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She's a small town girl
who is achieving outstanding results at her private Auckland college.
Waikohu Ranginui is 16-years-old and comes from Opotiki,
and is leading the way in her studies and school life.
Irena Smith went to meet her.
It's the first day of the new school year for Waikohu Ranginui.
I have a lot more work
now that I'm in Year 12.
I'm a little worried about the workload,
but I'm glad to be back.
She is one of the students of this private school in Parnell, Auckland.
It's a school that offers
University of Cambridge International Exams,
and she attained 95% in art and design.
I didn't think my results would be that good, so I'm pretty stoked.
She was previously schooled at Te Kura Maori o Maraenui.
She was lucky to get a scholarship from the Ministry of Education
to help pay for her school fees.
I want to start giving back to the people who gave me this money.
I want to achieve the best I can for me and my community.
She lives with her aunt here, and her family pays for board,
and indeed she's making good on their investment.
My mum gets a bit worried about the money side of things,
but I'm still here, and I'm staying strong.
I've only got two more years to go.
She'll be a prefect this year,
and she wants to show other Maori students
there are many avenues to strive for in education.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.