This year at Senior Prize Giving we were proud to welcome back Laura Tupou (HHS 2004–2007) as our first-ever Alumni Guest Speaker—a powerful and inspiring moment for our graduating students.
Finding Her Voice at Hillcrest
Laura attended Hillcrest after beginning secondary school at Sacred Heart, moving through the “Hillcrest pathway” from Hillcrest Primary to Berkley. At Hillcrest, she embraced a wide range of opportunities that would later shape her career, even if she didn’t realise it at the time.
Some of her standout memories include:
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Touring Singapore and Malaysia with the SCAT choir (2005)
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Competing in netball, volleyball and rowing, including narrowly missing third place at Maadi Cup
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Being part of Hillcrest’s first Pasifika group, performing at the city-wide cultural festival
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Daily walks to and from school with friends—times she laughingly recalls as moments where they “solved almost all the world’s problems”
The “Minglish” Spark
Journalism wasn’t always the plan. In fact, at school Laura originally intended to become an engineer, excelling in maths and sciences. But everything changed in Media English—or “Minglish”—with Ms Stratford, where the blend of media and English helped her discover a passion for storytelling. Later, in Year 13, Mrs Allan continued to nurture that spark through Media Studies and a student-produced documentary project.
“I didn’t think I would return to doing something like that, but looking back I’m not surprised!”
A Journey of Exploration
After leaving Hillcrest, Laura pursued engineering at Canterbury University before realising it wasn’t the right path. She explored different subjects, eventually completing a Bachelor of Social Science (Environmental Planning) at the University of Waikato.
A defining experience came when she taught English in Poland, and later returned there as an au pair, immersing herself in language, culture and independence.
Her early career included roles at both Waikato University and Canterbury University, where she travelled Aotearoa helping young people plan their academic futures. It was during this time she began exploring journalism.
“They said the pay was poor but you’d have the best work stories.”
Laura completed a postgraduate journalism qualification at AUT, securing a role at Radio New Zealand immediately after graduating. She hasn’t looked back since.
Why She Chose Journalism
Although it wasn’t her original plan, Laura always had a love of the news.
“Looking back it seems kind of obvious. I watched Breakfast every morning, read the paper, then watched the 6pm bulletin and Campbell Live every night. I’d come to school and tell my friends what had been on.”
Combined with strength in speeches, natural curiosity and ease with people, journalism was a perfect fit, even if she only discovered that in her mid-twenties.
Values from Hillcrest That Endure
Laura credits Hillcrest with instilling the values she carries into her work today:
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“Pain is temporary, pride is forever” – words from her Hillcrest rowing coach, Mel
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The importance of fun alongside hard work
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Remaining curious, authentic and unafraid to try new things
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The enduring friendships she formed, she still speaks weekly with several of her school friends
The Heart of Her Work
Today, Laura finds the most fulfilment in interviewing “real people”, ensuring their stories are heard.
“I wanted to make a difference… to make sure the voices of people that aren’t always asked what they think get heard. That’s what motivates me.”
A Message to Our Graduates
At Senior Prize Giving, Laura encouraged our students to:
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“Give everything a go.”
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Stay curious and open-minded
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Tell their own stories with integrity
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Trust that the path is not always linear, and that’s okay
Her address was a highlight of the afternoon and a powerful reminder that success is built on courage, authenticity and self-belief.
Ngā mihi nui, Laura – we are incredibly proud to have welcomed you back to Hillcrest as our very first Alumni Guest Speaker. Thank you for inspiring the next generation to find their voice and trust their journey.
