Investing in students' wellbeing and achievement

Pakūranga College in Auckland has been named the winner of Canon New Zealand’s 2025 Cashmas promotion, receiving $10,000 to invest directly back into its school community. The prize is already making a meaningful difference - supporting student wellbeing, inclusion, and the celebration of achievement across the college.

The Canon Cashmas promotion is designed to give back to schools and organisations that play a vital role in their communities. For Pakūranga College, the funding will support immediate outcomes that benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.

Giving equal opportunity to every student

Half of the prize money has been allocated to the school’s Hardship Fund, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from taking part in key learning experiences.

Pakūranga College Principal Billy Merchant says the funding will have a lasting impact on student inclusion and wellbeing.

“We are delighted to be the lucky winners of the Canon Cashmas promotion. This money will be invested directly in our students, and we have put $5,000 towards our Hardship Fund to ensure every student can take part in camps, co-curricular activities, and class trips.”

Billy Merchant, School Principal

By easing the cost of participation, the fund helps ensure all students can engage fully in school life - strengthening connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

_{Pakūranga College Principal Billy Merchant and Canon Account Manager Kelso Offenbaker}

Celebrating achievement and leadership

The other half of the prize money has been used to reinstate achievement badges, recognising students’ positive contributions and accomplishments within the school community.

“The remaining $5,000 is being used to recognise students’ positive contributions to the college through the reinstatement of achievement badges. It is wonderful to walk around the school and see students wearing their badges with pride.”

Billy Merchant, School Principal

For Pakūranga College’s student leaders, the badges represent more than recognition - they symbolise effort, leadership, and school pride.

2026 Head Student Abi Robertson says the badges play an important role when representing the school beyond its gates.

“As Head Students, we go to a number of inter-school leadership events. It's wonderful to have our own badges we can wear with pride when we interact with student leaders from other local schools.”

Abi Robertson, Head Student

Fellow Head Student Kaeden Evaroa agrees, highlighting the positive influence the badges can have on others.

“We all feel proud of our involvement in Pakūranga College, so it's nice to be able to show this to other students and maybe give them something to aim for as well.”

Kaeden Evaroa, Head Student

For Joseph Trembath, another Head Student, the badges are a meaningful way to acknowledge dedication and effort.

“The new badges are a nice reward for the hard work and effort it takes to earn them. It's cool to wear them and celebrate everyone's achievements.”

Joseph Trembath, Head Student

_{Pakūranga College Head Students: Kaeden Evaroa, Abi Robertson, and Joseph Trembath}

Making a difference through partnership

Canon is proud to support schools like Pakūranga College through initiatives such as the Cashmas promotion that reflect Canon’s commitment to education, community, and creating positive social impact.

By investing in both student wellbeing and recognition, Pakūranga College has demonstrated how targeted support can strengthen school culture and empower young people to succeed.