Kenisha Mediratta

Kia Ora! I’m Kenisha Mediratta, and I’m currently a student at St. Cuthbert’s College, where I have the privilege of studying on the Old Girls Association Scholarship. This opportunity is one that I value deeply as it enables me to access a quality education, despite coming from a low-income background. Next year, I’ll be a Year 12 student, pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB), and I’m excited to continue my academic journey and leadership roles, including serving as the Deputy Leader of the Model United Nations (MUN) club and leading the Politics club.

Before joining St. Cuthbert’s, I studied at Lynfield College, where I received several awards, such as the Year 10 Merit Trophy, Junior Cross Country Cup, Junior Athletics Cup, and multiple subject awards. I was also honored to receive the 2023 Sport and Innovative/Creative Scholarship, although I had to turn it down. Athletics and cross country are close to my heart, and despite facing challenges such as shin splints early this year, I persevered and earned second place in the Auckland Steeplechase Champs. I also had the incredible opportunity to represent Auckland in the U20 category, placing 14th and contributing to my national team’s U20 Cross-Country Nationals win in 2024. In addition, I had the honor of being featured as the Face of the Athletics competition by Athletics New Zealand and Go Media, with billboards displayed in West Auckland to promote the sport within my community.

Outside of athletics, I am actively involved in a range of extracurricular activities, such as legal mooting, senior open debating, Model United Nations, the school newspaper Margin, and various clubs, including the Politics Club, Law and Order Club, and Run Club. These experiences have shaped my passion for law, a field I am eager to pursue in the future.

I’m also deeply committed to community involvement and leadership. I serve as a member of the Whau Youth Board, where I help lead the Safer Whau Auckland Safety Campaign and manage our social media presence. As a proud feminist and Communications Director for TEDx EpsomWomen, I work to empower women to break barriers in their fields. These roles have honed my skills in leadership, communication, and social advocacy.

Looking ahead, I aspire to build a career in law, advocating for justice, equality, and the rights of others. I am thrilled to be part of the Pinnacle Programme and excited to engage with its various aspects, including participating in Spirit of Adventure and Outward Bound, as I work toward making a positive impact on society.