Orewa College farewells the Class of 2025 with a proud graduation ceremony honouring student achievement and leadership.

Whānau, friends, and staff gathered in proud celebration as Orewa College farewelled its graduating Year 13 cohort at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony. The evening marked not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of new journeys, filled with promise and potential.

The ceremony was guided by Associate Principal Anna Kenny and featured inspiring speeches from Principal Wiri Warriner and School Board Presiding Member Steven McCleery. Both leaders acknowledged the success and growth of the Class of 2025, reflecting on the learning that has shaped their time at Orewa College.

Our Head Manukura: Brooke McGhie, Connor Dalling, Anika Pihema and Lachlan Buckley, delivered heartfelt messages. Their kōrero reflected the strong sense of identity and connection among this year’s graduates.

Special honours were awarded to ākonga whose achievements exemplified excellence across academic and personal growth. Boyu Hou received the AKO Orewa Award for Most Improved based on NCEA data (2024–2025). Brooke McGhie was presented with the Principal’s Award for All Round Excellence. Maria Walker-Kennell was named ASB Proxime Accessit, and Simar Dulai received the prestigious Colinette Williams Memorial Year 13 Dux award.

Musical performances by Nathali Weerasinghe, accompanied by Bruno McLeod, added a beautiful dimension to the ceremony. The Senior Jazz Band, joined by David Popper, brought the evening to a memorable close.

The event also featured the presentation of special scholarships and awards by Wiri Warriner, Guy Blanchard, and James Went, recognising a wide range of academic, cultural, and service contributions across the graduating class.

It was a night of reflection, celebration, and pride, honouring not just what has been achieved, but all that lies ahead.

View the full gallery and celebrate our graduates.

Photo credit: Ralph Zamora, Lewis Bostock