College Prefect Commissioning Celebrates 2026 Student Leaders

The official induction into leadership that our annual Prefect Commissioning affords each new cohort the chance to share their priorities and goals for the year.

Assembled beneath the stained glass, House flags, and Celtic cross adorning our College Chapel, the pledges and intentions shared by our leaders were witnessed by family and friends, alongside the symbols that mark our faith heritage.

Among the badge and robe presentations, pledges, and blessings, messages were shared by the figureheads of the College for 2026. Principal Damon Emtage spoke on whakapapa; our “origin stories.” His message walked the school’s path, reminding the room of the Presbyterian roots and values that have long formed the foundation of the College. He also acknowledged each leader’s individual story, now joined with Saint Kentigern’s for the duration of their tenure. He challenged the new leaders: “As Prefects, you’re entrusted with upholding and strengthening that connection through our shared values.”

Head Prefects Violet Taylor and George McGuiness also shared their leadership vision to be a group of proactive leaders, with “leadership that acts,” as George described. Violet began by expressing their desire to break the myth “that leaders are the ones who feel ready… time and again, history has proven us something different. Leadership is often the moment you stop waiting and start leading… because you notice that something needs to happen.”

With strong intentions and big shoes to fill from years prior, the Head Prefects are armed with something new as they take on this year. In their sporrans, they were gifted a letter from last year’s Head Prefects. As they graduate at the end of the year, they will add their own words of encouragement to those who came before them,  weaving another whakapapa into the story of those still to come.

We wish our student leaders all the best in their endeavours to be the proactive, needs-focused leaders they aspire to be.

2026 Prefect Leadership Team

Head Prefects

Head Boy: George McGuiness 

Joining the Boys’ School in 2018 as a Year 5 and the College in 2022 as a Year 9, George is renowned as a dedicated and humble student. Deeply invested in being the best he can be, his contributions span Legal Mooting, the Debating Advanced Premier Team, Senior Open Debating Coach, Academic Council, and the Waterpolo Premier Boys Squad. He has completed Silver Duke of Edinburgh and earned NCEA Academic Colours, along with NZQA Scholarships in Calculus, English, Health and Physical Education, and History. George is a young man who embodies integrity, responsibility, and the longstanding values of the College, inspiring others through his example.

Head Girl:  Violet Taylor 

Violet joined the College in 2020 as a Year 7. Warm and inclusive, she is deeply respected by her peers and leads with genuine care and quiet confidence. Her involvement across College life includes Model United Nations Club, Shakespeare Festival Nationals, Chapel Band, Kentoris Choir, school productions, Arts Council, and netball. Violet has earned NCEA Academic Colours and NZQA Scholarships in Drama and History. She embodies the Saint Kentigern values in all that she undertakes and is a true ‘Daughter of Kentigern.’

Deputy Head Prefects

Deputy Head Boy: Matthew Stubbs 

Matthew joined the College in 2022 as a Year 9. He is known for his enthusiasm, initiative, and drive, particularly evident in his involvement in numerous musical ensembles and College activities. His contributions include F1 in Schools, Shakespeare Festival Nationals, yachting, Concert Band, Kentoris Choir, Big Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra. Matthew has earned NCEA Academic Colours and is recognised as a genuine, caring, and responsible young man who consistently demonstrates maturity beyond his years.

Deputy Head Girl: Sophie McIndoe 

Sophie joined the Girls’ School in 2020 as a Year 7 and came to the College in 2022 as a Year 9 student. She is kind and caring, leading naturally with genuine encouragement. Her contributions include Senior Productions, Dance Showcase, Hip Hop Troupe, Jazz Troupe, Arts Council, Hockey 2nd XI, and Silver Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie carries a natural warmth, grit, and a sincere sense of service into her role as a student leader.

Bruce House Prefects 
Head Boy: Misha Ryabstev
Head Girl: Elsa Cai

College Prefects
Arts: Tamsin Low
Arts: Caleb Bisley
Sports: Charlize Kerr
Sports: Owen Lamb
Service: Tara Arrol
Service: Jacob Maasland
Academic: Melanie Yin
Academic: Ethan Ye
Te Amokura: Eva Kolose
Te Amokura: Josiah Paletaoga
Chapel: Chloe Yip
Chapel: Israel Lemalu

Cargill Prefects
House Leader: Ella Taylor
House Leader: Henry Sutton
Prefect: Charlotte Lee
Prefect: Emilie Long
Prefect: Ollie Bellard
Prefect: Sebastian Wallace

Chalmers Prefects
House Leader: Aanya Abeysekera 
House Leader: Mikey Higgins
Prefect: Niko Arlidge
Prefect: Eden Murdoch
Prefect: Madelyn Quay-Chin
Prefect: Sebe Poole

Hamilton Prefects
House Leader: Johnny Ormond
House Leader: Mila Laarakkers
Prefect: Benjaman Rickard
Prefect: Liam Bevitt
Prefect: Leofe Usufono
Prefect: Yana Wong

Wishart Prefects
House Leader: Isabel Gilbert
House Leader: Liam Dowling
Prefect: Gigi Forster
Prefect: Lorna Findlay
Prefect: Jake Newbould
Prefect: Ava van Rij

Stark Prefects
House Leader: Britta Laurenson
House Leader: Alex Johnson
Prefect: Sophie Sayer
Prefect: Waner Xu
Prefect: Marley Tangata-Toa
Prefect: Phoenix Yuan

Wilson Prefects
House Leader: Elise Wall
House Leader: Misha Ryabstev
Prefect: James Candish
Prefect: Damian Yik
Prefect: Chloe Zeng
Prefect: Ellen Carter