Ethan Reille

GROWING up, Ethan Reille could not think of anything more uninspiring than politics.

But what does inspire the 18yearold Waitaki Boys’ High School head boy is his deepseated love of helping people, and has recently discovered politics may be the best way to do what he loves best.

‘‘Up until 2020, I had no interest in politics. I was one of those students that thought that it was for the extremely high achievers.

‘‘But I’ve always had a heart for people. I want to understand people more and find solutions to problems and make people happy with easier ways of living.

‘‘So when I got an opportunity to get involved in my community and understand how policy is made, it literally sparked my interest, knowing that I could make a difference in my community and for other students, just by having a voice on political topics.’’

Ethan is an advocate for youth citizenship and social responsibility. This is personified by his commitment to both community and youth leadership.

Along with being head boy, Ethan has been the pupil representative on the school’s board of trustees since 2020 and chairman of the student council.

Outside of school, he is the chairman of the Waitaki District Youth Council, a youth representative on the Stronger Waitaki community group, a member of the Youth Parliament and a Blake Inspire delegate this year and was a Local Hero medallist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2021.

Academically, he was the top junior scholar in 2019, achieved excellence endorsements in both NCEA level 1 and 2 and was runnerup to the top scholar in NCEA level 2.

Next year, Ethan intends to study political communications at Victoria University of Wellington, ‘‘before entering a job, curating change at a local and national government level’’.

Ideally, he sees himself working for a government agency such as the Ministry of Education or Ministry for Youth Development.

He is also keen to research and write government policy.

‘‘I want to understand where there is a gap in our communities or where a minority is being affected, and find solutions so government can take action on that.’’

Achievements: Head boy (2022); BOT pupil rep (202022); student council chairman (2022); Waitaki District Youth Council chairman (2022); Stronger Waitaki community group youth rep (2022); Youth Parliament (2022); Blake Inspire delegate (2022); Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medallist (2021); top junior scholar award (2019); NCEA level 1 and 2 with excellence.

Role model: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Hopes for the future: To study political communications at Victoria University.