Congratulations to Haakon Andersen, a Waitākere College alumnus and winner of the McIntosh Dental 2026 Orthodontic Scholarship.

Haakon’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience and the importance of having people in your corner. He credits Waitākere College and the teachers who supported him with helping him stay focused on his goals and build a positive future. He is now working towards that future through a welding apprenticeship.

For Haakon, the scholarship means more than orthodontic treatment. Having felt self-conscious about his teeth for years, he hopes it will help him smile more freely, feel more confident in social situations and approach the next chapter of his life with greater self-belief.

When he found out he had won, Haakon’s reaction was simple: “I feel phenomenal, genuinely over the moon. Speechless.”

“Haakon really impressed us with his resilience, determination and the way he has continued to work towards a positive future, despite the challenges he’s faced. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with hard work and the right support around you. We’re proud to be part of his journey and hope this scholarship gives him an extra boost of confidence as he takes the next step in his life.” Dr Raniga, McIntosh Dental Centre

A special thank you to the teachers and support team at Waitākere College who have made a difference in Haakon’s journey, including Ms Gardyne, Mrs Dittmar, Nurse Sarah Thomson and Mr Russell.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to McIntosh Dental Centre for providing this generous scholarship and making such a meaningful, life-changing impact on our students' lives.