2015 Ōtaki Scholar - Benjamin Osugo

Last Monday (20th July) the 72nd Ōtaki Scholar, Benjamin Osugo, arrived in Ōtaki. A whakatau for Benjamin and three new International Students, Simon Pauka, Nicolas Wackermann and Christopher Wenserski, was held at College. Benjamin then spent the afternoon looking around the College and relaxing and recovering from his lengthy journey. On Tuesday morning Benjamin was formally welcomed into the Ōtaki Community at a powhiri held at Raukawa Marae. After the welcome, attended by local dignitaries and College representatives, André Baker took Benjamin, together with Ōtaki College Head Girl, Clare McInerney-Heather, Head Boy, Tevita Kata and Associate Heads of School on a tour of local sites. On Tuesday evening the Scholar was hosted at the Ōtaki RSA. Tevita and Benjamin were scheduled to spend Wednesday night on Kapiti Island, courtesy of Kapiti Island Nature Tours, but unfortunately weather conditions made this impossible. Instead, Benjamin experienced local fauna and flora at Nga Manu Nature Reserve and walked the Arcus Loop at Ōtaki Forks.

Benjamin is the Captain (Head Boy) of Robert Gordon’s College in Scotland. While he grew up in Aberdeen, Benjamin has Danish and Nigerian parents and has already travelled widely. He is studying Maths, Physics and Drama at Robert Gordon’s College and intends to study Physics at university. His Head of College has described him as ‘an effective leader who is popular with his peers and commands the respect of staff.’ His relaxed and friendly approach was much appreciated by Ōtaki College students and staff.

On Thursday morning Benjamin continued on his journey, catching the ferry across Cook Strait to visit Marlborough Boys’ College. Ōtaki College and Community are proud to again be the first stop on the Scholar’s tour of New Zealand.

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