Boys’ College leaders ready for their turn

Ahead of the summer break, Marlborough Boys’ College 2026 Head Boy Rangatira Smith and Deputy Head Boy Oscar Mason talk about their busy upcoming year.

Rangatira Smith – Marlborough Boys’ College Head Boy 2026

How did it feel to be announced as Head Boy?
Rangatira: “Honestly, I was shocked. I’m an overthinker, so I doubted it would happen. When it did, it was a mix of good and bad thoughts all at once, but it was an amazing moment. It’s a big responsibility, but I’ve got people in my corner – my mum’s helping organise everything, and Nathan, last year’s Head Boy. He told me to take things one step at a time.”

What are you looking forward to most next year?
Rangatira: “Meeting new people, giving back to the school, and embracing leadership. I’m excited now.”

What subjects and interests are you focusing on?
Rangatira: “I’ve developed a strong love for psychology. It fits with who I am – I’ve had counselling for anxiety, so it resonates with me. I’m also passionate about sport and my Māori and Pacific heritage. Next year I’ll do kapa haka and Pacific dance.”

Looking back, what moments shaped you?
Rangatira: “My dean, Mrs Ray Lee, has always been there for me. Hamish McKerrow gave me great advice and new perspectives. And Josiah Lenati, last year’s Head Boy – the way he spoke at assemblies made me want to lead.”

What advice would you give younger students?
Rangatira: “Back yourself. Don’t bottle things up – share with someone you trust. Be easy on yourself. You don’t have to have life figured out from day one. Try things, find what you enjoy, and go hard at it.”

Oscar Mason – Marlborough Boys’ College Dux 2025, Deputy Head Boy 2026

Congratulations on being named Dux. How did it feel when you heard your name?
Oscar: “I kind of underestimated how satisfying it would be just to know I was number one. It’s pretty awesome, but I’ve got huge respect for Ted and Adam who were right behind me.”

When did you realise you could excel academically, and what subjects have you struggled with?
Oscar: “In Year 9, at my first prizegiving, I got top of subjects. That was a shock, but it made me think I can do well here and just pushed further and further. English was the hardest this year, it needs a lot of time and critical thinking, just taking longer than other subjects.”

What will you study next year?
Oscar: “Level 2 geography, environmental sustainability, four scholarship courses – English, chemistry, biology and geography – and two university papers in Māori studies and environmental planning. I’ve got one more year at Marlborough Boys’, then I’m looking at Auckland or Melbourne to study environmental law. It’s highly analytical and suits my work ethic, plus I’m passionate about the environment.”

What about life outside the classroom?
Oscar: “Next year I’ll be Deputy Head Boy, head of student council, head of the Enviro committee, on five other committees, Marlborough District Youth Council, plus aiming for First XI hockey.”

You seem busy. Do you enjoy that pace?
Oscar: “I struggle to sit still. If I’m not doing something, I feel like I’m wasting time. It gets silly sometimes, but I like having a full workload.”

Anyone who has inspired you?
Oscar: “Definitely. Miss McLeod for English, Mr Anderson for biology, Ms Dow for chemistry and Mr Gage for geography have given me the tools to succeed and support you even outside class, my parents for giving me space to do endless homework, and my mates Tim McNabb and Jack Frew for supporting me this year.”

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Oscar: “Leadership. One of the key reasons I stayed was to be a prefect and give back to the school.”