Kia ora e te whānau,
We come back this year with some old and new members of the press who are raring to go! Please read their bios below and make sure you get to know them. This year we’ve added 2 very special illustrators to the mix as the Guild becomes an ever-evolving institution.
In true ANI fashion, we have hit the ground running with AIMS trials, book week, scholastic book fair, and central zones. The list is genuinely endless, so this year we’ve acquired the best and the brightest to bring you the news hot off the press!
The Guild holds an incredibly special place in my heart, and I am so grateful that I get to continue it and show you, the readers, the multitude of opportunities ANI students receive.
So, for the first time for 2025, welcome to the ANI Guild.
Faiza Chowdhury
Editor in Chief
In today’s ANI Guild we have the following:
Welcome to the first issue of the 2025 ANI Guild!
Our team is excited to bring you lots of interesting reads this year. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy putting them together.
In this issue, we are proud to show off the amazing group of talented kids who help write the articles. Our team includes journalists, photographers, editors, illustrators, and presenters. Be sure to scroll down to learn more about them!
The ANI Guild is all about sharing exciting stories, including updates on ANI, student achievements, fundraisers, events, zone days, and AIMS. We hope you enjoy reading this year’s articles and can’t wait to share more with you!
Written by Soleil B, Tejbir S, Charlotte S, Yi Ling C and Sumaiya S
Edited by: Libby T
Pyjama Day
Dream Big: A Day in Our PJs!
Imagine 700 kids all being told they could have all the candy they want, without any rules or limits. The excitement, the joy, the freedom! Now, imagine that same feeling, but instead of candy, it’s the chance to wear your favourite pyjamas or comfy clothes to school. On the 20th of March, ANI did this very thing.
Students (and teachers!) started the day by excitedly coming into school wearing PJ’s, oodies, dressing gowns, comfortable clothes (even duck costumes!) and SO much more. It truly was a sight to behold.
In the morning, Student leaders went around classrooms, collecting gold coin donations for the school. The bake sale, led by some of our student leaders, came next. Cookies, slices, cupcakes, chips and pastries galore. All on one table just calling to be bought and devoured by the hundreds of students that had been patiently waiting in class for the bell to ring…
Drrriiinnnggg! Eager students all rushed to the table and made a line behind the treats, all excited to eat, but also a little bit sad that the incredible day had ended.
We wish this day had never ended!
Created by Ethan, Lucja, Charlie and Subranitha
Divin' straight into CZ Swimming
On Thursday, March 20th, the ANI swimming team enthusiastically dove into one of the first Central Zones tournaments of the year. After a brief van ride to Diocesan School for Girls, we quickly settled in for a short briefing from the announcer before the events commenced.
It wasn’t long before the ANI swimmers took to the pool. Event by event, participants were called, heading outside to be organised into their lanes before stepping confidently onto the diving blocks.
Cheers and words of encouragement echoed across the pool deck as the ANI team members gave their all in each event. The camaraderie was evident as teammates cheered each other on, creating a supportive and motivating atmosphere.
Throughout the day, the competition was fierce, with swimmers showcasing their skill and determination in every stroke. From freestyle to butterfly, the ANI team demonstrated both sportsmanship and talent, making their school proud. Between events, there was a chance to bond, and share laughs with the other members.
By the end of the tournament, the ANI swimmers had achieved remarkable results, with many finalists and a few podium finishes, including Kevin Oh coming away with 1st for Breaststroke and 2nd for Backstroke, and Imogen Waller with 2nd in Freestyle. But beyond the medals and accolades, it was the teamwork and spirit of participation that truly stood out, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and unity.
Written by Griffin and Charlie
Edited by Leo
Photos by Ms Bello
Are you lost?
A day at Central Zones Orienteering
It was a frosty Friday morning at Waiatarua Reserve. Orienteering teams from all over central Auckland piled out as Central Zones Orienteering commenced. The tension was almost tangible as our ANI teams prepared for the major event.
After the teams had regrouped and set up camp (on a lonely wet bench chair), they split into small groups to converse and kill the remaining time until the time arrived to begin. Some introductions were made as students from many different schools mingled as one. But a slow trickle of teams were moving towards the briefing area. Eventually, it was ANI’s turn to begin. The briefing was made of a few short and simple stages; where to go, where NOT to go, how to use the equipment and, most importantly, how to read the map. But the course was anything but simple.
No description of any event would be complete without a dive into a) the technicality and b) what it was actually like. As the buzzer went off, teams would sprint off on their separate courses – 6 in all. Dotted around the reserve were many controls – a vividly coloured orange-and-white post with an electronic scanner mounted on top. Likewise, each competitor wore a corresponding electronic scanner on their finger – to insert into the control, which would download the exact time and placement. On each student’s map was a path, designed to be 2.6 kilometres in length. Many controls were placed very near each other – a real test of navigation.
Sprinting through the freshly cut grass, fatigue was almost ignored as you studied the map. The control should be somewhere around here. You watch as a Saint Peter’s College student who started after you swiftly passes by. Suddenly, amid the scratching bushes, you catch a glimpse of a flash of orange. The control! You leap towards it, and sigh with relief as a sharp beep resounds from the mechanism. Another one off, four to go! You set off again, intent on beating Saint Peter’s College at their game.
As a competitor would draw closer and closer to the finish line, the immense pressure would increase. You could hear the shouts of encouragement from the sidelines, but it seemed to be drowned out by your pounding heart. The final sprint to the end was adrenaline-packed – and it would be suddenly over. The last part of the race was to print out your results. This was a detailed report of what controls you missed, if any, how long it took to reach them, and any extra controls you may have gone to. Mrs Purchase and the (wonderful) parent helpers had moved the bags to a more comfortable spot, beneath a cosy clump of trees – a relief from the non-stop onslaught of the heat. There, no matter your results, everyone was included in the friendly chatter – a true display of ANI’s values.
The teams from ANI barely fell short, with one member from each team being disqualified, meaning that none of the teams could qualify. Sadly, even with the amazing effort made by all team members, a small miscalculation could decide everything. A few did make it to individual Interzones.
Huge congratulations go to Zoe M for the Year 7 girls (G71), Esther M also for the Year 7 girls (G73), and Jonathan C, for the Year 8 boys (B85).
Huge acknowledgements go to Mrs Purchase and Miss Rowland for organising and training our teams.
Overall, Central Zones Orienteering was a huge success for the competitors and the school.
Written by Callum and Leo
Edited by Leo and Callum
Photos by the wonderful parent helpers!
2025 ANI House Competition
It is the very first house competition of 2025! Everyone is pumped to give their house the 250 house points by writing the best and most creative haiku about their house. Haikus originated in 17th century Japan but were longer and called Renga. The Renga was one poem, but two poets worked on it, meaning that one poet would supply a stanza and the other the second stanza, but for the purposes of this competition, it is just a normal haiku.
Wai, Te Hau, Whenua and Ahi, the four houses of ANI, are all going head to head to write a better haiku than anyone else’s. The most entries from each house in your classroom get an extra 50 points! Although the house leaders vote out of their house members in their classroom, the teachers ultimately get the power to choose.
The haikus are three short lines: the first one five syllables, the second seven syllables and the third five syllables. The haikus must be about the student’s house, so a person from Wai would make one about water, Te Hau the wind, Whenua the land and Ahi fire.
It starts off with just a small challenge in your ILE/Hub, then goes into a more important school-wide competition later. With only four days to write and publish your haiku, it isn’t very long to create the best possible haiku.
Good Luck to all houses! May the best one win.
Written by: Aariya W
Edited by: Scarlett M
Photos by Arie A.
Meet the press!
Charlotte S
Kia Ora, my name is Charlotte. I am eleven years old in year 7 and I am a presenter for the ANI Guild.
I am in ILE 15/16 with my lovely teacher, Miss Noble. I have one younger sister called Tilly and she is nine years old.
I went to Edendale Primary School last year and I am ready to take on some more responsibilities at ANI.
I love netball, football and running. I was in the top 10 netball players for my school and came 2nd in the primary school netball competition.
I am super excited to gain more leadership and ownership this year as a presenter for the ANI Guild.
Selene Q
Hi, my name is Selene Q and I’m in year eight, currently in room 24. I was in the ANI media last year as well. I am a journalist for the ANI Guild. I’m turning 13 this April, and I was born and raised here, but the rest of my family are from China.
I absolutely adore music, playing musical instruments, and just anything to do with music in general. I also enjoy sports a lot, playing netball and volleyball is also very important to me.
Personally, I love watching anime. Reading calms me down just like music does. Blue is my favourite colour.
Here is the big final thing that most people can not agree with me on: I believe that pineapples belong on pizza, if not, then there wouldn’t be Hawaiian pizza, it would just be plain old ham and cheese!
Arie A
Greetings, my name is Arie A and today I’m going to tell you about myself.
I am someone who gets excited easily and likes trying new things.
I like taking pictures of birds, nature and amazing views, even though I like taking pictures, I don’t like someone taking pictures of me.
I love swimming. It’s good for you and is lots of fun, I also play field hockey.
I joined the role of photography in the ANI Guild so I can have my photos presented.
I enjoy video games once and a while, my favourite video game is Fortnite. My hobbies are field hockey, video games, taking photos and swimming.
Aariya W
Hey guys, my name is Aariya Wong from Room 12 with Ms. Striebich. As a journalist as a part of the Guild, I am so excited to share ANI’s extraordinary stories with you.
I was born and raised in New Zealand, and I have lived here ever since. I love reading, writing, cooking and baking. I have two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you look forward to seeing more articles from me in the future.
Callum Tang
Greetings, my name is Callum Tang and I am a journalist for the ANI Guild 2025. I am twelve years old and this is my first year in the guild. I like writing and I love reading. My favourite author is Brandon Sanderson, but I am open to other authors as well.
My sports of choice are archery and badminton. I find writing interesting, as it is a very creative profession, and that is probably why I signed up for the guild. This year I will work my hardest this year to deliver quality articles for this guild.
Riya
Hi, my name is Riya Shynoob from Rm 11 and I have an amazing teacher named Mr.Nicol.
I am 11 years old and I love to be a photographer in the ANI Guild. I am so excited to be in this group. The reason I love taking photos is because I love travelling and when I travel I love to capture the moment, so I can look back at it and cherish all the happy things I did there. I have a passion for drawing, swimming, reading, writing, acting, playing instruments, gaming and singing. I love the colours red, white and pink and also pastel colours.
I had a lot of pets, a lot of sparrows, one Eurasian Golden Oriole, two dogs, 7 goldfish and 5 cats. I have 1 sister and 2 cousins, they are all younger than me. I have an incredible best friend, who basically loves the same things as me!
Some really cool facts about me are that I can ride a bicycle, I can read sentences which are backwards without a mirror & I know how to write in cursive.
Thanks for reading!
Tejbir S
Hi my name is Tejbir, and I am an ANI Guild presenter in Room 10. I am ecstatic for my new journey in the form of the ANI Guild. I love to chat and work in groups, as it connects people that have similar goals. So in a way we are all connected.
I love playing basketball, cricket and badminton in my spare time or in clubs and to hang out with my awesome friends at ANI who, even though they didn’t make it they still encourage me to try my hardest and reach new heights
I am from a state in India called Punjab, my motherland, although I was born in New Zealand. The primary school I went to was Three Kings which has loads of their students going to ANI.
I hope I keep on helping in the Guild, so I will become the best I can be.
Signing off. さよなら,Tschüss,अलविदा,안녕,сау бол.
Soleil B
Kia Ora my name is Soleil B, I am 11 years old and a year 7 student.
I went to Edendale Primary School and was a house captain there. During this time I gained a new sense of leadership and responsibility.
I was born and raised in New Zealand with my two younger siblings, Bodhi and Ellie.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, drawing, and writing.
I am excited for this opportunity as a presenter in the ANI Guild and look forward to the fun that awaits me this coming year.
Sumaiya S
Hello! My name is Sumaiya, and I am an active member of the ANI guild. It’s a privilege to be working alongside such a talented group of people, and I’m excited to connect with the ANI guild staff members.
As a journalist, my main role in the ANI guild is to contribute through writing, but I’m also eager to take part in other areas and give my best in everything I do. I’m the middle child, with two sisters, and I absolutely love reading fiction books. If I ever get bored, I simply pick up a book and read it again. I enjoy spending time with my friends and making new connections. While I love music, I don’t play any instruments.
I was born in Saudi Arabia, but my homeland is India. I’m learning Japanese and Korean on Duolingo just for fun, and I can read Arabic. Unfortunately, I can’t speak or understand Arabic fluently yet, but I’m working on it.
I absolutely adore the color blue. It’s my favorite colour because it feels majestic and beautiful. It suits everything, and there’s just something calming about it. I also love cats. I had a cat when I was really young but we had to leave her behind when we moved to New Zealand.
I’m truly thrilled to be a part of this wonderful family, and I’m looking forward to all the experiences ahead.
Arigato Gozaimasu!
Yume F
Hi, my name is Yume. I am a year 8 student at ANI, and I am a part of this year’s media team: the ‘Ani Guild’ as a photographer.
I am so excited to be able to work with such an amazing group of people to do cool and interesting projects for ANI.
If I were to describe myself in 3 words, they would be strong, thoughtful, and weird. My hobbies are photography, gardening, and art. I like sketching, finding skinks in the garden, and rock climbing.
I have a little sister called Nina, who I watch movies with, and love very much. I am hoping to be a great, helpful member of the 2025 ANI Guild.
Leo Swash
Hi, I’m Leo S and I am currently an editor for the ANI Guild 2025.
I am in Year 8, and some of my hobbies include playing the piano, violin, and you can also find me ardently burying my head in a good (thick) book.
My colour of preference is a dark, rich blue. Among my current sports are water polo, chess, and orienteering – so I won’t get lost!
I am excited for another event-filled school year, and I look forward to contributing to the ANI Guild once more.
Griffin C
Hello, I’m Griffin, an editor at the ANI Guild. When I’m not immersed in the fascinating world of digital logic and coding, you can find me lost in the pages of (very long) fantasy novels, conquering quests in video games, or diving headfirst into sports like water polo and cricket.
My favorite colour is a deep, ghostly purple—a hue that reflects my love for imagination and the otherworldly.
I hope that the collective work of The ANI Guild will inform you and support your interest in ANI. Welcome to our digital world!
Erin F
Hello! My name is Erin, I am an illustrator in the Guild. I am really excited to draw and show my artwork to the rest of the school!
I am in the best class with Mrs. Bello in room 1 and am in year seven.
I moved to New Zealand in June 2020 from South Africa in Cape Town, and I was born on the 18th of September 2013.
My hobbies are drawing, gaming and playing with my siamese Frank (based on Frank Sinatra – my parents chose the name).
At my old school (MENPS) I was a Library and P.E monitor. Now at ANI I am a Librarian and Tuc shop monitor, so I am fully occupied.
Snowey Y
Hi, my name is Snowey Y and I was born in Hong Kong but I have been living in New Zealand for a long time.
I really enjoy taking photos in my free time and also writing.
I was a part of the ANI Guild last year, which gave me more experience in my passions and gave me lots of opportunities to expand my knowledge and meet other people.
I believe that this role helps me develop my communication skills and connect with others.
Libby T
Hi, my name is Libby and I’m an editor in the ANI Guild. I joined the Guild because I love writing and I wanted to try something new. I’m excited to make new friendships and get to know the members of the Guild better.
I love singing, writing and art. I do all three in my spare time. Over the weekends, I like going down to my batch in Tairua and seeing my friends.
I live with my parents and my cat Bella, who, in our opinion, is the world’s hungriest cat (not that we deprive her of food, she’s just constantly hungry).
I love music. It’s one of my favourite things to do. To me, it’s relaxing and calming. I love hearing the different artists express themselves.
I’m super excited to be in the Guild this year. I can’t wait to make new connections and try new things!
Renee T
Hi, my name is Renee T, and I am part of the ANI Guild as a photographer. My hobbies are photographing flowers, playing on the playground, playing football and futsal, watching movies, caring for animals such as my pets at home (I have also tried to start up my own dog walking business), and making art.
I have 3 siblings: my twin brother Sam, my older brother Josh, and my older sister Anna who is the Deputy Head Student at Epsom Girls Grammar.
I also love being neat and being on time. Since I joined the ANI Guild, I have enjoyed the company of my friends while doing work. I can’t wait to work on a project with the team and to be out there enjoying myself with this amazing group!
Charlie P
Greetings, my name is Charlie P and I’ve joined the ANI Guild because I’ve always liked taking pictures my whole life.
I also wanted to join the Guild because I’ve only ever joined sports competitions and clubs, so joining the ANI Guild is definitely something new for me.
Some other stuff about me is that I like to do a lot of sports. I’ve participated in 1 central zone so far.
I’m really enjoying ANI and I feel that this is a really good school and I’ve already been thrown so many options for extracurricular activities!
Chloe L
Kia Ora!
My name is Chloe Li and I am one of the student leaders at ANI this year. I was born in Hong Kong. I have lived in New Zealand for most of my life. I went to Three Kings School before coming to ANI.
This year, I’m a year 8 student in Mrs Minton’s class. My hobbies include playing piano, hanging out with friends, playing sports and reading. I love being outdoors and getting involved in trying new things that I have never done before.
I am excited to be a part of ANI’s media team as a journalist this year, and I can’t wait for the exciting journey ahead! If you see me around school, feel free to say hi!
Lucja W
Kia Ora! I’m Lucja W, Presenter in the ANI Guild!
I’m really friendly and love speaking! I enjoy singing, drawing and writing, especially poetry and speeches!
I’m really glad to have gotten the role of the presenter in the ANI guild and I can’t wait to be on camera! I’m a year 8 student in room 20, with Ms Minton and went to Mount Eden Normal Primary before ANI. This is my first year in the Guild and I’m really excited about this group!
See you around the school!
Christian
Hi, I am Christian and I’m a year 7 photographer from room 4. I am delighted to be part of the guild
I am from New Zealand, Denmark, England and Scotland.
I love dinosaurs and books.
I have one younger sister and I like going camping, swimming, playing hockey and talking with my family because I love the company.
Rona G
Hi, my name is Rona.G!
I do a lot of sports like badminton, swimming, softball and rugby. You may have seen me in the assembly on stage for softball, maybe you’ve seen me at rippa rugby practice or maybe you don’t know who I am but that’s ok I’m willing to talk to everyone which is what makes me so approachable!
I have a huge passion for writing so that’s why I’m part of the ANI Guild as a journalist.
Writing is something really important to me and my sister, Ruby, was in the ANI Guild as well so I aspire to be like her. Also it holds a special place in my heart to make good, quality, articles.
If you have any topics you really think is interesting or something important to bring light to just reach out to me Rona G!
Yi-Ling C
Hi, I’m Yi-Ling and I’m an Illustrator for the ANI Guild.
I love reading, writing, playing the violin, and all kinds of art. I am thrilled to be contributing to help create our school articles. It has been one of my goals ever since I got a fondness for shaping stories, especially in fictional writing.
I’m not exactly the enthusiastic school-style writer and I thought I would be best suited as an illustrator. I want to combine my love of being an illustrator with my passion for the ANI Guild.
I look forward to collaborating with everyone to bring out these works!
Sophie L
Hello, my name is Sophie L and I am in rm 18. I am so looking forward to working with the ANI GUILD team and meeting new people. I have an interesting passion for photography and writing!
I was born and raised in New Zealand and went to Epsom Normal Primary School. This year I am a Year 8 in Ms Stephens class. I have passions for badminton, reading, and playing piano. I hope to be a successful and useful person in the ANI media team!
Some of my hobbies are baking, playing chess and riding my bike. I love trying new things and finding new passions. I am so excited and proud to be part of the Ani Guild. Thank you!
Kayla Y
Hey there! My name is Kayla Y from Room 18 and I’m thrilled to be involved in the ANI Guild as a Journalist this year! I wanted to join the ANI Guild as writing is one of my passions.
I came to New Zealand from Korea in 2023, and went to primary school down in Mount Maunganui. So far I am really enjoying my experience in New Zealand and I feel privileged to be part of a very welcoming society like the ANI Guild.
In my spare time, you would find me reading a book, playing netball, or playing the clarinet. Something important to me is meeting new people and building strong relationships. I also have a mixed-breed dog that is a big part of my life, and he is basically like my own brother.
I hope to contribute a lot to the ANI Guild community and build new connections with like-minded people.
Scarlett M
Hi, my name is Scarlett M and this year I am a presenter for the ANI guild. I am a year 7 and in Room 15 with Miss Hughes.
I am really excited to be part of this great team and make amazing articles about life in ANI. I do have some experience as a presenter because last year I was part of TOM (Tournament Of Minds), and part of that was presenting to large groups.
I was born in New Zealand and have lived there my whole life. My family likes travelling, so nearly every year we go on at least one tri,p either around NZ or overseas. I have two sisters, one in high school and one in primary school.
In my free time I love dancing and reading. My favourite book series would have to be The Hunger Games.
I am excited to be a presenter for this year’s ANI guild.
Subranitha D
I’m Subranitha and I’m a year seven in the wonderful room 4. I am so grateful to be involved in the ANI guild as a presenter this year. My favourite colour is black because it brings me positive vibes, and looking at it makes me feel more confident. I love speaking in front of an audience and sharing my knowledge with others.
My hobbies are dancing and sketching emotions and personalities which can’t be described in words. I love playing basketball because it builds my confidence in social skills, and I get an amazing opportunity to be in a team with others.
In my free time I enjoy writing creative and imaginative stories based on mysteries. I have two younger siblings bringing joy into my life. I am usually very energetic and sometimes a little too dramatic. I could go on and on. I can’t wait to do more fun activities as a presenter and get to know everybody in the guild!
Saanvi M
Hello! My name is Saanvi M and I’m in room 10. I’m so happy to be in the ANI Guild as a photographer because photography is one of my passions.
My favourite sports are dancing and netball. If I were to describe myself in three words, it would be: kind, chaotic and helpful.
My favourite colour is crimson, because it looks pretty and regal. In my free time, I play the flute, sing songs, write stories and take pictures.
I have a seventeen-year-old brother named Akshay who’s very annoying and his only hobby seems to be doing homework. I look forward to being part of the Guild this year. Thank you!
Ethan P
My name is Ethan P and I am overjoyed to be a journalist in the ANI guild this year.
When I’m not writing or making excuses as to why my desk is never tidy (just joking mum), I am deeply passionate about both performing and visual arts.
Last year I got involved in the school production of The Addams Family.
Outside of school I play piano, violin and take singing lessons, as well as doing, you guessed it, yet more productions and spending time with my family.
Once again, I feel so privileged to be part of the Guild.
Ka kite ano koe.
