Embedded Files
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Kia ora, nau mai haere mai, nau mai hoki mai.
Welcome to Term 4 - the final chapter of another vibrant and fulfilling year here at Napier Girls' High School. Term 4 always holds a special energy as we balance the focused drive toward the finish line with moments of gratitude and celebration.
We welcome back Mrs Andrews (Science) and welcome Mrs Moses and Ms Collins who will be covering our French classes this term.
This week we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s national theme from the Mental Health Foundation is "Belonging Matters" - a powerful reminder of how vital connection, inclusion, and community are for our collective wellbeing.
Feeling connected to those around us helps us thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the week, our student leaders - Luca Wohlers and Te Ramahana Pomare-Tocker - along with their wellbeing team, ran fun and uplifting lunchtime activities designed to strengthen our school whānaungatanga, celebrate our diversity, and ensure every student feels seen, valued, and included. We encouraged all of our NGHS whānau to take a moment this week to connect - whether that’s checking in on a friend, sharing a kōrero, or welcoming someone new into your circle. Small acts of connection make a huge difference.
For our senior students, these final weeks mark a pivotal milestone. As courses wrap up and NCEA examinations draw near, our students are consolidating months of hard work. Examinations begin on Tuesday 10 November, with formal senior classes concluding on Thursday 5 November. We encourage all our seniors to stay focused, trust in their preparation, and lean on their support networks in these crucial final weeks. We are immensely proud of your dedication and wish you every success.
Next week I will be attending the 2026 APEC School Leadership Programme (ASLP) alongside another school principal representing New Zealand. ASLP brings together 50 school leaders from 12 APEC economies across the Asia-Pacific region. This year's theme is "Innovative Leadership for Globally Connected Schools in the AI Era," focusing on responsible artificial intelligence, digital transformation, change management, and educational innovation. We will be sharing our NZ school experience on an international stage. The insights, international best practices, and global connections gained through this programme will directly support NGHS's ongoing work in the curriculum, AI integration, and preparing our young women to thrive in an increasingly connected global environment.
Term 4 is also a time to gather as a community and honor our students' diverse achievements. This week we came together for our Fia Fia night and Pūhoro Academy Graduation. Over the next few weeks, we look forward to our Pō Whakanui, Honours Assembly, Awards Ceremony and Prizegiving. These occasions allow us to uplift our young women, acknowledge their mahi, and celebrate the collective support of our staff and whānau. We are also busy planning our celebration for our 100th Gift Service (details further in the newsletter).
As our Year 13 ākonga prepare to fly the nest, we are also actively planning ahead for 2027 - preparing to welcome new faces and build upon our school's foundation of excellence and community connection.
In the spirit of transition and new beginnings, we reflect on the whakataukī:
"Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu" (Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly)
This serves as a beautiful reminder of our shared role - school, whānau, and community - in equipping our rangatahi with the skills, confidence, and strength to soar into their next steps.
Ngā mihi to our entire NGHS whānau for your unwavering partnership and support throughout the year. Wishing you all the best for the remainder of Term 4.
Ngā mihi nui,
Mrs Dawn Ackroyd
mental_health_awareness_week_2026_heroposter_a3digital-v2.pdfPhone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz
Kia ora whānau,
We have been made aware of a School Strike 4 Climate Change planned in Napier for 21 October at 11.00am.
We deeply respect our students' passion for environmental issues and their desire to make a difference. Youth voice matters, and we love seeing our young people care so deeply about the future of our planet.
However, because this event falls during school hours, our position is clear: we do not support students missing class to participate.
With end-of-year NCEA examinations and final assessments fast approaching, precious learning time must take priority. Attendance is mandatory, and any absence for this event will be recorded as unjustified/truant.
We appreciate your support with keeping our students focused, present at school, and on track for academic success at this crucial time of year.
Mrs Dawn Ackroyd
Important Dates Coming Up
Important Dates Coming Up
OCTOBER 2026
Monday 19: PTA Meeting, 7pm, staffroom
Thursday 22: Senior Art Exhibition, 3pm - 6pm, school hall
Thursday 22: Student Council Carnival Non-uniform Day fundraising for Nepal, gold coin donation
Friday 23: School and Hostel closed - Hawke's Bay Anniversary
Monday 26: School and Hostel closed - Labour Day
Tuesday 27: Technology Showcase, 6pm
Wednesday 28: Pō Whakanui
NOVEMBER 2026
Thursday 5: Y11-13 study leave commences (from lunchtime)
Tuesday 10: NCEA Examinations start
DECEMBER 2026
Friday 4: NCEA Examinations conclude
Friday 4: 100th Gift Service Celebration
Monday 7: Senior students return to school
Wednesday 9: Awards Ceremony
Thursday 10: Prizegiving, 7pm, Municipal Theatre
Friday 11: Gift Service
Friday 11: Year 13 Leavers' Soiree
Friday 11: END OF TERM 4
Study Leave for Senior Students Commences Friday 6 November
Study Leave for Senior Students Commences Friday 6 November
2026 NZQA Examinations commence Tuesday 10 November. You can access the NZQA Exam Timetable here.
Lessons for senior students continue until the end of period 3 on Thursday 5th November. All students sitting NZQA examinations must attend the exam briefing on Thursday 5 November at 12.25pm. It is important that all students attend this meeting as rules, instructions and the derived grade process for all candidates will be explained and admission slips issued. Students in Year 11-13 will be dismissed from school at about 1.15pm.
Please note that for students in Year 9-10, this is a normal school day with a 3.10pm finish and therefore buses will depart at their usual time. The library will be available for any senior students who need to remain in school.
From Friday 6 November until Friday 4 December students in Years 11-13 only need to attend school for their external exams. All students are required in school for Week 10 (Monday 7 - Friday 11 December).
Digital NZQA Exams
The majority of NCEA examinations are now digital. Please ensure your student’s personal device is working properly. Whilst a limited number of loan devices are available, these cannot be guaranteed on the day, and our ICT team will be very busy during the exam period. Please check devices well in advance to avoid any issues.
2026-Exam-Timetable.pdfChange in Times to the School Day
Change in Times to the School Day
As our senior students start their NCEA external examinations in Week 5, we have made some changes to the school day and classrooms from Monday 9 November (Week 5). Junior students will receive new timetables on Friday 6 November.
School will start at the usual time of 8.40am but our finish time will be 2.45pm. As we have fewer students on site we have removed the 5 minutes travel time between lessons. All school buses will depart earlier at 2.55pm. The school library will be open until 3.45pm for any students who need to remain in school.
New School Day Times from Monday 9 November
Period 1: 8.40am
Period 2: 9.35am
Interval: 10.30am
Period 3: 10.50am
Period 4: 11.45am
Lunch: 12.40pm (to coincide with exams out at 12.30pm)
Formtime: 1.30pm or other eg. Assembly, Dean etc
Period 5: 1.50pm settle for 2pm exam start
End of School: 2.45pm
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
The following Term 4 sports are now open for registration on Kindo:
Futsal - Mondays at RGA
Volleyball - Tuesdays at RGA
Touch - Wednesdays at Tareha Reserve (Taradale Rugby & Sports Club)
Tennis lessons - Wednesdays or Thursdays at lunchtime
Indoor Cricket - Thursdays at Bay Indoor Sports in Onekawa
Kī-o-Rahi - TBC
Please see the sports office if you haven't been advised you're in a team yet.
Clay Target Shooting
🎯We had some outstanding results at the South Island and New Zealand Secondary School DTL & Skeet Championships in Christchurch.
Over three days of competition our shooting team, Emma McLachlan, Sienna Williams, and Georgia Mabin competed both individually and as a team against 285 competitors from schools across New Zealand. For a team competing in its first year, their results have been exceptional and are a reflection of the commitment, discipline and composure they have developed throughout the season.
Combined, the girls took home 5 Highest Over All (HOA), 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 1 Bronze. Georgia Mabin and Emma McLachlan were both selected to represent Hawke’s Bay in the Regional Teams Competition, where the Hawke’s Bay team shot a record score of 146/150 to take the win.
A particularly outstanding achievement was Georgia’s consistency across the two days of national competition, which earned her the New Zealand Two-Day High Overall Championship and is the youngest ever to do so. To achieve this in her first season, and at her age, is an exceptional result and a huge achievement.
South Island and New Zealand Results
Emma McLachlan – NGHS Captain
Gold – Overall South Island Team Match
Silver – New Zealand Team Match
HOA – South Island Points Score
Gold – New Zealand Regional Team Match
Runner-Up – South Island High Gun – 87/90
1st - 2 Day combined team
Sienna Williams
Gold – Overall South Island Team Match
Silver – New Zealand Team Match
Bronze – South Island Single Rise
1st - 2 Day combined team
Georgia Mabin
Gold – Overall South Island Team Match
Silver – New Zealand Team Match
Gold – South Island Points Score Fish & Game Match
Gold – New Zealand Regional Team Match
HOA – New Zealand Regional Team Match – Individual
Silver – New Zealand Junior Points Score
Silver – South Island Points Score
HOA – New Zealand Single Rise
HOA – South Island High Gun – 87/90, following a shoot-off with Emma McLachlan
ECNI Road Race
On Thursday 10 September, our 12 ākonga competed at the East Coast North Island Road Race held at Frimley Park with fantastic results.
🥇 Willow Hambleton won the Year 9 Girls' title
🥇 Year 9 placed first girls team (Willow, Isla Singer and Harriet Johnson)
🥉 Isla Singer placed 3rd in the Year 9 Individual Race
🥈 Natasha MacRae placed 2nd in the Junior Girls' 4km
🥉 Isobel Hodgkinson placed 3rd place in the Junior Girls' 4km
🥇 Juniors placed first girls team (Natasha, Isobel and Brielle Field)
🥇 Paige Dobson won the Senior Girls' title with Alyssa Palmer placing 4th
Kei runga noa atu koutou 👏
Cross Country Results
Last Wednesday, NGHS cross country participants descended on Park Island with plenty of colour, energy and enthusiasm. There was running, racing, cheering and plenty of determination on show - and what a day it was!
2026 Championship Results
Year 9
🥇 Willow Hambleton
🥈 Mia Kersley
🥉 Isla Singer
Year 10
🥇 Georgia Plews
🥈 Isobel Hodgkinson
🥉 Hebe Truebridge
Year 11
🥇 Alyssa Palmer
🥈 Peta Byers
🥉 Greer Hambleton
Year 12/13
🥇 Lucy Kinnear
🥈 Nikita Harding
🥉 Clara Danckworth
HOUSE CUP WINNERS
Congratulations to 1st - Māia, 2nd - Niwha, 3rd - Marohi and 4th - Auaha 🌟
A huge well done to everyone who got out there and gave it a go! 💙
Surfing
Luella Woolcott was once again selected to represent Hawke's Bay region in the National Scholastics Surfing Championships. This year held over 5 days in Gisborne during the school holidays. The comp draw includes the best high school aged surfers from around the country. Luella didn't come away with a placing but got some great waves across the week in solid conditions.
Football
In January, Pepe Payton (Year 9) was selected for the Ricky Herbert camp up in Auckland which is a selection program for overseas fixtures. These past holidays, Pepe played in Melbourne for the Ricky Herbert under 15 girls team. They came 2nd and she scored a goal in the penalty shoot out. Ka Rawe Pepe!
Swimming
Breeze van Veldhuizen competed at the Swimming NZ Short Course Championships in Christchurch during the recent holidays. She was up against a stacked field which featured girls who competed at the commonwealth games and Pan Pacific champs this year. Breeze can be very proud of her achievements.
Breeze's results:
3rd place (50m Back 17-18yr woman)
3rd place (100m Back 17-18yr woman)
3rd place (200m Back 17-18yr woman)
4th place (100m free 17-18yr woman)
4th place (50m free 17-18yr woman)
4th place (200m IM 17-18yr woman)
2nd place (4x50m free woman Open relay)
2nd place (4x50m medley woman Open relay)
Achieving 2x Silver in the Open women's relay is a huge achievement for a local swim team (Heretaunga Sundevils) as they were up against NZ most prestigious clubs. Fabulous to see ex-NGHS student Lola Nichols was one of the relay team members!
Netball
Well done to our players who were selected for the Netball Central Zone Secondary School Tournament team: Demi Arnold, Midnight Edmonds, Greer Hambleton, Kaia Hohaia-Hall, Ruby Lilburn, Maia McKenzie, Jaymie Pascoe, JaydanMae Thompson-Cole, Kendal Waenga. They competed in a day tournament, in Palmerston North, at the end of last term.
A massive congratulations to Ruby Lilburn (Year 12), on being invited to the 2026 Netball Central Zone Advanced Camp. This will also be held in Palmerston North on 17-18 October. The camp brings together some of the Zone's emerging secondary school athletes for specialist coaching, testing, and education as part of the player pathway. A great opportunity to challenge themselves, learn from experienced coaches, and continue growing their game. All the best for the camp, Ruby.
October Holidays - Hawke’s Bay Hockey Tournaments
U16 National Hockey Tournament, Christchurch
Saturday 3 October - Wednesday 7 October. Placed 9th.
Ellen Wagstaff
Saskia McDonald
Georgi Hallam
Alyssa Palmer
Lower North Island U16 Tournament, Palmerston North
Monday 5 October - Thursday 8 October
Hawke’s Bay Black Team - Tier One Division - Placed 3rd
Ruby Galbraith
Grace Gerdes
Zara Hasselman (Captain)
Isobel Hodgkinson
Olivia Johnson
Kate Meynell
Eva Staples
Hawke’s Bay White Team - Tier Two Division - Placed 5th
Clara Barber
Chloe Cope
Tily Gardner
Tasmin Henricksen
Harriet Johnson (Co-Captain)
Blake McDougal
Harper-lily Robson (Co-Captain)
Rugby
Congratulations to the following players who played for the HB U16 team that won the Hurricanes U16 tournament over the holidays. Games were against Manawatu and Wellington.
Zoe Reisima
Amy Smith
Maia Nelson
Sophia Sherriff
Paige Roe
Florence Lee
Georgie Wilson
Isabel Seerden
Isla Singer
Hawke's Bay Sport Awards
We are very proud of our students and coaches who were named as finalists for the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools' Sports Awards, which will be held on Tuesday 3 November. The very dedicated Mrs Caroline Johnson has also been recognised for her service to multiple sports.
Finalists:
Female Sportsperson of the Year
Emily Crowther - Netball
Paige Dobson - Athletics/Cross Country
Aria Taurima - Waka Ama
Female All-Rounder of the Year
Greer Hambleton - Canoe Racing, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Polo, Netball, Tag Rugby, Athletics
Lucy Kinnear - Surf Lifesaving and Canoe Racing
Student Coach of the Year
Maia McKenzie and Jaymie Pascoe - Netball
Student Official of the Year
Willow Oliver - Hockey
Service to Sport
Caroline Johnson - Netball, Hockey, Royal Life Saving, Cricket, Touch Rugby.
Staff Achievements
Congratulations to one of our PE teachers, Mrs Annika Johnson, who placed 2nd in the Women's Half Marathon last weekend.
Kickin It - NGHS.docxSecondary Schools Softball Draft, happening next Monday, 19 October, at Tareha Park.
This kaupapa is open to all secondary-aged rangatahi, of all skill levels, who want to give softball a go, meet new people, and have some fun! No need to find a team, no need for coaches, and no need for equipment — we provide it all! Just turn up, give it a go, and enjoy being part of the game.
We love to acknowledge student 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, on social media 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
Young Musician of the Year
We are incredibly proud of Zilin Zhao and Isabella Shortall, who represented Napier Girls’ High School at the Young Musician of the Year preliminary competition on 12 September at the Blythe Centre, Iona College.
Zilin had an amazing result, earning a place among the six finalists who performed on 18 September. She performed a full 19-minute piano programme from memory, showcasing her musical talent, skill, and dedication.
Zilin went on to win the competition, taking home the Freemasons Hawke’s Bay Prize and the Peter and Valerie Williams Cup. She also won the hearts of the audience, receiving the Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Audience Choice Award.
The adjudicator - Auckland-based pianist, teacher and adjudicator, Susan Smith - praised the high standard of all the finalists and their ability to perform such challenging music at a young age.
House Choir
What better way to finish the term than with a spectacular celebration of music, teamwork and House spirit! Our annual House Choir competition brought the stage to life, with each House delivering an enthusiastic performance that showcased the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of our students.
We were delighted to welcome Suzy Baker from Hastings Girls’ High School, who took on the challenging role of adjudicator. With four Houses giving it their all, the competition was full of excitement, and we are thrilled to announce this year’s results!
1st place – Niwha
2nd place – Auaha
3rd place – Māia
4th place – Marohi
A huge congratulations to Niwha on taking out the top spot, and well done to every House for bringing such energy, enthusiasm and musical flair to the stage.
A special thank you goes to our Music Prefect, Lily Harrington for her organisation, and all our choir members, bands and dedicated choir leaders. Your commitment to rehearsals, willingness to step into the spotlight and pride in representing your Houses made this event such a wonderful way to end the term.
House Choir is about so much more than the final placings. It is about collaboration, courage, school spirit and the joy of making music together. Well done, everyone, for finishing the term on such a high note.
Level 2 Music Evening - A Celebration of Talent
Our Year 12 Music students took to the stage on Monday to present the final section of their performance portfolios, delivering a polished and thoroughly entertaining concert that showcased the incredible depth of talent within the class.
The evening was a delight from start to finish, with an exciting variety of musical genres, impressive performances, and plenty of moments to celebrate. Each student demonstrated the hard work, dedication, and musical growth that has gone into preparing their performances.
A huge congratulations to all our Year 12 musicians for their outstanding efforts, both on stage and in completing their performance portfolios. You should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved!
NGHS Voices Shine at North Island Marching Competition
Four of our talented senior music students, Tori Gibbs, Eliza Woods, Jasmine Hacker and Lucy Simpson, proudly represented Napier Girls’ High School at the North Island Leisure Marching Competition, held at Pettigrew Arena on Saturday 19 September.
The girls were invited to perform the New Zealand National Anthem at the opening ceremony, providing a truly special start to the event. Their beautiful tone, rich harmonies and polished performance were a standout, earning compliments from many of the 400 competitors who had travelled from across the North Island to take part.
Adding to the excitement, the girls also had the opportunity to meet New Zealand sporting legend Irene van Dyke. Tori and Eliza were quick to seize the moment and capture a photo with the star.
A huge thank you to Tori, Eliza, Jasmine and Lucy for giving up their Saturday to share their musical talents and represent NGHS with such pride and professionalism. You were wonderful ambassadors for our school, and we are incredibly proud of you all.
Flute Recital - A Wonderful Celebration
On Wednesday 22 September, ten of our talented flute players took to the stage to showcase their musical achievements at our first annual Flute Recital. The girls treated the audience to a delightful and varied programme, spanning everything from much-loved Disney favourites to challenging, advanced classical repertoire. Our flute ensembles were equally impressive, adding another dimension to an afternoon filled with beautiful music and outstanding performances.
It was wonderful to see the girls’ hard work, growing confidence and musical progress shine through in their performances. We are incredibly proud of each of them for sharing their talents with us.
A very special thank you goes to our wonderful flute itinerant teacher, Naomi Fenwick, whose expertise, dedication and constant encouragement play such an important role in supporting our students on their musical journeys. We are truly grateful for all that she does to inspire our young musicians and help them reach their potential.
Guitar Concert - Kicking Off the Term on a High Note
We certainly didn’t waste any time getting the music flowing this term! On Thursday evening, 15 October, our talented guitarists took centre stage for our annual Guitar Concert, treating the audience to an impressive showcase of musical skill and creativity.
With a fantastic number of performers presenting both solo and ensemble pieces, the evening was filled with a wonderful variety of music. From individual performances to the excitement of playing together, our girls demonstrated their growing confidence, musicianship and passion for their instruments. It was clear that hours of dedication, practice and hard work had gone into preparing such polished and engaging performances, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved.
The standard of guitar playing at NGHS continues to go from strength to strength under the expert guidance of our wonderful guitar itinerant teacher, Dave Boston. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, skills and encouragement he shares with our students, and for the way he challenges and supports each girl to develop her abilities and reach her full potential.
Congratulations to all our guitarists on a fantastic evening of music-making.
Level 3 and Scholarship Music Performance
Our Level 3 and Scholarship Music students will take to the stage on Monday 19 October, 6pm in the School Hall, to present the final component of their solo performance portfolios, showcasing the culmination of months of dedication, hard work and musical growth.
Audiences can look forward to an exciting and diverse programme featuring a range of instruments, musical styles and genres. These performances represent music-making at an exceptionally high calibre, with our talented students demonstrating not only their technical skill and musical understanding, but also their artistry, confidence and passion for performance. It promises to be a truly memorable celebration of musical excellence.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated itinerant music tutors, whose expertise, encouragement and guidance have played such an important role in developing these young musicians and helping them reach their full potential and also to Sarah Lee who spends countless hours rehearsing and accompanying these students.
We are incredibly proud of the commitment and talent our students continue to demonstrate. Please feel free to come along and experience this wonderful evening.
DanceNZMade Nationals
With 5,200 students from 360 schools taking part in DNZM Interschool, it was inspiring to be part of such a vibrant dance community at Nationals in Palmerston North at the end of Term 3.
We were thrilled to have Empty Chairs at Empty Tables (Junior) & Bollywood Ignite (Senior) both place 6th nationally in their categories and also receive the Tahi award. The feedback from the 6 judges across all 6 teams was a real highlight, with our dancers recognised for their energy, timing, concepts, performance quality, creativity, soul & camaraderie.
Our 4 soloists also performed beautifully and Bella Adams and Riley Caves placed 5th with their 'Birdbox' duo! They all held their own on a big national stage.
We loved seeing NZ School of Dance Pathways perform as further inspiration for us. We are already planning for 2027 and can’t wait to choreograph and perform all over again!
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Gateway Experience
One of our Year 12 students, Paige Guilford, has been attending an Aviation course at Bridge Pa. During this time she spent time in a flight simulator, flew a plane, and learnt how to maintain a plane. She also got to see how the Air Ambulance Service worked. Many thanks go to the instructors, Air Hawke's Bay, Napier Air Traffic Control Tower, Skyline Aviation and everyone else who helped make this happen.
Studylink Applications are open - apply by 16 December 2026
If students are studying in 2027 - 16 December 2026 is a very important date.
Students need to apply for their student allowance or loan before 16 December 2026 to give themselves the best chance of having everything ready for the start of their course. We have Studylink coming into school for support sessions in Week 1 and 2 of Term 4.
Application information can be found here:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/first-time/index.html
Caroline Johnson, Jess Radich, Deb Verhoeven - Careers Advisers
Phone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz
Page updated
Report abuse