Pukekohe High School student wins $12,000 PAK’nSAVE scholarship

By the Explore Pukekohe news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026

Pukekohe High School's Keira Richards has won this year's $12,000 PAK'nSAVE Pukekohe Scholarship, and the store's new owner is keeping the long-running award going.

Award

$12,000 towards tertiary study

Winner

Keira Richards, Pukekohe High School

Next round

Forms in store from September; applications close in October

Keira Richards, 18, plans to put the money towards a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, majoring in ecology, biodiversity and evolution, according to PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe’s announcement.

Alongside her studies and a part-time job, she plays flute in the school’s concert band, is a peer support leader and sits on the Arts and Culture Council. She is also part of the school’s Leo Club and tramping club, the Duke of Edinburgh programme and the Scouting Pukekohe Venturers.

A new owner keeps the award going

The scholarship has been running for 15 years, and Rayner Bonnington, the store’s new owner, has chosen to keep funding it. “My wife Lynn and I were delighted to be able to carry on the scholarship, which we know has become such an important part of the store’s history,” he said in the announcement.

Applying for the 2027 scholarship

It is a financial hardship scholarship, open to Year 13 students who have attended one of seven schools for five years: Onewhero Area School, Tuakau College, Pukekohe High School, Pukekohe Christian School, Waiuku College, Wesley College and ACG Strathallan College. Winners can study any course they choose.