Engineering students shortlisted for top leadership award
Two of our engineering ākonga ‘students’ have been named as finalists for one of the region’s most prestigious engineering prizes.
Recent civil engineering graduate, Rayyan Hassan and electrical engineering student Emmanuel Simon – both former Student Councillors – are both finalists for the Student Engineer Leadership Award at the upcoming Engineering New Zealand 2026 Auckland Awards on Friday, 15 May at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
The dual nomination is a significant milestone for Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec, now operating together as Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest on-campus vocational education provider. It highlights the calibre of student leadership emerging from the institution during a period of major transformation.
The Student Engineer Leadership Award recognises undergraduate engineers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration and impact. “Those who go beyond academic success to inspire peers, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to the profession,” says Engineering NZ.
Hassan says his nomination reflects years of student advocacy and leadership during a time of institutional change.
“This nomination is a huge success for me. It’s a reward for the work and student leadership roles I’ve undertaken at Unitec. I’m honoured to be nominated. This is a massive achievement for me and would mean so much to me forever. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish,” Rayyan says.
Originally from Pakistan, Hassan moved to Auckland with his family and quickly became a central figure in student life—serving as Class Representative, Student Council President (in 2025), and founder of the Engineering, Surveying and Construction Club.
His citation for the award reads: “He provided calm, considered leadership through a period of significant change. He brought students together, strengthened community connections, and ensured the student voice was heard at the highest levels of decision-making.”
Hugh Wilson, Academic Programme Manager – Civil Engineering and Land Surveying, says Hassan’s leadership stood out across the school.
“He has been one of the outstanding student leaders in our school over the last few years. He has worked with tutors and management to resolve issues with diplomacy and a level head, improving courses and the overall student experience,” says Mr Wilson.
“As Student President, he proved to be an effective leader during the integration of MIT and Unitec. The student community remained stable through significant change—
something that can be directly attributed to the strong partnership he fostered between students and management.”
For Emmanuel Simon, who is a Manaaki New Zealand Scholar from Papua New Guinea, the nomination carries deep personal and cultural significance.
“Being nominated for the Student Leadership Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful for me. Growing up in a developing nation like Papua New Guinea was not easy: whatever you wanted in life, you had to fight for it. This recognition represents the sweat, the sacrifice, and the tears behind that journey,” he says.
“To be named a finalist, representing Unitec, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, Pacific students, and Papua New Guinea, is already a win — for me and for the communities I come from.”
Simon, who is completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) this year, has balanced study, family responsibilities and part-time work while previously serving as Unitec’s Student Vice President, and is a prominent advocate for Pacific and international students on campus.
In his citation, “he demonstrates outstanding leadership through advocacy, community engagement and service. He is a strong voice for students and an active contributor to both local and international communities.”
Byron Iosia, Manaaki NZ Scholarships & Youth Guarantee Lead, says Simon exemplifies leadership through service.
“Emmanuel has stepped up as a leader since his arrival. He is always looking for opportunities to help and serve others, whether within his communities or beyond.”
“He has worked incredibly hard — studying, raising a young family, and supporting them financially. Winning this award would be a fitting recognition of his journey and impact.”
“He has the traits to become a political leader for Papua New Guinea. When Emmanuel speaks, people listen—he has a natural ability to influence and inspire.”
From leading student councils and shaping institutional change, to advocating for international communities and building industry connections, Hassan and Simon represent a new generation of engineers who are socially conscious and deeply committed to service. Their recognition at the Engineering New Zealand Auckland Awards already places them among the region’s most promising emerging leaders.
Find out more about the 2026 Auckland Awards/Engineering NZ.
