Embedded Files
Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Kia ora koutou.
Nau mai haere mai, welcome back to Term 2. I hope the holiday break provided some time for rest, connection, and a chance to reset for the term ahead. As always, it is wonderful to see our kura come back to life with energy, purpose, and a renewed sense of focus.
Welcome back to Roni Nuku who is assisting us with our Year 10 and Senior Te Reo Māori classes. Ngā mihi nui to Whaea Sharron who assisted us last term. We are grateful for all that Sharron has done for our kura.
A special acknowledgement to our students and staff involved in this year's NGHS & NBHS production of "High School Musical". The commitment shown over the holiday break has been outstanding. Rehearsals continued with dedication and enthusiasm, and it is clear that this production is going to be something truly special. Thank you to everyone involved, in particular: Producer, Tess Tobin; Director, Amy Edwards; Musical Director, Chris Atkinson; Choreographer, Emma Dolley; and Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Liv McCloskey - your expertise and passion are commendable.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our PTA for their work in organising the Red Carpet Gala event being held on Wednesday 29 April. Further details regarding tickets for the gala event and show are found below.
Tomorrow we will take time to acknowledge and represent our school at upcoming ANZAC services. This is an important opportunity for reflection - on service, sacrifice, and the values that continue to shape us.
"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." Eleanor Roosevelt
The world's need for peacemakers does not seem to be diminishing! Seeking to understand difference, not condemn it, is the act of peace-making. At our kura we encourage our ākonga to seek out empathy, tolerance and understanding, and to consider how they can contribute to a more peaceful and just society. As ever, such a practice should be undertaken every day.
Academically, Term 2 is a significant time. Consistent effort and preparation will set our students up for success. To assist our Year 9 and 10 students, we have a free 'Learning to Learn' seminar presented by Patrick Sherratt this Tuesday 28 April, 3.20 - 4.50pm. Students should register here. Patrick will be running a separate session for our junior boarding students during prep time. Senior ākonga will have an opportunity to attend Patrick's study session in Term 3.
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
Important Dates Coming Up
Important Dates Coming Up
APRIL 2026
Monday 27: ANZAC Day Observed - School & Hostel closed
Tuesday 28: Patrick Sherratt 'Learning to Learn' Seminar (optional for Year 9 & 10 ākonga)
Wednesday 29 - Friday 1 May: High School Musical. Tickets on sale from Ticketek
MAY 2026:
Thursday 7: School finishes 12.20pm - Junior Parent-Teacher Interviews (online and face-to-face)
Friday 8 - Sunday 10: DoE Silver Practice Tramp
Friday 15: Year 12 Road Education Safety Day
Monday 18: PTA Meeting, 7.00pm in staffroom
Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20: Literacy & Numeracy CAAs
Thursday 21: 13BUS YES Pitch Presentation, all day in H7
Thursday 21: Board Meeting, 5.30pm in H7
Thursday 21: Year 12 Music Performance Evening, 6pm in hall
Wednesday 26: Literacy & Numeracy CAAs Catch-up Day
Thursday 27: Careers Expo for Year 12 ākonga
Thursday 27: Tauranga Girls' College Exchange
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
NGHS Rugby 2026: Lace Up!
No sign-up needed yet just show up and give a couple of practices a go.
Training schedule for next week:
Monday 27 April: 4.00pm @ Tareha Reserve (Taradale Rugby Club)
Wednesday 29 April: 3.30pm – 4.30pm @ NGHS Bottom Field
HB Rugby Competition
Bring the heat to the Wednesday night lights!
Grades: Under 15s & Under 17s
Kick-off: Wednesday 20 May (7-week season)
Venue: Elwood Park
Canoe Sprint National Championships
The 2026 NZ Canoe Sprint National Championships were held at Lake Karapiro in the middle weekend of the school holidays. Four students from NGHS represented HB and achieved outstanding podium results and personal best times. They included Lucy Kinnear, Greer Hambleton, Alice McBrearty and Willow Hambleton.
Unfortunately the three-day event was condensed due to the pending cyclone, with a number of races cancelled. Results included:
Lucy Kinnear: 18&U Women K1 500m: Bronze, 18&U Women K2 200m: Bronze, 18&U Women K2 500m: Bronze, 18&U Women K4 200m: Silver.
Greer Hambleton: 16&U Women K1 500m: Gold, 16&U Women K2 200m: Gold, 16&U Women K2 500m: Gold, 16&U Women K4 200m: Gold, 16&U Women K4 500m: Gold.
Alice McBrearty: 14&U Women K1 500m: Gold, 14&U Women K2 500m: Gold, 14&U Women K4 500m: Gold, 14&U Mixed K4 500m: Gold.
Willow Hambleton: 14&U Women K1 500m: Silver, 14&U Women K2 500m: Gold, 14&U Women K4 500m: Gold, 14&U Mixed K4 500m: Gold.
Lucy and Greer now continue their training with a focus on representing NZ at the Canoe Racing New Zealand Asia Pacific Cup at the beginning of May. Alice and Willow will take a training break and then focus on long distance canoe sprint events, held over the Winter months.
NZSS Canoe Slalom Championships
The 2026 Canoe Slalom NZ Secondary Schools National Championships were held in Kawerau at the end of March, as part of Summer Tournament Week.
Willow and Greer Hambleton represented NGHS and achieved some great individual and team placings. Their combined points saw NGHS jointly awarded the Best Girls School Trophy, shared with Tauranga Girls' College.
Willow: Junior K1 Women: Gold and NZCA Cup, Junior Women Down River Racing: Gold & the Andrew Martin Cup, Junior C1 Women: Silver, Senior C1 Womens Team: Bronze.
Greer: Intermediate Women Down River Racing: Gold & the Marnie Fornusek & Bernadette Payne Cup, Intermediate C2 Mixed: Silver, Intermediate C1 Women: Bronze, Senior C1 Womens Team: Bronze.
Canoe slalom 6.pdfLife Saving
Congratulations to Lucy Kinnear for repeating her selection of the NZ U17 Surf Sport Performance Team again this year!🙌🏾
Rugby
🙌🏾 NGHS were represented by 7 players - Amy Smith, Leyah Gerrard, Kota Mackie, Georgia Chalmers, Maia Nelson, Poppy McPherson and Syvannah Mackie-Robinson - who won the Portugal International Youth Rugby Festival as part of the Recode Sports Under 18 Girls' rugby team.
They played five games, won five games, scored 130 points for and 25 against and beat USA in the final to win the tournament 15 - 13.
Kota Mackie won the MOVP award.
The girls were a hit on and off the field and they experienced so much, soaking up the Portuguese culture at every opportunity. They trained with three different clubs during build up week making new connections and sharing ideas.
Before they returned, they spent time in Paris where they shared training with other clubs, and experienced more culture, before heading home as European champions 🏆🌟
Athletics
Zita Meo and Paige Dobson had the incredible opportunity to travel overseas to Australia, representing New Zealand Secondary School Athletics at the Australian Under Age Athletics Championships held in Brisbane. They competed at a very high level, from sprints to distance races. Results:
Paige Dobson: 5th 1500m U18, 7th 800m U18.
Zita Meo: 4th 400m U18. Zita was also part of the team that set a new U18 NZ best time for the 4x400 mixed relay.
2026 New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships (NAGS)
The NAGS Swimming Champs were held at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre 8 - 12 April.
Well done to our ākonga who represented their clubs at this event:
Blanca Fernandez de Castillo Martinez (14 yrs), Napier Aquahawks: 7th 200m Individual Medley (dropped 4.15 seconds), 9th 200m Breastroke, 10th 100m Breaststroke, 11th 50m Breaststroke with pb.
Tasmin Henricksen (13 yrs), Heretaunga Sundevils: 14th 400m freestyle, 13th 200m freestyle, 14th 500m freestyle.
Hockey
Last Monday and Tuesday, 18 players from our 1st and 2nd XI hockey teams travelled to St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton to play against other schools from across the North Island. The weather meant our students played 4 hockey games in less than 24 hours. A great achievement in itself, we won two of our games against the host, St Paul's, and New Plymouth Girls'. Ngā mihi to the staff who accompanied this trip - Ms Cotter, Mrs Angland and Mrs Roberts.
Basketball
Her Time Hoops is a female focused basketball development programme designed to empower girls through sport. We aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where players can build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and grow a genuine love for the game. The sessions cater to all ability levels, from beginners through to players looking to take their game further, with a strong focus on skill development, teamwork, and personal growth both on and off the court.
The programme is led by Clifton Bush III, who brings experience across international, national, and regional basketball environments, with a passion for developing female athletes and delivering high quality training experiences.
Term 2 session details are as follows:
Wednesdays 4:00pm to 5:30pm - May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3.
Sundays 3:00pm to 4:30pm - May 10, 31, June 7, 14.
Staff Achievements
Well done to one of our star PE teachers, Ms Klinge, who won the Triple Peaks Challenge in a time of 6 hours 41 minutes!
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
GET READY NAPIER… IT’S TIME TO STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT!
High School Musical ‘On Stage’ NGHS/NBHS 2026 Production
GENERAL PUBLIC TICKETS are OPEN on Ticketek!
Wednesday April 29: Matinee 11am
Red Carpet Gala event 6pm
Evening Performance 7.30pm
Thursday April 30: Evening Performance 7.30pm
Friday May 1: Evening Performance 7.30pm
GALA EVENING
Join us on Wednesday 29 April from 6.00pm at the Municipal Theatre for an unforgettable Red Carpet experience. This glamorous evening is your chance to be among the very first to see the show and to celebrate in true opening-night style.
Tickets: $35
Your exclusive ticket includes:
• Delicious refreshments and canapés
• A complimentary programme
• Preferential booking
• An exclusive meet-and-greet with our lead cast members
Payment can be made using the account below:
Napier Girls' High School
03-0698-0982682-000
REF: Gala/Name
This is more than a performance… it’s a celebration of the extraordinary talent, dedication, and creativity of our students.
Limited tickets available.
To secure your place, please make payment to the account above and fill out this form. This will be a first in first served process. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a follow up email with your ticket.
Your support helps bring this production to life, every contribution fuels the creativity, passion, and hard work of our students.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our NGHS PTA and wider school community.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement... Let’s make this opening night truly unforgettable!
Easter Music Competition
At the conclusion of Term 1, four of our students represented the school at the Easter Music Competition. It was a pleasure to witness their performances, and we are proud of the outstanding results they achieved.
Joey Li was awarded first place in the piano duet and also won the Own Selection class.
Isabella Shortall achieved second place in both the Baroque and 20th Century classes, third place in the Quick Study, and received Very Highly Commended in both the Test and Own Selection classes.
Wei-Mi Huang placed third in the Test Piece, received Very Highly Commended in both the Quick Study and Own Selection classes, and was Commended in the 20th Century class.
Zilin Zhao delivered an exceptional performance across multiple categories, achieving first place in the following categories; Piano Solo, 20th Century, Piano Solo; Baroque Period, the Pianoforte Recital, the Test Piece, Quick Study, and Modern Rhythm. She also placed second in the Own Selection class.
In addition, Zilin was awarded the Douglas Johnson Challenge Cup for the most points in Classes 119, 120, and 121; the Postbank Trophy for the highest mark gained in any class; the Jan Beck Award for the highest marks in Classes 123 and 128; the Frances Te Weehi Instrumental Championship; and the Mayor of Napier Scholarship.
We congratulate all four students on their dedication, musicianship, and success.
Joey Li
Isabella Shortall
Wei-Mi Huang
Zilin Zhao
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Please save the date Friday 26 - Sunday 28 June for our annual Art for All fundraiser taking place this term. Our dedicated PTA are working hard to get ready for this event. We have a number of exciting new artists registered as well as many who have previously exhibited. Tickets for the Gala Opening Night on Friday 26 June will be available to book via Eventfinda in the next couple of weeks.
We are now seeking support from our wider school community with the following;
Event Sponsorship
The AFAE committee, on behalf of NGHS, would like to extend our thanks to the amazing sponsors of this event. Your generous support makes this exhibition possible - we couldn't do it without you!
Sponsorship tiers: Gold $1,250 - Silver $500 - Friend $250
Join the team of sponsors and show your support for NZ art and NGHS, whilst gaining the benefits of being associated with this high-profile Hawke's Bay event. Please contact Tamra Mear if you would like to partner with us.
Raffle Sponsorship
As part of the Art for All event we run a raffle each year. This is a great opportunity for our students to get involved with the event by selling tickets. We are very grateful to the local businesses who have already generously given prizes. If you or your business are willing and able to donate any prizes we would love to hear from you. Please contact Toni Chapman
Please note: Year 13 students and families will be asked to donate grocery items shortly.
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Year 12 Road Education Safety Day
On Friday 15 May all of our Year 12 students will be participating in the Road Safety Education Programme (RYDA) at McLean Park, Napier from 8.40am - 3.00pm. This is compulsory for our Year 12 students and there is no cost for this programme. More detailed information will be emailed to you.
RYDA is the leading and only national road safety education programme for youth in New Zealand. The programme features highly engaging practical demonstrations which have been designed to provide young people with the skills and strategies they need to stay safe on the roads. It gives students a unique opportunity to set road safety goals and build strategies alongside their friends they will most likely be riding with, as drivers or passengers.
Year 13 Tertiary Information Sessions
We held a number of tertiary information sessions last term. It’s been great to see so many of our students attending these sessions and actively exploring their options ahead of the decision-making process.
We have the following sessions booked in for Term 2:
University of Canterbury (UC) Information Session - 30 April at 10.35am
University of Canterbury College House Accommodation Presentation - 20 May at 1.20pm
Māori Student Tertiary Presentation - 26 May at 10.35am
Waikato University Scholarship Presentation - 10 June at 10.35am
Bond University Presentation - 16 June at 10.35am
Tertiary Open Days
Tertiary Open Days give students and parents the opportunity to explore the campus and experience first-hand what the tertiary environment is like. You are invited to visit special displays and presentations and explore the various facilities students use. We recommend that the students go to the tertiary open days as it is an important part of the decision-making process.
Below are the dates of the Tertiary Open Days for this year:
3-4 May - Otago University and Otago Polytechnic
7 May - EIT Information Day from 9am to 6pm
22 May - Waikato University (Hamilton Campus) register here
1 July - Waikato University (Tauranga Campus) register here
24 July - Lincoln University
5 August - Massey University (Manawatu Campus)
15 August - Massey University (Auckland Campus)
21 August - Victoria University
21 August - Massey University (Wellington Campus)
28 August - Canterbury University
29 August - Auckland University
29 August - AUT
Hawke’s Bay Information Evenings
A number of the universities will be visiting Hawke’s Bay this term and hosting information evenings for students and parents to attend. All of the sessions are listed below with most sessions being held at the Napier War Memorial Centre.
Lincoln University (held at Toi Toi Events Centre, Hastings) - 28 May (5.30pm) - register here
Waikato University - 9 June (6.00pm) - register here
Victoria University - 11 June (6.00pm - 7.30pm) - register here
University of Canterbury - 16 June (6.00pm) - register here
Auckland University - 25 June (time tbc) - register here
Careers Website
Tahatū is Aotearoa New Zealand’s new career website. It has been designed to give your rangatahi an easier way to explore careers, advice, and information. Here is an information leaflet to help parents, caregivers and whānau learn more about Tahatū and support rangatahi using the website.
University Scholarships for Year 13 Students
We have a number of Universities coming into school this term to provide information on Scholarships. Additionally, MoneyHub, a consumer finance website, has published a guide to hundreds of scholarships for any student planning to start university in 2027. The comprehensive list includes scholarships offered by every university as well as those specifically available to local students. A list of privately-funded, Māori, Pacific and International university scholarships completes the list. Applications close throughout the year, with tens of millions of dollars available. MoneyHub has also published a list of tips for scholarship success.
For more details and to find suitable scholarships, visit the MoneyHub Scholarship page
Caroline Johnson, Jess Radich, Deb Verhoeven - Careers Advisers
SchoolDocs
SchoolDocs
Reviewing Board Policies, Term 2, 2026
This term the scheduled review focuses on Safety On and Off School Grounds, and we are inviting input from parents/caregivers:
- Daily School Bus
- School Swimming Pool/Swimming off Site
- Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
- EOTC Governance Roles and Responsibilities
- EOTC Risk Assessment and Management
If you wish to be part of this process, please follow these steps below.
1. Visit the website https://nghs.schooldocs.co.nz
2. Enter the username (nghs) and password (adlucem).
3. Click on “Current Review”
4. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
5. Read the policy.
6. Click the blue “Start your review” button near the top right-hand corner of the page.
7. Select the reviewer type - "Whānau".
8. Enter your name (optional).
9. Submit your ratings and comments.
10. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.
Thank you and we look forward to your feedback no later than Monday 22 June, 2026.
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