10 October 2025 2025 Future Leader Awards celebrate outstanding students

The event recognised students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and initiative through the scholarship programme, both on campus and in the wider community.

Awards were presented across the year groups in three categories: Servant Leadership, Future Leader of the Year, and Project of the Year.

Congratulations to all our 2025 Future Leader Award winners, listed below. 

Servant Leader of the Year 

Servant leaders see leadership as an opportunity for service to others rather than a pursuit of personal power or prestige. They strengthen the Future Leader community through their altruism and high moral integrity, helping those around them to succeed.

3rd Year

Winners: Alex McCorkindale and Sofia Skinner
Runner up: Troy Volman

2nd Year

Winner: Coral Peat
Runner up: Charlotte Sweney

1st Year

Winner: Bella Thompson
Runner up: Tom Grob

Future Leader of the Year

This award recognises a scholar who truly lives the values of the Future Leader Programme: excellence, engagement, and integrity. They demonstrate strong self-management, challenge assumptions, contribute meaningfully to discussions, and show a genuine commitment to leadership and development.

3rd Year

Winner: Krugar Griffith
Runner up: Ruby Wilson

2nd Year

Winner: Harriet Johnston
Runner up: Cameron Brans

1st Year

Winner: Mya Saunders
Runner up: Hector Macbeth

Project of the Year 

The Project of the Year award celebrates the initiative that made the most significant impact. Each project must demonstrate a clear connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and show how it serves New Zealand’s land-based sector.

1st Place: Balance Blokes

Project Leads: Levi Astle and Alex McCorkindale (pictured above)

Balance Blokes tackled men’s mental health through relatable leadership by hosting a wellbeing day for Year 12 boys aspiring to leadership positions in 2026. The day featured workshops including meditation and ice baths, sport, and guest speakers, with a keynote from Crusader Dom Gardiner.

Read more about the Balance Blokes project here.

2nd Place: Paddock Pioneers

Project Leads: Anna Stuart and Troy Volman

3rd Place: Farm2Future

Project Leads: Krugar Griffith, Ben Allen, Cameron Walker and Ruby Wilson

2025 Future Leader Award winners