Two of our outstanding Year 13 students were recognised at the Heretaunga Lions Club Young Achievers’ Awards this year, a celebration of positive, motivated youth making an impact across Hawke’s Bay.

Chris Proctor 

As Head Prefect at Lindisfarne College in 2025, Chris Proctor stands as an exemplary leader in the Hastings youth community.  Driven not by recognition but by the deep belief that youth can - and should - make a difference, Chris demonstrates service and servant leadership at its finest.

He was selected in April as the Tukituki Youth MP, representing the Hawke’s Bay electorate at New Zealand Youth Parliament 2025, where he brings the voice of regional rangatahi to national discussions.

Chris has served as chair of the Hastings District Youth Council which aims to increase youth participation in democracy. He was also selected as one of eight young people from around the country to be in Rito – the Youth Parliamentary Reference Group, a youth advisory group to parliament.

Chris has been instrumental in establishing the Leaders of Tomorrow programme at Lindisfarne College which encourages character development, leadership skills, and community engagement.

As well as being an exceptional academic who attained New Zealand Scholarships in English, History and Drama as a Year 12 student alongside being named Dux of Year 12 in 2024, Chris is also an outstanding performer who demonstrates excellence in both public speaking and acting. He has earned his Associate Diploma in Public Speaking and Communication Performance (ASB) with distinction. He consistently excels in the College’s Impromptu and Churchill Oratory competitions, first winning in Year 10 and again in 2025. Chris is also an accomplished actor, having played lead roles in both plays and musicals. Notable performances include Murray in Wheelers Luck and Bill Austin in this year’s production of Mamma Mia, where his charismatic stage presence and integrity were widely praised.

Chris is an exceptional young man whose integrity, vision, and service make a lasting impact on his school and community. He is a role model for his peers and a powerful voice for the future - an inspiring young achiever in every sense.

Matt McKendry

Lindisfarne College Sports Prefect, Matt McKendry has distinguished himself as one of the College’s most outstanding young sportsmen, particularly in the field of kayaking. A dedicated and talented athlete, Matt represented New Zealand at the prestigious Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in Japan, where he competed up an age group in the U21 men’s K4 event. His determination and skill earned him a bronze medal against elite international competition. He went on to claim gold in the Junior 200m relay, securing his second international gold medal having won his first at the 2023 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in NZ for the Junior K4 200m.

Matt’s domestic success is equally impressive. At the New Zealand Secondary Schools Kayak Regatta, he secured four silver medals, and at the New Zealand Canoe Racing Sprint Regatta, he claimed two gold and two silver medals. In 2025, Matt competed in the Canoe Sprint Nationals, capturing three national titles in the Under-18 men’s K4 500m, K4 200m, and 100m Relay events, as well as a bronze in the K2 500m. 

Matt’s athletic contributions extend beyond kayaking. He has been a key member of the Lindisfarne College Swimming squad since 2021, and helped secure second place in both the 15 and Over 100m Medley and Freestyle relays at the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Swimming Championships in 2025, and he placed second overall in the College Swimming Championships. Matt is also a member of the Hawke’s Bay Sport Student Council in 2025 which focuses on developing members as leaders in sport.

Alongside his sporting achievements, Matt is a high-performing academic. As a Year 12 student, he was awarded a prestigious New Zealand Scholarship in English. He also holds a Lindisfarne College Academic Tie and Academic Colours in recognition of his outstanding NCEA results. A gifted visual artist, Matt was the 2024 recipient of the ‘Innovation in Visual Arts’ award, reflecting his creativity and originality. 

Matt exemplifies the Lindisfarne College ideal of all-round excellence. His combination of sporting success, academic achievement, and artistic flair makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Young Achievers Award.

Article added: Friday 12 September 2025