Spirit Awards
Wellington Airport's Spirit Award scholarships are presented to a Year 13 student from each of the five local colleges (Rongotai College, St Catherine’s College, St Patrick’s College, Scots College, and Wellington East Girls’ College) and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna (Seatoun).
These awards recognise and celebrate students who have gone above and beyond to provide service to their school and community. Scholarship recipients receive $1,000 towards their future education. Over the past 18 years, 91 students have been acknowledged with the Award. The awards are presented at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards Dinner.
2026 Spirit Award nominations will open in Term 3.
Spirit Awards 2025
The 2025 Spirit Award recipients are:
- Fraser O'Regan-Smith - Rongotai College
- Yizney Morales - St Catherine’s College
- Jack Clark - St Patrick’s College
- Amelia Burns - Scots College
- Meadow Hussey - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna
- Nikita Lunderstedt - Wellington East Girls’ College
Fraser O'Regan-Smith - Rongotai College
Fraser is an engaged student leader from Rongotai College serving as House Captain. Known for his consistent, reliable service he has coordinated the school’s Breakfast Club for 50 students twice weekly, volunteered at school events. Energetic in his fundraising efforts, Fraser has supported Shave for a Cure, Relay for Life, Women’s Refuge and the RSA Poppy Appeal. He has also volunteered for the Newtown Fair and Waitangi Markets.
Yizney Morales - St Catherine’s College
Yizney is an inspiring student leader from St Catherine’s College. A refugee from Colombia, she has turned challenge into resilience, purpose and service. She has served as House Captain and Whānau Leader, participated in football, futsal, and netball, and achieved academically. She serves as a Youth Leader for the New Zealand National Refugee Council, provides translation support for her community, and founded a cultural dance group celebrating Colombian heritage. Yizney also helped establish the Colombian Youth Council and continues to mentor refugee youth in Wellington and Palmerston North, supporting them to adapt and thrive.
Jack Clark - St Patrick’s College
Jack is an outstanding student leader at St Patrick’s College. He has served as a Manu Taupua (Prefect), a student representative and advocate on the Board of Trustees, and lead the formation of a student council. A valued member of the school’s service committee, Jack has volunteered with Mary Potter Hospice and the St Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. Beyond school, he serves as a rural firefighter with the Southern Lakes Fire Brigade and mentors younger rowers as a senior member of Porirua Rowing Club.
Amelia Burns - Scots College
Amelia is a dedicated student leader at Scots College. She has serviced as Prefect and member of the Service and Wellbeing Committee, along with significant contributions to performing arts, music and sports at the college. This year Amelia was chair of the 2025 Wellington Youth Charity Ball which raised over $16,000 for Wellington Hospitals Foundation. She contributed to the Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa manual development, and she has logged over 230 service hours to the Student Volunteer Army.
Meadow Hussey - Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna
Meadow is a dedicated student leader from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna. She has worked hard towards her studies while embracing leadership roles that have allowed her to advocate for her peers, initiate new projects, and strengthen the sense of unity within the kura whānau. Meadow’s commitment to championing positive youth engagement has seen her serve as Youth Advisor for Evolve Wellington Youth Services and be awarded an Absolutely Positively Wellington Student Award in 2024.
Nikita Lunderstedt - Wellington East Girls’ College
Nikita is an impactful leader at Wellington East Girls' College. As Kaihono, she led multiple prefect teams, and ran school events including Community Week, NZSL Week, and founded the Neurodiversity Club to promote inclusion and understanding. She is also the Te Aka (supported Learning Class) Prefect, and a drama club and debate leader. Nikita is passionate about performing arts and has logged over 250 hours volunteering as a PAYPA (Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa) Ambassador.