We have four outstanding candidates for Student Representative on our Board of Trustees. Here are their candidate profiles, listed alphabetically by surname.

JAPPAN KAUR

Hi, I’m Jappan Kaur, a Year 11 student. I have had many academic achievements at Westlake and have been involved in many extracurriculars and sports.

Me and you both want change, whether it be big or small. Better bathrooms, hand dryers, air conditioning, cheaper or new tuckshop, more cultural and gender appreciation, longer morning teas, more mufti days, and newer classes (we all know the old A block is a bit too old). Well, you name it, I got it.

So if you want change in our school, it’s about time you take action, not just sit and rant to your bestie because spoiler, that does nothing. Ouch. To make change, your voice needs to be heard by the people that actually make the change. By voting for the right person for the job of Board of Trustees Student Representative, you can make a change, you can have your voice heard. If elected, I will take your problems to the board, so real change can happen. I am ready to be your voice but are you ready to change the school? If so, tick the box near my name.
A vote for Jappan is a vote for change. 

KATE LIU

Hello! Kia Ora! 你好 My name is Kate and I’m a year 12 Wairau student. I am a responsible, co-operative team player with the goal of making everyone feel safe and belonging at WGHS, looking to contribute toward a positive and more culturally inclusive school environment. Your voice, in any language, matters to the school and me.

ANAHERA PETERA

Kia Ora koutou,
Ko Te Rarawa, ko Te Aupōuri, ko Ngāi Takoto ōku iwi
Ko Anahera Petera tōku ingoa

I am Anahera Petera, I am a Year 10 student. My school involvement includes kapa haka, netball, the STEAM programme, and other small leadership roles. I have been involved with school governance throughout my life and would love to be given the opportunity to assume this role. I am passionate about Maori language and tikanga being pursued through the school and creating equal opportunities for all. I believe that I would be a good student representative for you all as I am a driven, trustworthy student willing to listen to your ideas and opinions. I would love to represent you all in making decisions and governance of the school. I want to give you all a fair and happy high school experience and I believe I am the person to do so.

As student representative I would go to the board meetings, and work with the trustees who are voted in by the parents to better our school. This opportunity is exciting for all who are involved, and I believe the student body will vote who they think is fit. I am in year 10, so younger than most candidates but I believe this will be one of my strengths as I can learn and grow with the role and reach a younger audience.

I would be honoured to represent you all.

Ngā Mihi,
Anahera

AMIRA SHAFIQ

Hi there! I am Amira Shafiq from 11 WBR, and this year I am honoured to be a candidate for Student Representative. I am someone who enjoys being involved with the school community with over 20+ extracurricular activities including being a Wairau Student Council Representative, Student Action Team member, a participant in Model United Nations, and a Student Librarian Leader. I love listening to people and ensuring that all the people around me have their opinion heard. I have a passion for public speaking and will not hesitate to speak on behalf of others to express the needs and wants of the students at Westlake. I also pride myself in making informed, logical decisions while encouraging others to showcase their creativity in the form of ideas and discussions.

By choosing me as the Student Representative, I can guarantee that the Westlake Student Community will be offered more opportunities to express the changes they wish to see in the school, as I will try my utmost to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard. I strive to be a reliable and understanding person as I want to create a comfortable environment for students of all ages where they are respected and able to express their thoughts as well as provide me with any ideas they may have to share. I am aware that communication and talking, in general, is a key factor in running for such an important role and as this is something I enjoy doing, I believe I am a capable candidate worth considering.

Honestly, this role was something I had considered applying for a long time but I never did as I was a strong believer that there was going to be someone better than me who would win the election, therefore there was no point in applying. My depressing trail of thoughts led me to never apply for this role, instead watching all the candidates campaigning around the school. I finally mustered up the courage to apply this year and although I am just a candidate, I am so excited for this election regardless of the outcomes.

I aim to be someone that brings people together by supporting them and providing a platform where students are able to be more confident in vocalising their needs.