Louise Anaru-Tangira – Flaxmere College: I've seen a lift in our young people's pride and just to see that confidence, that they know what their future dreams and aspirations are and when they leave school that they will achieve them.

Mikaera Patuwai – Student: We don't give up. We just drive through our work and if any of the students were trying to give up the teachers will help them to know that anything is possible.

Waka Winitana – Student: The teachers make me feel supported, they make me feel like I can open up to them and I can just be myself.

Hape Gill – Parent: It's like an inclusive kaupapa really, it's all about the student is the focus. What's best for the student and how can we make them successful?

Ana Apatu – Wharariki Trust: The achievements for our Flaxmere College have made a real difference to the way people feel about the community.

Tim Klingender – Local business owner: They're walking taller, bit prouder they say ‘Hello’ to you when you say ‘Gidday’ to them. That resonates out into the community.

Louise Anaru-Tangira – Flaxmere College: We're in a position now as students, teachers, our whānau and community to realise our school motto which is 'Student Success Is The Only Option'.

Sam Holt – Manurewa Intermediate: Since the school's transformation we've seen a big difference in how the kids hold themselves, there's a lot more pride there's a lot more belonging, the culture here is completely different to what it was before.

Teleise Solomona – Student: I've become more developed and being a person, being a leader and being able to understand others and most importantly myself.

Neil Punja – Southmall: We're seeing a far more positive and happy relationship between the kids and our community. You know whether it's a smile, a handshake or simply passing a note with a little quote on it.

Damian Pilua: The biggest change that I've seen is the students that go out into the community have such an eagerness to really want to be involved in helping other people and supporting other young people.

Marima Lay – Student: The goal that I have for myself is to be able to give back to the community and just be able to empower and support each other.

Angela Dalton – Councillor: The change that I've seen with the kids is that they are walking around our town with their heads held high in pride and that, as a community allows us to walk tall with our heads held high.