Year 7 ākonga celebrated their graduation at the OAEC with a warm and uplifting ceremony that recognised excellence, progress and manaaki.

Year 7 ākonga celebrated their graduation at the OAEC with performances by Jack Ward and the Year 7 Band, and special awards recognising excellence and growth.

Outstanding learners across service, leadership and academic achievement were honoured at the 2025 Year 7 Graduation. Held in the OAEC, the celebration brought together whānau and staff to acknowledge the achievements of our youngest cohort. The atmosphere was filled with pride as ākonga reflected on the first year learning at Orewa College.

Whānau and staff gathered to celebrate and acknowledge growth in all its forms. Special awards recognised ākonga across service, leadership and academic progress. Congratulations to Holly Pipping-Ruakere (Ako Orewa Award for Most Improved), Isabel Hampton (Manaaki Orewa Award) and Cameron Hand (Principal’s Award for All Round Excellence).

The Mātauranga Award was awarded to Lien Hu for his exceptional academic achievement.

As Tumuaki Wiri Warriner reminded us, these milestones matter, they shape the future leaders of our kura and our community.

View the full photo gallery of our special award winners here.

Ngā mihi to all who helped create a memorable celebration for our Year 7 ākonga as they continue their Orewa College journey.

Photo credit: Zac Thorne, Olivia Chechova

Runner: Max Capon Taylor