Kaia Kahurangi Jamieson, a 2021 graduate of Albany Senior High School (ASHS), is a shining example of the school’s philosophy of shaping ākonga (students) into confident, capable individuals ready to take on the world. Now 20 years old and completing her final semester at the University of Otago, Kaia has seamlessly woven her passion for marine science, film, media, and storytelling into a flourishing career.
A Multifaceted Path
Since leaving ASHS, Kaia has embraced a diverse range of experiences. While pursuing her Bachelor of Arts and Science, majoring in Marine Science, Film, and Media with a minor in English Literature, she also earned her rescue diver’s certification. Beyond academia, she’s worked in journalism, student welfare, and documentary filmmaking, all while playing in indie-rock band “The Audio Visual Drop Kicks”! In 2025, the band released their debut album, Betterland, and embarked on their first nationwide tour.
The ASHS Effect
Reflecting on her time at ASHS, Kaia credits the school’s dynamic learning environment for fueling her academic and creative passions. “My love of academia is partially a credit to the wonderful, creative, engaging staff at Albany Senior High School. Upon enrolling, I was quickly swept up by my teachers’ passion for their subjects. I was encouraged and empowered to pursue any interest I developed.”
A defining element of ASHS’s approach is the Impact Project, which enables students to explore real-world applications of their interests. Kaia’s project led to the creation of SCOPE, a documentary that was later selected for the prestigious DocEdge International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event. Through this experience, she mastered essential skills—strategic planning, critical thinking, adaptability, and technical expertise just to name a few—well before stepping into university or the workforce. “Without Impact Projects, I would not have the documentary-making and life skills required to run my business, which has been a primary point of income throughout my tertiary education.”
Memories That Last a Lifetime
For Kaia, ASHS was more than just a school—it was a launchpad. The school’s emphasis on respect and maturity empowered her and her peers to rise to expectations. “I have felt empowered and prepared for every step I have taken since leaving high school. This empowerment is not a result of never having failed, but rather, foundational resilience and perseverance partly cultivated during my time at ASHS.”
A key mentor during her journey was Media Teacher Nick Wilson, who pushed her to engage deeply with the craft of documentary filmmaking. His guidance encouraged her to think critically about the ethical and creative choices involved in storytelling, a mindset that has served her well at university and beyond.
A School That Stands Apart
Looking back, Kaia is deeply grateful for her time at ASHS, describing it as a school that champions individuality and critical thought. “The culture and philosophy of the school worked really well for me, allowing me to extend myself and expand my horizons in ways that high schools with ‘traditional’ philosophies did not. ASHS taught me that points of difference can genuinely make a person stronger, and that diversity in thinking is an incredibly beautiful and valuable thing.”
For students looking to grow into resilient, thoughtful, and capable individuals, Kaia believes ASHS is the place to be. Her inspiring journey from high school student to filmmaker, journalist, musician, and scientist proves that with the right environment and encouragement, anything is possible.
