loop as accompaniment at The Depot Studio in Devonport. Singing lessons with Rebecca Nelson, since the age of eight, have assisted with the development of her voice. Rebecca is the lead singer for the Royal NZ Navy Band. In 2018, Alice appeared on television, performing one of her songs on TV3’s ‘What Now’, and began playing lots of
gigs around Auckland. She also became well known on the festival circuit, playing at AUM Festival, NYE Resolution, Voices of Scared Earth and NZ Spirit Festival most years. Alice has won Takapuna Grammar’s Mike Chunn Songwriting award in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and also won a piano for the school through the ‘Play It Strange’ song writing competition. In mid-2021 she started to release music onto streaming platforms. Her debut studio EP was released in July 2021. ‘Wildest Creatures I’ve Dreamed’ is a collection of powerfully evocative thematics developed in collaboration with her producers Harry Charles and Morgan Allen from The Depot. In 2021, Alice also won The Depot Studio North Shore secondary schools song writing competition, being awarded studio time at The Depot. In her 2021 application Alice explained that scholarship funds would go towards studio time, subscription fees of her website domain and the music distributor platform that she uses, and for promotion of her music. “Receiving a grant would really help me make my dream a reality, especially as I am leaving school and jumping head first into trying to make a solid career for myself as an emerging artist.” Alice Jones receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Lily Woods
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, EDUCATION & SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Former Albany Senior High head girl Lily Woods aspires to be a game-changer… “someone who helps people think differently about the things that really matter – eg. human rights, the environment, etc. – making a significant, positive difference in my communities and in the world”. Lily studies at the University of Auckland, currently in year one of a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Global Studies conjoint programme (LLB/BGlobalSt). She aims to major in Global Politics and Human Rights, with Te Reo M ori as her language of choice. This will enable further tertiary study in the fields of Environmental Law and Human Rights. “I see this path of study as one that will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be a forceful voice for people and the environment,” explained Lily in her award application in 2021. In 2021, Lily competed in the Senior Students Ethics Olympiad with her team placed 2nd in New Zealand and 14th internationally. In 2019, she was awarded Top Scholar, also receiving top-of-subject prizes in Mathematics, Physics, Geography, and Psychology. She was also awarded the University of Auckland Faculty of Arts Award for Critical Thinking. She
had a 320 rank score in NCEA and in 2020 received top-ofsubject prizes in English and Calculus. Not only has Lily excelled in her own education, she also supports others to excel as an academic mentor. “Tutoring is rewarding in so many ways as I am able to help support students to perform to their best academically and provide them with the confidence they need to approach any academic challenge that comes their way.” In 2021, Lily was selected to be a member of the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 Youth Forum, a series of virtual hui during which she voiced the concerns and questions her cohort had regarding things like the impact of COVID-19 on their education and the future of education. Lily also created a series of workshops for primaryschool-aged students about what to do in the event of a natural disaster (e.g., an earthquake). She was also a member of ASHS’s Kapa Haka group and represented the school in powhiri Kapa Haka performances. She was a leader and participant of ASHS’s Politics Committee, Health and Wellbeing Committee, Impact Project Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Ball Committee, and was an active member of the Running Club. Lily will use scholarship funds to support her tertiary studies. Lily Woods receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Caitlin O’Reilly
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, SPORT
At age 12, former Carmel College student Caitlin O’Reilly was first recognised by the North Harbour Club with a Junior Excellence Award following her swim across the Cook Strait – the youngest person to ever complete the difficult 17.5km swim. Four years on she receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship recognising the achievements she continues to make as an Ultra-Marathon Swimmer. Caitlin is the youngest to complete the New Zealand Triple Crown. This included the Cook Strait in February 2017, Lake Taupo (40.2kms) in February 2019 (aged 14), and Foveaux Strait (28km) in 2021. Only five people have previously accomplished this. Caitlin was the youngest, at 16 years old. In 2021 Caitlin also completed an Ice Mile at Lake Lyndon. An Ice Mile is a “cold swim” in under five degrees that is rigorously monitored for swimmer safety. And just to add to her achievements, Caitlin completed two laps of Lake Taupo in March this year (over 80kms) in 28 hours! Caitlin says that swimming has strengthened her both physically and mentally and has made her determined, adventurous, and resilient. “I couldn’t imagine life without swimming. Ocean swimming is what pushes me to continue to train harder
and to do better every day. I feel at home with the ocean and have created many friendships. The ocean swimming community is not about being the fastest, it is about sharing common goals no matter how big or small.” Her next goal is to be the youngest to swim Oceans 7. This consists of seven challenging swims around the world – Cook Strait, Catalina Channel, English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, North Channel, Tsugaru Strait, and Molokai Channel. Caitlin says that this year has been a huge learning experience. “The documentary of my lead up to my Foveaux swim put me in the limelight more than I was comfortable with, but has made me more determined to be mentally prepared and overcome my fears and self-doubt. I am now a lot more confident with my public speaking and nearly enjoyed speaking at the NZ Ultra Marathon Awards in Wellington!” Caitlin is a LiveOcean Champion, aiming to use her profile and swimming adventures to help raise awareness for this local charity that funds New Zealand scientists and their research. This is used to protect and support our marine life and open water ecosystem here in New Zealand’s wider back yard where most needed. The scholarship will help Caitlin with travel, training costs, specialist sports coaching and nutritional guidance. Caitlin O’Reilly receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Chantelle May
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, SPORT
The Torbay youngster’s Fencing journey began in 2012, watching a movie that inspired her to give fencing a go. Since then she’s never looked back. Her efforts in Fencing were first rewarded, as a 12 year old, by the North Harbour Club with a Junior Excellence Award in 2017. Chantelle’s ultimate goal is to represent New Zealand at the 2024 and 2028 Olympics. In February she won the Waitangi Open Women’s Foil competition – a national open age group competition, and she was selected to represent New Zealand at the 2022 World Junior Fencing Championships in Dubai in April. Due to the pandemic this was the first chance for Chantelle to compete internationally since January 2020. Chantelle attended Kristin School to year seven, before moving to Diocesan School. Fencing is her passion, training at Auckland Swords Club three to four days a week. She’s team captain for Dio fencing. Chantelle has achieved outstanding national and international results over the past few years including an international title (Australian u15). At the time of applying for an AIMES Award her short-term goals were to do well at several international competitions with an eye on the Olympics. Covid 19 has affected most of these events.
Chantelle says her pathway to the Olympics will still include representing New Zealand at Commonwealth Championships, World Championships and competing in Age Group and Open competitions locally, in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. “Competing regularly at local and international competitions is highly beneficial, exposing me to the different styles of fencing and the pressure involved when competing against skilled opponents. The more I experience different styles and techniques, the better the fencer I become, (hopefully) leading to top placings at these competitions and building to a place at the Olympics. I believe my results from local competitions this year, along with those from the past few years, reflect my determination to be the best that I can be and make the most of the opportunities offered.” Chantelle says winning the award has helped motivate her to keep training every day, ready for competitions later this year and my preparation towards Commonwealth Games. “The scholarship will help fund my growth and make it easier to attend international competitions with my coach and attend local and international training camps, as well as purchasing new gear that is compliant with the FIE standards.” Chantelle May receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Lewis Bower
(16)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, SPORT
Westlake Boys student Lewis Bower began cycling in year seven at Belmont Intermediate. Over the past five years Lewis has achieved impressive results, winning multi event cycle races (tours) and age group national and regional titles across both road cycling and mountain bike racing. These achievements culminated over the last year, when riding as a first year under 19 (aged 16) he won the U19 national titles for the Individual Time Trial (ITT) and Criterium events as well as the Cycling New Zealand National Road Race Series Championship. On the back of these results Lewis was selected to represent New Zealand at the 2021 UCI Road World Championships in Belgium, competing in the UCI Worlds Junior Championships in September last year. Lewis placed a credible 53rd from 102 starters in the 122km road race and 25th in the individual time trial. He was also the second youngest in the event by two days. Lewis recently won the Tasman Junior Tour, taking out three of the four stages. Claiming the George Bennett Hill Trophy for the second year in a row and also awarded the King of the Mountain jersey. In early April Lewis was due to travel to Australia with his
Fruzio-Ilabb Development Team to represent New Zealand in the Oceania’s Road Championships. In late April he was returning to Belgium for some European racing during their summer, with the hope of being selected to represent New Zealand again at the UCI Worlds in Australia in September this year. Lewis was named College Sport Junior Sportsman of the Year at Harbour Sport’s 2021 Excellence Awards; and Cycling New Zealand’s Male Junior Cyclist of the Year for 2021. This annual award was established to recognise outstanding performances in both Road and Track cycling through a calendar year. Lewis says achieving these results has taken a high level of commitment and application. “I now train six days a week. My enthusiasm and passion for cycling has grown to a level whereby my goal is now to take cycling as far as I possibly can, the ultimate being to race on the World Tour and partake in the Tour de France and the races known as “The Cycling Monuments” such as Paris – Roubaix, San Remo – Milan.” This scholarship grant will assist Lewis in attending regional and international events. He plans to return to Europe on a more permanent basis once completing his schooling at WBHS. Lewis Bower receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
Greer Morley
(17)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, SPORT
Carmel College student Greer Morley is a high achiever in both canoe sprint and surf ski racing. In Kayak she’s the current New Zealand Under 16 K1 500m and K1 200m champion, U18 K1 500m champion, the U18 K2 500m and 200m champion as well as the U16 K2 200m champion. Greer has won many national and regional event titles in both canoe sprint racing and surf ski. She is a member of the Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. Greer says she was first introduced to kayaking at 12 years of age by family friend Britney Ford. At the time, Britney was part of the High Performance Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) U23 year olds women’s squad. “I instantly fell in love with the sport and really enjoyed the coaching sessions at the North Shore Canoe Club at Lake Pupuke. I’m lucky to train at Lake Pupuke where the U23 and elite paddlers train daily. It’s a huge advantage and opportunity to grow as I network with elite paddlers, observe their training and programme as well as gain tips and guidance.” Greer’s training regime consists of 4-5 hours per day, before and after school, and during weekends. She has proven success competing in and winning races with top competitors who are much older.
Her ultimate goal is to represent New Zealand at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Involvement in the Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club began for Greer in 2018, aged 13. “After beginning as a Rookie lifeguard, I progressed into the senior division of Surf Sport, specialising in the Surf Ski event. The surf ski enables me to train and build paddling skills which complement kayaking. Surf lifesaving also enables me to give back to the community.” Greer has won the U17 surf ski title at the Whangamata Classic and the U17 and U19 ski relay at the Eastern Region Championships. She was named in the Northern Region High Performance Surf Lifesaving team for surf ski. Greer was selected for both the Under 18 and Under 16 New Zealand Canoe Sprint Racing World Championship team. Covid 19 has seen some overseas events postponed or cancelled. “I feel privileged to be part of the Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) Paddle ID programme. This has given me expertise, guidance and mentoring from a range of coaches. The CRNZ team works closely with my own coaches from kayaking and surf lifesaving to ensure my training and competition programme is integrated and works cohesively.” The scholarship funds will assist Greer in achieving her goals and to travel to overseas events. Greer Morley receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows & Doors North Shore.
Melissa Cowen
(16)
2021 NORTH HARBOUR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP, SPORT
Rangitoto College student and North Shore Swimming Club member Melissa Cowen is one of New Zealand’s most promising breaststrokers. She has been competitively swimming since the age of eight. Melissa’s aim is to represent New Zealand at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, and future Olympics after that. In 2020 Melissa broke two New Zealand Open (all age groups) Short Course breaststroke records, the 100m and 200m, beating the previous 200m time by two seconds. This made her the fastest ever New Zealand female in these events, and at 15 years old the youngest New Zealand swimmer to hold a New Zealand Open swimming record. Melissa has won many national age-group swimming titles, recently winning the 16 year old 200m breaststroke at the New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships. Achievements to date have included:- NZ Swimming Alumni Award (awarded 2021); Emerging Domestic Swimmer of the Year (2020); New Zealand Open Swimming Open Records (2020); Open Women’s Short Course 100m Breaststroke (1:06.72); Open Women’s Short Course 200m Breaststroke (2:23.47); New Zealand Swimming Age Group Records (2020); 15 year old girls Short Course 50m breaststroke 31.37; 15 year old girls Short Course 100m
breaststroke 1:06.72; 15 year old girls Short Course 200m breaststroke 2:23.47. National representation:- 2019 NZ 14 year old age group Bronze Squad; 2020 NZ 15 year old age group Gold Squad; 2020 qualified for World Short Course Championships and Junior Pan Pacific Champs; NZ Swimming Tokyo 2021 Olympics long list; 2021 Senior NZ Swimming Development Camp; 2021 NZ 16 year old age group Bronze Squad, 2021 selected for NZ Swimming Tri Series. Melissa trains up to 21 hours a week and says the next step towards Olympic representation is to gain international competition experience which will help her get to know her future national and international competitors and learn how to succeed in different competitive environments and time zones. Scholarship funds will assist with this development. “My selection to compete for NZ in the 2019 Australian State teams competition was the first opportunity for me to do this,” explained Melissa in her application for the award. “This trip was a giant learning point for me along with the Swimming New Zealand Age Group Tri Series I competed in recently. I also have the opportunity to be a part of the Swimming New Zealand team for World Junior Championships and World Short Course. However for me to be able to experience these and get more out of them it will be very expensive especially with Covid-19 at the moment.” Melissa Cowen receives a North Harbour Club Scholarship grant of $3000, sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore.
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