John Paul College
Rotorua|New Zealand
Six students from schools in the Rotorua area visited the Reserve Bank in Wellington on 10 February as part of the annual Pukaki exchange. Among them was Year 10 student Leah Haumaha Butler. This educational exchange honours the descendants of Ngati Whakaue, in recognition of their tipuna ‘Pukaki’ on the 20 cent coin.
As part of the day’s events, the students also visited Government House for the launch of the Anzac circulating commemorative coin.
At the launch, the students were gifted the first Anzac coins by the Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO. The Anzac coins do not enter public circulation until March 23, so the students are the first in New Zealand to have these special coins.