Nikita attended AshColl from 2005 - 2010.

As a keen member of Red House she was involved with athletics, swimming, 1st XI Hockey and House Sports.

Nikita said her group was a tight click that went right through secondary school as mates. Names included: Sarah Hayman, Steph Poulson and Hayley Whiting to name but a few.

When asked about teachers that had an impact on her, Mr Millichamp "Milli" who taught Year 9/10 Horticulture and also Red House Leader was first up. Mr Baird - Physics, her Family Form teacher Mr Gunn and Mr Cochrane - PE all got a mention.

Year 13 had highlights. Along with being elected as House Captain, Nikita was also Queen of the Ball that year. Happy memories from her secondary education.

If she was to go back to her school days and give herself some advice, it was pay more attenton!

After leaving school Nikita attended Queenstown Resort College (QRC) and achieved a Diploma in Hospitality Management. From there she was scooped up by the George Hotel in Christchurch. In 2017 she took a leap of faith and is now a successful business owner of Cleavers Corner Gastro Pub in Ashburton with her husband Andy.