International students from around the Waikato gathered at the Hamilton Gardens to be officially welcomed to the region by Hamilton Mayor, Andrew King.
As the 2017 recipient of the Waikato Education International Scholarship, St Paul’s international student, Melody Lango (Year 13), was tasked with responding to the mayor’s address on behalf of all Waikato international students.
In her speech Melody, who came to New Zealand from Vanuatu on a scholarship in 2016, noted the differences she encountered when arriving in New Zealand such as “the culture, the people and not understanding what people say”.
She thanked the people in the Waikato for being “incredible hosts” and encouraged the attending students to make the most of their new home.
Melody was joined at the event by fellow St Paul’s international students, Kaya Yokoyama (Year 11), Yingjun (Daisy) Wang (Year 12) and Xueying (Iris) Ye (Year 12).
