Waihī College Cultural Prizegiving 2026 🎭🎨🎶

What a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of our students at last night’s Cultural Prizegiving!

It was wonderful to see such a great turnout as we recognised students for their achievements across Kapa Haka and Māori Culture, Culinary Arts, Music, Visual Arts and Drama.

A special congratulations to Luke Stephens, who received our prestigious Supreme Cultural Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the arts at Waihī College.

We were treated to lovely performances by Cade Tucker, and Isla Menary and Ana Whatarau, adding something special to the evening.

A huge thank you to our fantastic hosts, Cade Tucker (2026 Arts and Cultural Leader) and Stella Shave (2026 Community Leader), who did a wonderful job guiding us through the celebrations. Thank you also to Crystal from Sweet Tooth Catering for the delicious catering.

🏆 Congratulations to Our 2026 Award Winners!

KAPA HAKA & MĀORI AWARDS

• Kaitātaki Wāhine – Mahana Magee
• Kaitātaki Tāne – Ra Anthym Selwyn
• Kaiāwhina – Deuce Tukaki
• Māori Performer of the Year – Ngatara Magee

CULINARY ARTS AWARDS

• Barista of the Year – Jazmine Jones
• Creative Flair – Ella Troughton
• The Culinary Arts Rising Star – Charisse Mercader
• Manaakitanga – Ana Whatarau
• Commitment to Culinary Arts – Ana Whatarau
• Culinary Arts Student of the Year – Clarisse Mercader

MUSIC & TECH AWARDS

• Hall Tech of the Year – Luke Stephens
• Most Improved Performer – Honoka Korobi
• Contribution to Music – Luke Stephens
• Music Producer Award – Michael Jamieson
• Music Composition Award – Jessica Yeh
• Most Outstanding Musician – Keara Yandell
• Musician of the Year – Cade Tucker

VISUAL ART AWARDS

• Principal’s Certificate for Commitment to the Visual Arts – Tiana Reynolds
• Acts of Service to the Arts – Zoe-Beth Naisby
• Most Outstanding in Painting – Ruby Wilhelmi

DRAMA AWARDS

• Contribution to Drama – Luke Stephens
• Most Improved Performer – James Flanagan
• Dramatic Performer of the Year – Stuart Hartley
• Most Outstanding Performer – Isla Menary

SUPREME CULTURAL AWARD

• Luke Stephens

It was a fantastic night celebrating our talented students and giving them the recognition they deserve. Congratulations to all our award recipients – we are incredibly proud of you! A big thank you to Hamish McKinnon who was our photographer for the night. Head to the School Photos section of our website to check them out.