Our Waka Ama team went to nationals last week. Check out these great shots from their time on the water!

Today’s athletics day has been a resounding success and it has been great to see everyone in their house colours, competing to their best ability to kick off the yearly house competition with style.

Congratulations to Rangitoto who scored the most points for their house! 

Next Friday we follow this up with beach sports at Oneroa Beach and whānau are welcome to pop in throughout the day to say hello.

Wow! What an amazing day our small but dedicated team had at the Showquest – Toi Wearable Arts Event on Thursday 19th June at the Aotea centre.

Olivia Stinton and Arum Holding have been working for the past four months designing and constructing a stunning garment in the category – Rewind Time. They created a reproduction of a 17th century court lady – Lady Juliet Whitbourne, that Olivia Stagg modelled with grace and confidence.

Layers of hoop skirts – petticoats and overlay skirt complete with handmade hip pads and bustle, and a fully boned corset were sewn by the designers. The skill in construction and finishing of the garment was of an extremely high standard and commented upon by many at the event.

A last minute rush to get back into costume after rehearsals at the request of the official photographer was a frantic! yet exciting part of the day as we may be featured in the yet to be created Toi Look Book for 2025.

Unfortunately the garment did not win any categories – but with over 200 garments / 1000 students involved and only about 45 awards given out we were not the only group to leave the event a little disappointed.

The girls were outstanding in their work ethic, support for each other and support for other schools throughout the very long and taxing day.

The Showquest events are positive places of community and affirmation and we were showered with praise and positivity all throughout the day from students and teachers and event staff alike praising the garment, so I am sure the students will be left with great memories and incredible learning and skill development from the experience.

This magical day, a highlight for everyone involved, culminated in a hangi feast that fed 500 people. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work (mahi) of our four school houses, who spend the term practicing waiata and kapa haka. Their performances are a vibrant display of pride in their house and in our school (kura).

The Matariki Celebration is more than just an event; it’s a powerful way to connect with our culture, strengthen our community bonds, and create lasting memories for our tamariki. Each year, it’s made possible by the incredible efforts of countless individuals, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Please consider making a donation today. Your contribution will help us continue this cherished tradition and ensure that our Matariki Celebration remains a source of pride and connection for our entire community.

Our account number is:
12-3114-0036080-00
reference: Matariki Koha

Thank you for being a part of our Matariki journey.

Matariki 2025 House Haka & Waiata
(Apologies for the sound loss during part of the Ponui performance)

What a truly amazing week away our 19 students experienced at the NZ Waka Ama Nationals at the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) in Rotorua.

They travelled down on the 23rd of March for a week of racing with 124 other kura, 2,200 other paddlers!

They trained throughout the summer holidays and before, and after school hours. They fundraised their hearts out for 4 week before departing to get to this competition and represent their kura and motu.

Our kids showed amazing dedication, courage, resilience, camaraderie and passion, and learnt so much about their teammates, fellow paddlers and the sport.

A huge THANKS goes out to all the local businesses, and the local community, teachers, parents and coaches for the support to get them their.

J19 Girls, Waiheke Stingers: Skyla Moffat, Ava Cash, Grace Russell, Sarah Martin, Eva Rees, Ruby Parker.

• Finished 6th in their Championship Semi-final 500m Turn Race
• Finished 4th in the Second Division Semi-final 250m Sprint (sadly disqualified for out of lane, weather related)

J16 Girls, Waiheke Mangopare: Mischa Sullivan, Aurora Russell, Calista Norman, Gaia Mills, Fern Cash, Manuella Forero.

• Finished 4th in their Semi-final, 500m Turn Race (sadly disqualified for hitting the flag)
• Finished 6th in the Second Division Semi-final 250m Sprint

J16 Boys, Waiheke Whai: Niko Janashia, Luca Niwa, Jude Campbell, Benji Niwa, Jimmy Norman, Munro Parker.

• Finished 1st (GOLD) in the Second Division 500m Turn Race
• Finished 9th in the Second Division 250m Final (note: only 4 seconds between 1st & 9th place!)

(Text by Tanya Russell)

Watch the final of the boys U16 – Waiheke High School wins gold!