Embedded Files
Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou. Nau mai haere mai. Nau mai hoki mai.
Welcome to whānau returning to Napier Girls' High School. Welcome to whānau commencing your journey with us. Welcome all.
I trust that you have had a wonderful summer break. Our thoughts and aroha are with whānau who have been affected by the recent weather events, particularly in Mount Maunganui and on the East Coast. Kia kaha, kia manawanui.
It has been wonderful this week welcoming ākonga back to school. As we commence this new academic year, we do so by celebrating our ākonga academic success in their 2025 examinations (provisional results in this newsletter). Congratulations to all on such a great outcome. Given the myriad of changes on the curriculum and assessment front, these results are fantastic! We applaud the accomplishments of our ākonga and wish them all the very best for this year. Ka mau te wehi!
Thank you to whānau for the support of your rangatahi, but also thank you to our kaiako for their enormous contribution in ensuring the success of our ākonga.
Nau mai haere mai - welcome to new staff who started this week:
Pam Angland - Social Sciences, Louise Edwards - Mathematics and Science, Whaea Sharron - Te Reo Māori, Madison Holmes - Health & PE, Liam Keegan - HOLA Mathematics, Daniela Klinge - Health & PE, Ella Mackenzie - Food Technology, Liv McCloskey - Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Hetty McLennan-O’Connor - Science, and Teacher Aides: Dhana Coon, Abby Hall and Olivia Cooper.
As we start the 2026 school year, we are thrilled to share with you the theme/whakataukī that will guide our journey over the next 12 months:
“He manu hou ahau, he kōrero āku”
I am a young bird, and I have a voice
This whakataukī speaks to the importance of voice, confidence, and identity. In te ao Māori, the song of a bird carries deep meaning. Each bird sings in its own way — distinctive, authentic, and true to who it is.
This theme reflects our belief that every young person has something to say and something valuable to contribute. Education is not only about academic learning - it is also about helping students discover who they are, what matters to them, and how they can use their voice to make a positive difference in the world.
Throughout 2026, we will be intentionally creating opportunities for student voice — encouraging students to share ideas, ask questions, speak up for what is right, and express themselves with confidence and kindness. We recognise that some students are comfortable speaking out, while others express their voice more quietly. Both are equally important, and both deserve to be heard.
By listening to our students and valuing their perspectives, we strengthen relationships, build belonging, and support personal excellence. Together, like the birds that greet the dawn, our collective voices have the power to bring light, understanding, and hope to our school community and beyond.
We look forward to working in partnership with you as we support our young people to find and use their voices in meaningful ways.
Ngā mihi for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to a collaborative and successful 2026.
Ngā mihi nui,
Mrs Dawn Ackroyd
Phone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz
Waitangi Day – A Time for Reflection and Unity
Waitangi Day – A Time for Reflection and Unity
Tomorrow we celebrate Waitangi Day, a significant moment in our nation’s history. It is a time to reflect on the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) on 6 February 1840, an agreement between Māori rangatira and the British Crown. While intended to build a shared future, the journey since has been complex and challenging.
At Napier Girls’ High School, we see Waitangi Day as more than a historical event. It is an opportunity to learn from the past, strengthen our understanding of Te Tiriti, and consider how we can contribute to a future based on respect, partnership, and inclusivity. The values of Manaakitanga (care and respect), Whānaungatanga (strong relationships), and Kairangi Whaiaro (personal excellence) underpin much of what we do, and these align closely with the principles of the Treaty - partnership, protection, and participation.
As we mark this important day, we encourage our students to reflect on what it means to be part of a diverse and evolving Aotearoa. By learning about our shared history and embracing the values of unity and understanding, we equip the next generation to be thoughtful and engaged citizens.
We wish our whānau all the best for Waitangi Day.
REMINDER: From Monday 9 February the school day will be finishing at 3.10pm (as per email sent)
Important Dates Coming Up
Important Dates Coming Up
FEBRUARY 2026
Friday 6: School & Hostel closed - Waitangi Day
Monday 9 - Wednesday 11: Year 13 Waikato University Trip
Monday 16: Founders' Day Assembly - to celebrate academic achievements and prefect induction
Thursday 19 & Friday 20: Year 9 EOTC days
Saturday 21: Canoe Polo HB Art Deco Tournament
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22: Duke of Edinburgh Silver/Gold Training
Monday 23: Art Deco dress-up for staff and Year 13 ākonga
Monday 23: PTA Welcome Drinks & Nibbles, 7.00pm, staffroom - all welcome!
Wednesday 25: Splash & Dash 2026 (whole school event)
Wednesday 25: Board meeting, 5.30pm in H7
MARCH 2026
Sunday 1: Canoe Polo Eastern Regional Qualifiers
Tuesday 3: Year 9 Whānau Evening, 5.30pm
YEAR 9 WHĀNAU EVENING
TUESDAY 3 MARCH, 5.30 - 7.30pm
Please save the date - our Year 9 Whānau Evening takes place on Tuesday 3 March, 5.30 - 7.30pm. The first part of the evening includes a mix and mingle with our vertical form teachers and presentations about our academic and pastoral programmes including changes to our curriculum and reporting. You will also be able to find out about the wide range of sporting, performing arts, and cultural opportunities available to ākonga at NGHS.
Further information will be emailed to Year 9 whānau.
NCEA 2025 Provisional Results
NCEA 2025 Provisional Results
Ka mau te wehi!
The Deadline for NZQA Reviews and Reconsiderations is 18 February
For students who sat NCEA external examinations last year, digital copies of exam papers are available through their NZQA Learner login. Any student who feels there is a discrepancy in their marks/grade is able to apply for ‘a review’ or ‘reconsideration’ A review checks to see whether a cut score or grade has been incorrectly entered. For any exam paper which needs to be remarked students must apply for a reconsideration. There is a charge of $20.40 per achievement standard for reconsiderations which is refunded if the grade is changed. Students whose families qualify for Work & Income, Study Link or a Community Services card can apply to have the fee waived. Students who are considering applying for a reconsideration may want to show their digital exam to the 2025 subject teacher or relevant HOLA (if that staff member has left). For further information on the process please click on this link or contact Rachel Roberts (Principal’s Nominee). Please note that this process does not apply to the Literacy and Numeracy assessments sat by our Year 10 and 11 students. The deadline for Reviews and Reconsideration is Wednesday 18 February.
Congratulations to our 2026 Leaders
Congratulations to our 2026 Leaders
PREFECTS
Performing Arts – Drama: Annabelle McGregor
Performing Arts – Dance: Mattie Geange
Performing Arts – Music: Lily Harrington
Student Wellbeing: Te Ramahana Pomare-Tocker
Student Wellbeing: Luca Wohlers
Environmental: Giselle Baudet
Environmental: Keira Knowles
Events: Charlotte Brown
Events: Charlotte Beamish-White
Events: Naomi Gould
Academic: Sam Formosa
Academic: Tayla Baxter
Hostel: Lucy Parker
Hostel: Rose Greaves
Niwha: Tula Pancotti
Niwha: Reese Lui
Auaha: Allura Holt
Auaha: Annika Tremain
Marohi: Emily Crowther
Marohi: Lilie Elder
Māia: Maisey Alexander
Māia: Emma Baker
Sports: Ruby Kaye
Sports: Breeze van Veldhuizen
Manutaki Wharenoho Hewett House: Morgan Anderson
Manutaki Events: Aria Taurima
Manutaki Waiata Singing: Shikira Reedy
Manutaki/Manukura Lead Māori Prefect: Rangimarie Takurua
Deputy Head Prefect/Pasifika Vaine Toa: Sophie Hyde
Deputy Head Prefect: Olivia Meynell
Deputy Head Prefect: Arna Paewai
Deputy Head Prefect: Tori Gibbs
Head Prefect: Audrey Anna Robin
TUAKANA TEINA
Macy Bryant
Georgia Cameron
Sophie Cathro
Abby Chamberlain
Amber Evans
Chloe Evans
Dylan Floyd
Ella Fraser
Rionagh Gallagher
Jasmine Hacker
Charlotte Hall
Georgie Hargrave
Bella Huang
Rose Jones
Molly Joyce
Ashmeen Kaur
Mabel Kerr
Katelyn Lefau
Juliet Morris
Ava Munro
Anita Nunez-Lowe
Florence Riwai
Lucy Robinson
Sammie Scott
Hayley Shergold
Cassidy Stoney
Margaux Sumner
Mollie Thorogood
Amira Walker
Lucy Walker
Eva Warr
Lily Warren
Leah White
Leela Williams
Eliza Woods
Jenna Young
FORM CAPTAINS
Andrea Alderson
Ivy Allan
Rosa Angland
Reign Ashby
Matilde Barber
Amber Bardsley
Lillian Batten
Juliet Beckett
Ophelia Booth
Keira-Lee Bouskill
Kassi Bray-Pharazyn
Lulu Broad
Addisyn Burn
Macy Burrell
Lara Caldwell
Neve Callaghan
Abi Cantor
Natasha Clayton-Greene
Ella Colville-Smith
Mikayla Davies
Bella Dearden
Lilly Dishroon
Paige Dobson
Lorelei Douglas
Emma Duncan
Marcia Eagle
Sithumi Ellegala
Mariella Evans-Adriaansen
Lexie Ewen
Keely Flynn
Marie Friemel
Eva Galbraith
Ava Gleeson
Lucia Gordon
Alexi Gregory
Aaliah Hamilton
Milla Hamilton
Zara Hasselman
Kasaiah-Maria Hazel
Pippa Heath
Keira Hetariki
Lily Hicks
Stella Hill
Phoebe Holland
Keily Hooper
Emma Hutchinson
Gemma Johnson
Charlotte Martin
Leanne Martin
Holly Matthews
Grace McDowall
Maia McKenzie
Ella McLachlan
Emma McLachlan
Zita Meo
Lilly Mewburn
Greer Nicholson
Addison Oliver
Caitlin Peach
Tahlia Peakman
Isabel Redpath
Zoe Reisima
Charlotte Russell
Ada Seymour
Abbygale Tager
Meela Tamati-Herrick
Hannah Tyler
Mareikura Waapu
Molly Wagstaff
Haide Wilson
Kendra Wise
Evonne Wylie
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
🏑🏀🎾Welcome back - it's full steam ahead! 🏈🏏🥎
Sports registrations of interest are now open via your myKindo accounts. Once you are logged into the home page, under the 'More to explore' section, you will be able to click on 'Sports - Open Now' which are our summer sports. Please note closing dates, with some sports closing at the start of February for trial purposes. You can also browse 'Sports - Coming Soon' but registration won't open until mid February for these winter sports.
We recommend that you check the "NGHS Sports" page on the school website for specific information regarding your choice of sports, while new students/parents should familiarise themselves with the Player and Parent Guide to Sport at NGHS.
Students need to keep an eye on notices and in their email for information on sports meetings and any trial updates.
IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP
Wednesday 25 February
Splash & Dash at Onekawa Pools for all students (both champs and non-champs events)
Friday 13 March - Athletic Sports at Marewa Park
Futsal
Congratulations to Georgia Cameron for her selection into the HB futsal squad for the 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
The HB women's team includes ex-NGHS students Olivia Harding, Charlotte Cameron, Hollie Gee, Ella Simmonds, and Claudia Barham (coach).
Please see MJ in the sports office if you have a team of 4 players for this 3 on 3 basketball competition.
Equestrian
Congratulations to our NGHS riders who represented teams over the summer.
The Heretaunga Pony Club team in the Bruce Forbes North Island Eventing Champs placed second overall and second for team dressage. NGHS had Addison Trumper (Capt) and Taylor Bremner in this team.
Heretaunga Pony Club also sent a team to the North Island Teams' Show Jumping Championships in Kihikihi. NGHS riders selected were Addison Trumper (Capt), Hebe Truebridge, and Isobel Walklin, with coach/manager Ms Sarah Collins. This team placed 7th overall.
Hawke's Bay Area Pony Club sent a dressage and a show jumping team to the New Zealand Pony Club National Championships in Clevedon. These teams were coached and managed by Ms Sarah Collins. NGHS riders selected were Isobel Walklin (dressage) and Hebe Truebridge (dressage and show jumping). Hebe placed 3rd overall in the individual show jumping.
Basketball
Basketball Hawke’s Bay is inviting U16 & U18 players to register their interest in representative teams for 2026. (U16: Born 2011 & 2012 only) (U18: Born 2009 & 2010 only)
Sunday 15 & 22 February
U16 Boys & Girls: 12.30pm-2:30pm
U18 Boys & Girls 3:00pm-5.00pm
Friday 20 February
U16 Boys & Girls: 4:00pm-5:00pm
U18 Boys & Girls 5:00pm-6:00pm
To be considered for selection ALL PLAYERS MUST DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. To register for trials click on the following link:
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/487086
2. To Register for BBNZ Player Levy click on the following link:
Tag
In the first weekend of the school holidays (12 - 14 December), the Junior Tag Rugby Nationals were held in Auckland.
Six of the seven girls in the HB U16 Mixed squad were from NGHS, including Dakota Mackie, Greer Hambleton, Poppy McPherson, Syvannah Mackie-Robinson, Xian O'Brien and Tahlia Savaii.
Over three days of competition, some strong wins and some one-point losses, they came away with 5th place nationally.
Athletics
Huge congratulations to Zita Meo has been chosen by NZ Secondary School Athletics to represent NZ secondary athletes for the summer tour. Zita was one of the youngest students chosen nationally!
Zita had her first race in the black singlet at the Cooks Classic, being the only Napier athlete. We are super proud of you for putting in the hard yards, Zita!
Waka Ama
Aria Taurima and Mareikura Waapu competed in the Waka Ama National Championships over the summer holidays. They represented Haeata (Team name: Tīma Karaka Tī).
In the J19s 500m sprint event, they successfully qualified as far as the semifinals. Mareikura also competed as part of the J19s girls’ W12 crew.
Aria also competed with the MJ’s Women’s W12 team. They advanced to the final, where they finished second overall. This result qualified the team for the 2026 World Sprint Championships, and were awarded the silver medal. Ka rawe Aria!
Additionally, Aria competed in the W1 (single canoe) event in the J19s category, placing 7th overall.
Both wahine competed together as part of the adaptive mixed team, where we secured first place, earning a gold medal 🥉
Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Individual and Team Triathlon
This annual event is a great opportunity for students of all abilities to get involved, challenge themselves, and represent their school in a supportive and well-run race-day environment.
Event details
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Venue: Pandora Pond, Napier
Registrations close: Sunday 22 February 2026 at 6.15am
Register and for more information click here - https://barefootsport.bbtiming.com/event/1802
The event is open to all Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools. Students may enter either through their school or individually online. Whether students are new to triathlon, aiming for a personal best, or competing for a podium finish, this event offers a fun and inclusive way to be involved in the local triathlon community.
Netball
Netball New Zealand held 3 national development camps in Auckland, Ashburton, and Hastings in January. Two players from Napier Girls' were selected to attend the Hastings camp.
Well done to Arna Paewai and Emily Crowther for their hard work and representing their centres, schools and zone proudly!
Hockey
Congratulations to Sophia Morris who made the U16 Super Challenge (The Hockey Experience) Thunder team. The Mike Greer Homes U16 Super Challenge, runs July 13 - 17 at St Peter’s School in Cambridge.
2026 all events (3).pdf
Calling all Coaches!!
Each of our sports teams are dependent on coach and manager volunteers being available. Parents and whānau are invited to volunteer within the myKindo registration form 🏉🎾🏑🏓⚽️
Alternatively, please contact sport@nghs.school.nz for more information.
We love to acknowledge students' achievements!
If you have any representative selections, results, information or photos from external sporting events that occurred over the holidays or during the term, please send them to sport@nghs.school.nz
This information may be placed in the school newsletter and on our celebration wall in the gym or held for future consideration for school sports badges and achievement awards.
Mrs MJ Durkin - Head of Sport
Toi Whakaari- Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari- Performing Arts
Performing Arts Coordinator
This term, we are pleased to welcome Liv McCloskey to the department as our Performing Arts Coordinator. We wish her every success in this role and look forward to working with her.
Performing Arts Prefects
Introducing the 2026 Performing Arts Prefects:
Music - Lily Harrington
Drama - Anabelle McGregor
Dance - Mattie Geange
Congratulations to these rangatahi on achieving their roles. We look forward to the valuable contributions you will make to the department.
NGHS/NBHS Production 2026
Rehearsals for the 2026 NGHS/NBHS production of High School Musical are now well underway, and the excitement is already building.
On Tuesday evening we held our first full cast rehearsal, marking an exciting milestone in the production journey. Energy was high as students launched into learning songs and choreography while beginning the important process of developing their characters. It was a wonderful start to what promises to be a vibrant and engaging production.
We are fortunate to have an outstanding cast of approximately 70 students, guided by the expertise and dedication of our production team:
Director: Amy Edwards
Music Director: Mr Chris Atkinson
Choreographer: Emma Dolley
Producer: Tess Tobin
Throughout the term, the cast and production team will be working diligently every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evening, demonstrating an impressive level of commitment. Many of the lead performers also spent time over the Christmas break preparing lines and music, giving the production a strong foundation from the outset.
With performances scheduled for 30 April – 1 May, High School Musical is already shaping up to be a fantastic show. Watch this space!
Music Itinerant Lessons
At NGHS, we are proud to offer an extensive range of instrumental and performance tuition. Our current itinerant staff and offerings are as follows:
Keyboard – Mrs Sarah Lee
Private Piano – Mrs Sarah Lee
Vocal – Ms Sarah Kirk
Violin/Viola – Mrs Thalita Magalhaes
Saxophone/Clarinet – Mr Anton Wuts
Brass – Mr Simon Schofield
Drums – Mr Rinie Coppelmans
Guitar – Mr Dave Boston
Flute – Mrs Naomi Fenwick
Rock Band – Mr Jason Alexander
Cello/Double Bass – Mr Chris Atkinson
Vocal – Mr Chris Atkinson
Speech and Drama – Ms Emma Bowyer
A Google form has been sent to all students who wish to participate in itinerant lessons this year. Both new and returning students are required to complete the form. All relevant information for parents will be attached to this document.
Please keep an eye out for this information. Should you have any enquiries, we are always happy to assist, so please contact Liv on music@nghs.school.nz
Co-Curricular Opportunities
We are extremely proud to offer a rich and diverse range of performing arts co-curricular opportunities for our students. Participation in these activities allows students to develop confidence, creativity, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of belonging within our school community. We strongly encourage your daughter to become involved and take advantage of these exciting opportunities.
Music
Our music programme caters for a wide range of interests and abilities and includes:
Choir
- Ad Lucem (auditioned choir)
- Ngā Ihi o te Rā (all-comers choir)
- NGHS/NBHS Combined Choir (auditioned)Music Theory Club
Orchestra
Chamber Music
Rock Group
Songwriters’ Club
Drama
Students have opportunities to engage in drama through performance, skill development, and collaborative creative work.
Drama club - run by the Drama Prefect, Anabelle McGregor
Shakespeare Festival
Dance
Our dance co-curricular programme offers students the chance to audition for competitive dance teams and Showquest.
Showquest - listen to the notices for auditions
DanceNZMade Competitive Teams - listen to the notices
We look forward to seeing many of our students actively involved in the Performing Arts throughout the year.
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
We are getting organised for another busy year for the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award. We have a regular article in the school newsletter to help keep our school community informed regarding our programme.
Jen Blackmore is the Student Leader for the award this year (pictured). Congratulations Jen, on gaining a leadership role that is very well deserved.
Over the holiday break, our award participants have been busy completing their specific sections which I am now busy approving. This is a good opportunity to remind all participants to keep their online record books up to date. Especially exciting were the five students who completed their final tramp and Gold Award. I will write about them later in the term.
Congratulations to the many of you who have now completed your award and have registered for the next. If you need to register, please email me and I will send you the link.
Important dates this term:
13 February: BRONZE online training. This will take place at school from 12.30 - 3.00pm. Students will need to finish the online training at home. We have over 80 students signed up for this training which will be the beginning of their Duke of Ed adventure.
21 - 22 February: SILVER and GOLD Training at Makahika, Levin. I remind any student who has not yet registered for Silver or Gold to please do this today!
14 - 15 March: BRONZE Practice Tramp.
Louise Bassett-Foss, TiC Duke of Edinburgh
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
2026 PTA Welcome Drinks and Nibbles - Monday 23 February at 7.00pm
The NGHS PTA provides valuable support to our kura in a variety of different ways. The PTA would like to invite all parents & caregivers to join us on Monday 23 February for drinks and nibbles at 7pm in the Staffroom. This is a great way for you to get to know other parents and hear from our Principal about what is happening in school. We would love to meet some new people and you do not need to commit to attending regular meetings or taking on any responsibilities.
Our annual fundraising event, the NGHS Art For All Exhibition, is scheduled for 26 - 28 June this year. If you are unable to join us on 23 February there will be an opportunity to meet some of our members at the Year 9 Whānau Evening on Tuesday 3 March. Alternatively if you would like to be in email contact with one of our committee members please email rroberts@nghs.school.nz
Chairperson: Maria Ferguson
Treasurer: Nicola Holland
Secretary: Kim Vercoe
School contact: Rachel Roberts
Road Safety Around Napier Girls' High School
Road Safety Around Napier Girls' High School
Road safety around our school site is very important to us as it affects our students, staff, parents, neighbours and other road users.
Students should be dropped off either on Coote Road, Shakespeare Road, or at the Cathedral.
Please keep clear of Clyde Road as it is a narrow road and is the only access road for a large community on the hill past the school. Hence, Clyde Road is not be used for dropping off students as it leads to congestion and safety issues.
Please obey the road code, in particular no stopping on yellow broken lines and no parking across driveways. Please be courteous and respectful of all road users.
Our designated drop-off zone on Coote Road is the white box behind the bus bay (maximum 2 minute stay).
Please note there is no parking opposite the bus bay on Coote Road between 8.00 - 9.00am and 2.30 - 4.00pm.
Napier City Council issued a number of infringement notices last year. Keeping Coote Road clear for traffic improves the safety of our students significantly.
Any students who are new to driving to school, please ensure you have filled out the 'drive to school' form (available from outside the student centre).
Your help with road safety around our school is most appreciated.
SchoolDocs
SchoolDocs
Our school works with SchoolDocs to provide a website for maintaining, updating, and reviewing our school policies. SchoolDocs updates policies in response to changes in legislation and Ministry guidelines, reviews/requests from schools, and regular research from the SchoolDocs team.
Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented. We will advise you when policies are up for review and how you can take part in the review.
We invite you to visit the site at https://nghs.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there's no "www."). Our username is nghs and password adlucem.
If you have any questions, please email: info@nzschool.shop.co.nz
Phone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz
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