Hamish Tunnage

HAMISH Tunnage is never happier than when he is under the bonnet of a car.

And if he has his way, that is exactly how he will spend his productive future years.

A sporting and academic allrounder, the Lawrence Area School head pupil first got into tinkering with cars as a young teenager.

“I’ve always like the old classic cars. I’ve grown up around them and they’ve grown on me.

“In the last few years fixing cars has started to become more of an interest. I love the handson element of getting in there and fixing things.’’

His passion for the internal combustion engine had led him into his most recent studies.

‘‘I’ve always been into materials tech and, last couple of years, have had the chance to study automotive engineering at Otago Polytech in Cromwell.

‘‘I’d like to get an apprenticeship next year, locally if possible, but otherwise I’ll probably head to Dunedin and see how I go.’’

The proud driver of a classic Toyota Corolla at present, Hamish said he would like to own an XY Falcon one day.

‘‘It’s another classic. Looks matched by performance.’’

The Invercargillborn 18yearold praised his school for its rounded approach to education.

‘‘I think because it’s a smaller, country school, everyone gets to know everyone. That means you get the chance for more onetoone learning and activities where you can really get into it.’’

He enjoyed his role as head pupil.

‘‘I went to Akaroa for the New Zealand area schools leadership course back in April, which was great.

‘‘I learnt a lot through the teambuilding and challenge exercises. I’m proud to represent the school, and just try and be a good role model for the younger students.’’

A country boy to the core, Hamish liked occasionally to swap his toolbox for a tackle box.

‘‘I love fishing. We go down Tuapeka Mouth on the Clutha there. It’s a hard river to fish, but you get the odd trout.’’

Achievements: Head pupil (2022); New Zealand Area Schools leadership course (2022); Level 1 merit endorsement; Level 2; Shanks Cup for effort and achievement in technology (2021); Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award (2021); Level 2 automotive engineering, Otago Polytechnic (2021); achievement and effort in materials technology (2021). Role model: My mum and dad and my older brother. They’ve showed me determination.

Hopes for the future: I’d like to move into an automotive engineering apprenticeship, hopefully locally, but further afield if not.