Anika Pihema wins Sports Person of the Year at the 2025 Orewa College Sports Excellence Awards.

Netball and surf lifesaving star recognised for outstanding achievement and leadership

Anika Pihema has been named 2025 Sports Person of the Year, recognising her exceptional achievements in both Netball and Surf Lifesaving.

A standout moment this year was Anika’s historic selection to the New Zealand Secondary Schools team for the second year running, the first Orewa College student to ever earn this honour twice. Her journey continues to inspire, as she also recently earned a top scholarship to Waikato University for 2026.

Anika’s dedication, both on and off the court, are matched by her leadership as Head Manukura in 2025.

Her all-round excellence made her a clear choice for the top award at this year’s Sports Excellence Awards, where ākonga from across the kura were celebrated for their sporting achievements.

A special thanks to Tanya Lucas, Craig Ashton, Alana Hartley, and Edith Miller for their mahi in organising the evening and supporting our kura's athletes.

Photo credit: Ralph Zamora