18/11/2025
Twin Leaders Making History at Devon Intermediate
In a special moment for Devon Intermediate School Te Kura Takawaenga o NgÄmotu, 2025 marked a unique and heart-warming first â twins Milan and Anjali Bhaskar were appointed as Head Students. Now, as they prepare to leave Devon Intermediate and take their next steps at Spotswood College, their year of leadership stands as a defining chapter in the long, proud history of a kura deeply rooted in community, legacy, and excellence.
A School With a Rich and Storied Past
Opened in February 1958 to serve the growing western sector of New Plymouth, Devon Intermediate stands on land layered with meaning. Long before classrooms and sports fields, this whenua formed part of a traditional MÄori pathway to NgÄmotu. European settlers later built homes here, including a pioneer cottage constructed in 1840 by a settler who received the land through ballot. By 1882 the land became a nursery, before eventually returning to bush, scrub, and swamp in 1914.
Today, the school is an inviting, park-like environment featuring wide playing fields, a large heated swimming pool, modernised classrooms, upgraded technology facilities, and a vibrant library. A dedicated landscape plan continues to enhance the natural beauty of the grounds, supporting wellbeing and learning side by side.
From its earliest days, under foundation principal Mr A. L. Herdman, Devon Intermediate has maintained a strong culture of hard work and striving for excellence. Those expectations continue to be championed by the staff, who uphold the schoolâs cherished MANA values - Diligence, Integrity, Service, and Respect - every day.
Leadership Rooted in WhÄnau and Legacy
For Milan and Anjali Bhaskar, serving as Head Students throughout 2025 has meant more than wearing a badgeâit has been a way to honour a deep family connection to Devon Intermediate. Having previously attended Central School, their familyâs connection to Devon Intermediate is intergenerational; their grandfather, Chris Pollard, worked in the technology department for four decades; their mother, uncle and aunty were students, while their cousin, Dhio Yoshimura, served as Head Student in 2021.
This whakapapa of service, belonging, and community is reflected in the strengths each twin has brought to the role.
Milan has earned admiration for his excellent guitar skills, his passion for performing arts and acting, his kapa haka involvement, sporting ability, academic strengths, and his uplifting, positive energy. A natural communicator and performer, he approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to inspire those around him.
Anjali is known for her humility, kindness, and deep thoughtfulness. She consistently puts others first, encourages her peers, tries her best in all areas, and steps bravely into new experiencesâfrom hip hop and Pasifika performing groups to leadership opportunities. Empathetic, helpful, and steady, she leads with quiet strength and a heart for serving others. Both have championed te reo MÄori in their roles as leaders.
Together, they represent the very best of Devon Intermediate.
A New Kind of Leadership: Together
Having twins serve as Head Studentsâa first in living memoryâhas brought a special kind of synergy to Devon Intermediate. Milan and Anjaliâs leadership has been naturally collaborative. Their unique strengths complement one another, modelling teamwork, unity, and the power of shared purpose. âWeâre very close and work well together as a team. Itâs nice being able to support and encourage each other. Most of all, we are just proud to serve our schoolâ, says Anjali.
Proud parents, Murali Bhaskar and Eloise Pollard, have enjoyed watching their children thrive at Devon and have been impressed by the wide range of opportunities the school offers its students.
Throughout 2025 the head students have spoken at assemblies, represented the kura at community events, supported new students, lifted school initiatives, and upheld Devonâs strong tone and spirit with maturity and pride. âDevon has given us so many new experiences and unforgettable memories. Serving as head student along with my sister is definitely a highlightâ, says Milan. Principal, Jenny Gellen, says along with their fellow head students, Gracie Wood, Thomas More and Luke Benton, the Bhaskar twins have taken their responsibilities seriously and have demonstrated the MANA values in everything they do.
Looking Ahead With Pride
As Milan and Anjali prepare to begin their journey at Spotswood College, they leave behind a legacy of embracing new experiences, integrity, service, and kindness. Their leadership has strengthened the culture of Devon Intermediate, reminding us all what makes this kura truly special: He tÄngata, he tÄngata, he tÄngata.
The traditions of Diligence, Integrity, Service, and Respect remain alive and well, carried forward by Äkonga who honour the past while shaping the futureâjust as Milan and Anjali have done throughout their time here.
The Bhaskar twins will always be part of Devon Intermediateâs proud history. Their story is one of family, community, and the power of shared leadership. As they move forward to Spotswood College, they carry with them not only memories of a remarkable year, but also the gratitude of an entire school - a unique chapter of twin leadership in Devonâs history.
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