Student Leaders - Taumarunui High School

Marley Thompson

Head Student

Ko Tongariro te maunga

Ko Whanganui te awa

Ko Taupo-nui-a-tia te moana

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Kakahi te marae

Ko Taumaihiarongo te whare tupuna

Ko Ngati Tūwharetoa me Tuhoe te iwi

Ko Ngati Manunui te hapu

Ko Te Kura Tua Rua O Taumarunui te kura

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa

My name is Marley Tutemahurangi Thompson, and I am honored to serve as the 2026 Head Boy of Te Kura Tua Rua O Taumarunui.

It is a privilege to represent our school, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to support and uplift our kura community.

Our kura is built on integrity and pride, shaping and guiding the next generation of strong leaders who will make a positive impact within our community and beyond. We are committed to equipping our tauira with the tools they need to succeed - fostering academic excellence, strengthening cultural identity, and encouraging active participation in all aspects of school life. Through these opportunities, our students are empowered to reach their full potential.

From the moment I first walked through the doors of our kura to now stepping into the role of Head Boy, I have always carried a deep sense of pride in being part of this school. I am excited to be working closely with our Year 9 advisories - communicating, listening, and building meaningful connections with each of them. They are our future leaders, and whether in the classroom or through shared moments of laughter and learning, those relationships are invaluable.

As Head Boy in 2026, the legacy I hope to leave is one of positivity, unity, and leadership by example - ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and inspired throughout their journey at Taumarunui High School.

Emily Owen

Head Student

Kia ora, my name is Emily Owen, and I am your Head Girl for 2026.

This is a role I have strived so hard for since walking through Taumarunui High School’s doors in 2022. As a year 9 I was always a much quieter student and preferred the spotlight to be aimed far away from me. But observing the previous Head Girls of this school, I realised I wanted to be who they were. A female role model who inspires young girls to be the best they can be. All of the Head Girls prior to me exerted confidence, kindness, and intelligence. I have always worked hard to hold strong to these qualities as I look back towards these young women regularly and their inspiring presence they had on 13-year-old me.

Attending Taumarunui High school for the past four years taught me valuable lessons in being myself and holding onto my own values and opinions. I want to make sure all students are also given the opportunity to learn this. Being different in any way, especially in opinion or belief, does not make you any less valued at our school. I believe our years at High School are where we should be learning and sharing our individual opinions safely without any negative influences.

As Head Girl, my goal is to help our school environment stay caring, inclusive, and supportive to all, and encourage our students to enjoy education and the experiences they receive while attending our Kura. I aim to play a large role in listening to and supporting our younger students as they are introduced into the adult world, and be a strong role model towards all students. I want to display the importance of caring for and understanding those around us, at the same time as prioritising our own education and wellbeing.

Achieving this long-term goal of mine has opened up new opportunities for me to enhance my own knowledge and confidence in many areas such as public speaking, planning, and leadership. Being the introverted person I am, sets me a little back from the more confident leaders, but it also gives me a drive to push myself to be better every single time. I believe it can show others similar to me, that nothing is impossible and those dreams and goals that people call unrealistic, are in fact achievable, you just need the drive to commit to it.

I look forward to working with the Student Leader team, as they are all very strong, smart leaders, and we aim to enhance the student wellbeing and participation in our Kura and community. We will encourage school pride and dedication to learning, and inspire more young leaders for the future.

Cody Bryan

Head Student

Hello, my name is Cody Bryan and I’m a head student for 2026.

If someone told me in year 9 that I would be deputy head-boy in a few years, I’d say they’re lying. When I first started school, I was extremely anxious and did not know what to do with myself. But over the years, through trial and error and with the help of my teachers and peers, I gained the confidence to apply for this position.

I’m incredibly grateful that I have been chosen for this. My goal as a student leader is to make sure the new students feel safe and welcome in our school. Being a good role model is super important to me because having good role models in the early years of high school can help you in almost every way.

Alongside these goals, I also have some personal goals. This year I want to achieve as much as I can academically and also work on developing valuable skills that will be needed for university.

Again, I’m truly grateful to have been selected for this and I will ensure that I live up to my goals and be a good leader.

Monet Tiwsuwanbavorn

Head Student

Kia ora koutou, my name is Monet Tiwsuwanbavorn, and I am incredibly proud to be one of your Head Students at Taumarunui High School for 2026.

No amount of words can truly describe how excited I am to hold this leadership position.

My first two years of high school did not have the best start. I was a follower and unsure of who I was or what I wanted for myself. I avoided opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and I didn’t always make the best choices. However, through growth and reflection, I began to realize my potential and the importance of stepping up. My journey is proof that change is possible. I hope my story encourages others to push through their struggles, step outside their comfort zones, and believe in their ability to grow. I want students to see that no matter where you start, you can achieve great things if you set your mind to it and stay determined.

As Head Student, I want to work alongside both staff and students to create a kura where everyone feels heard, valued, and encouraged to succeed. I believe that when we support one another and work together, we can achieve great things as a school community. I want to strengthen students voice by listening to your ideas and representing them. I would also love to help organize more fun engaging events and activities that bring our kura together.

Most importantly, I want to inspire others not only through my words, but through my actions. I want to be someone you can approach, whether you need support, have an idea to share, or simply want someone to talk to. I strive to lead by example, and to help create a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.

Alongside my leadership responsibilities, I have personal goals I am working towards. I aim to achieve a lot of NCEA credits with high results and continue to university to study Business. I am committed to developing new skills that will help me succeed both during my time at school and in the future.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve as your Head Student, and I look forward to working alongside the other student leaders this year.