Inaugural Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui International Student Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievement
The remarkable achievements of international students and the communities that support them were celebrated at the inaugural Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui International Student Excellence Awards, held at the Nelson City Chambers on Friday 30 October.
The awards recognised exceptional international students across secondary and tertiary education, alongside local students, families, and community members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and supporting international learners across the region.
Gavin Millar, spokesperson for the Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui International Student Excellence Awards organising committee, said the awards were created to recognise the significant contribution international students make to the region.
"International students enrich our schools, campuses and communities in countless ways. These awards celebrate not only academic excellence, but also leadership, creativity, community service and the intercultural connections that make Te Tauihu such a welcoming place to live and learn. We are proud to recognise the outstanding achievements of this year's award recipients and the people who support them to thrive."
A total of seven award categories were presented, culminating in the prestigious Supreme Award, the Mayor's International Student of the Year Award.
This year's Supreme Award was presented to Thamina Selzer of Nayland College, who also received an Academic Excellence Award. Mayor Smith praised Thamina's exceptional academic accomplishments and commitment to excellence.
"Balancing the demands of both New Zealand's NCEA system and Germany's Abitur qualification, Thamina has achieved an outstanding 121 NCEA credits, including 64 at Excellence level, of which 53 are at Level 3 in her chosen subjects of English, History, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry and German," said Mayor Smith.
The awards highlighted the diverse contributions international students make to Te Tauihu, from academic success and leadership to creativity, sport and community service.
2026 Award Recipients
Academic Excellence
Recognising exceptional academic performance and dedication to learning.
- Lok Cheng Ho, Garin College
- Thamina Selzer, Nayland College
Community Engagement Excellence
Recognising contributions through service, volunteering, and building connections
across cultures and communities.
- Winner: Yui Chi Lau, Garin College
- Highly Commended: Yoshino Saito, Nelson College for Girls
Creative Excellence
Recognising innovation, creativity, and achievement in the arts and creative fields.• Winner: Pusanisa Lapanun, Garin College
- Highly Commended: Phuc Tuong Linh Nguyen, Nelson College for Girls
International Student Champion (Domestic Student Award)
Recognising New Zealand students who actively support and champion international
students and intercultural initiatives.
- Christy Rose Thomas, Waimea College
- Trisha Pyakurel, Nelson College for Girls
International Community Champion
Recognising New Zealand individuals, families, or organisations who champion
international students within their communities.
- Winners: Gail and Chris Pope, Nayland College
- Highly Commended: Maria Calibo, Marlborough Girls' College
Outstanding Achievement in Sports
Recognising excellence in sporting performance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Winner: Frida Bischof, Nayland College
- Highly Commended: Lok Cheng Ho, Garin College
Outstanding Leadership
Recognising students who inspire others and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
- Winner: Bosen Shi, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
- Highly Commended: Nazmin Nisha Junior Kata, NMIT
Supreme Award: Mayor's International Student of the Year
- Thamina Selzer, Nayland College
The awards highlighted the diverse contributions international students make to Te Tauihu, from academic success and leadership to creativity, sport and community service. The awards also highlighted the significant contribution international education makes to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the region.
International students enrich communities across the top of the South Island by bringing diverse perspectives, cultures and global connections. Their presence strengthens educational institutions, supports workforce development and enhances the vibrancy of local communities.
Nationally, international education continues to be one of New Zealand's most valuable export sectors. According to Stats NZ data, international education-related exports reached $4.52 billion in the year ending September 2025, up from $3.6 billion in the year ending December 2024.
A recent 2025 Nelson Tasman International Education Impact Report found that 1,135 international students studied in the Nelson Tasman region during 2024. Their presence generated an estimated $34.5 million contribution to regional GDP and supported 249 jobs across the region.
The Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui International Student Excellence Awards were established to recognise the achievements of international students and acknowledge the many schools, tertiary institutions, host families, organisations and community members who help make the top of the South Island a welcoming and supportive place to study.
Image credit: Jule Kley - Study Nelson
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