PRESENTED TO ... Jannik Wittgen (21)

Leadership and community service is an integral part of former Orewa College head prefect and dux Jannik Wittgen’s life. An AIMES Emerging Talent Award recipient in 2021/22; he now receives the AIMES Ross Finlayson Award for 2023.

A great deal of this leadership is in Jannik’s voluntary work, a big part of his life for the past nine years. He says he takes satisfaction from his work in the youth development and tertiary education spaces.

The University of Auckland Bachelor of Engineering honours student has recently also been awarded a Kupe Leadership Scholarship. Just 15 students are selected, those who have “demonstrated potential to lead, but also an ability to collaborate, demonstrate a commitment to service and will have a higher sense of purpose”.

Jannik has achieved very high levels of academic success at University – 9.0 GPA (A+ average) over all 24 courses completed so far. The University also identified his leadership potential with selection for the prestigious Dean's Leadership Programme.

He continues to apply and develop his leadership capabilities working as quality and growth manager for Brain Play as well as theatre manager for Whangaparaoa College. Brain Play teaches coding, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and STEM education in after-school and holiday programmes and events.

Jannik has previously completed internships at Beca and Rocket Lab and was the recipient of the Beca Part II Engineering Award.

Jannik Wittgen's leadership was recognised at Orewa College. He was sound technician for their shows; head prefect in 2019; student council member 2017-19; and board of trustees representative. Achievements while at college included:- NZQA Outstanding Scholar Award; NZQA Top Scholar Award (German, top student in NZ); Outstanding Scholarship in Statistics and German; Scholarship in Chemistry and Physics; Dux of the College; Top student award in Physics, Chemistry and Spanish.

Organisations he’s involved with include:- Spirit of Adventure Trust; NZ Cadet Forces; Mechanical & Mechatronics Students’ Association; Duke of Edinburgh Award (as a Co-ordinator).

Jannik says that long term he aims to create positive change through his leadership, through management roles in the private or public sector, or holding political roles which will allow him to influence the shape and path of the country. He says he studied engineering as he loves working on challenging problems, and that it would be an honour to lead organisations or even the country to overcome some of the massive challenges we face today and will face in the future.

Jannik Wittgen receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Ross Finlayson Award, and support to ensure he achieves his desire to complete an Outward Bound course. Jannik plans to do this in late 2023 or early 2024.