Simon Power MP

I attended St Peters College between 1981 and 1987.  My time at the college is very memorable, and in my current roles as Member of Parliament for Rangitikei and Minster of the Crown I still draw on many of the skills and values that I learnt there.

While my first day at St Peters in form one was a bit awkward and intimidating, I have great memories of my seventh form year which was a lot of fun, and of reading Death of a Salesman in sixth form English.

My favourite subjects at school were History and Geography, but when we weren't in classes I enjoyed representing Redwood House in a variety of activities including sports and debating, captaining two senior sports teams and chairing the School Council.

St Peters has seen many great teachers make their mark on the school and its students.  In particular I remember Mrs Ward demanding excellence from me in everything I did, and Mr Cronin who taught me compassion.  Mrs Robertson was my drama and debating teacher, and it was in this class that I honed the debating skills that I am still using in Parliament today.

Most of all I think my years at St Peters taught me determination.  I learnt that I can succeed in whatever I put my mind to if I'm prepared to do the hard work to get there, and I think that's one of the most important lessons a person can learn.

Simon Power - MP for Rangitikei