Kia ora Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe.
My name is Caleb Quinlan, and I am proud and incredibly grateful to be your Amokura Akoranga (Head of Learning) for the 2026 academic year.
I am a Franklin country boy, and home is our family farm along the banks of the Whangamarino River in Mercer. Growing up in a rural setting gave me a strong appreciation for our environment and helped shape the humility that I pride myself on having as a leadership strength today. Playing football locally and for our 1st XI takes up most of my time outside of school hours, but I also enjoy golf, playing guitar and fishing.
My connection to our area and its agriculture, along with my growing interest in sustainable finance, has led me to my goal of pursuing a Bachelors Degree in International Agribusiness once I graduate at the end of the year.
One of the biggest things I have taken from my schooling is learning to enjoy the process of working towards a goal and celebrating the small wins along the way. While reaching that goal feels rewarding, I’ve found that it’s usually the journey and the personal growth along the way that are most memorable. As Amokura Akoranga this year, and through tuakana-teina, I want to help ease student transition through changes — whether that’s starting their journey at Pukekohe High School or working their way through NCEA. Regardless of our time or place in our school, when we support each other on our journeys, everyone benefits. We learn from one another while also growing as people and progressing towards our future. “Whiria Te Tangata, Whiria Te Angituu – Weave the people, create success,” really resonates with me and aligns with what I wish to achieve. I want to build strong tuakana-teina relationships, allowing a place where the experience of juniors, seniors, and staff can be integrated to support not only academic development but also the development of our character. I also want to break the stigma around ‘academics’- proving learning can be enjoyable and accessible for all when we stay curious and align with our passions. I’m excited to get stuck in, work closely with my fellow Amokura, and help bring the different parts of our school together.