Cambridge High School’s head students for 2026 are (pictured above, from left) Erin Bouwer, Ethan Harvey, Anna Crouchman and Blake Williams.
Ethan Harvey says those who backed him in school and sport helped inspire him to become one of Cambridge High School’s two head boys for 2026.
“I race at the velodrome, and when you are on your bike waiting for the crack of the starter pistol, it is the energy of all of those who have supported your journey that powers you forward,” he said.
Ethan Harvey wants to give back to his school community in acknowledgement of those who have helped him over his life. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins
“Win or lose, you would never have made it here without their energy, empathy and enthusiasm. I believe it is my time to give back.”
Ethan was born in Scotland and moved to Cambridge with his family shortly before his sixth birthday when his father Kevin, a senior information technology consultant, was offered a job in the New Zealand software industry.
The family had originally planned to stay only 30 months, but voted unanimously to apply for permanent residency. They became New Zealand citizens last November.
Ethan has a 19-year-old sister, Amelie and a 15-year-old brother, Zach. His mother, Elizabeth, is Cambridge Museum’s manager and curator and a member of Cambridge High School’s Board.
In his spare time, Ethan enjoys playing the saxophone with the Cambridge High School concert band.
“And I’m pretty good at spotting mighty finds when I’m op shopping,” he said.
A past student of Goodwood School and Cambridge Middle School, he has represented Cambridge High in cycling and football. This summer he aims to explore local lakes and rivers in his new kayak.
Ethan was a member of Cambridge High’s Community and Sustainability Committee this year, helping to organise Students Against Drunk Driving Week and Enviro Week, and raising funds for local charities.
“In the last year, I’ve raised money for World Vision’s campaign to help people in the Solomon Islands with the 40-Hour Famine, and then cycled 125 km in four hours to raise awareness and funds for Prostate New Zealand,” he said.
“More recently, I spent the day with the coolest bunch of kids at the Kids in Need Foundation. Six students helped to entertain the kids while their caregivers had a rest. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can make a difference.”
In 2026, he would like to develop a system to allow alumni to visit Cambridge High to share valuable life advice with current students. He’d also like to collaborate on “awesome events that allow for everyone to participate”.
Ethan studied NCEA Level 2 material technology engineering, physics, chemistry and English and Level 3 mathematics with calculus and geography this year and is currently eyeing university study and a career in engineering or science.
“If I look beyond the school… okay, it may sound a little silly, but remember the guy who would run alongside and cheer on every kid as they approached the finishing line of the Weet-Bix triathlon?” he said.
“He’s pretty inspirational in the way he supported everyone, celebrated every win and strove to bring out everyone’s best.
“In a school the size of CHS, it is sometimes hard to be seen, and if we can help our new leadership team make more students realise how much they are valued, this positivity will ripple through our community.”
Cambridge High School’s head students for 2026 are (pictured above, from left) Erin Bouwer, Ethan Harvey, Anna Crouchman and Blake Williams. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins
