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.
What an incredible achievement from everyone involved in our NGHS & NBHS production of Disney’s High School Musical! The energy, talent, and sheer commitment on display were outstanding. From our performers to the backstage crew, and dedicated staff, this production was a true celebration of creativity and teamwork. We are immensely proud of what was brought to the stage - an absolute credit to our kura.
Looking ahead, our wellbeing prefects will be launching Pink Shirt Day 2026 in assembly next week, building momentum toward this important national event, which will be held on Friday 15 May 2026. Pink Shirt Day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusiveness. This year’s theme, “Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying,” is a powerful reminder of the role each of us plays in creating a safe and inclusive environment.
At Napier Girls' High School, this kaupapa aligns strongly with our core values of:
Manaakitanga – showing care, kindness, and respect for one another
Whanaungatanga – fostering strong, positive relationships
Kairangi whaiaro – striving to be our best selves and lifting others along the way
We encourage our community to get behind Pink Shirt Day — wear pink, start conversations, and most importantly, take action to ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and safe.
If you have any concerns regarding bullying behaviour, please contact your daughter’s Dean, a member of the Senior Leadership Team, or our Guidance Team. Working together, we can ensure our school remains a place where everyone belongs, feels safe and can thrive.
It’s fantastic to see winter sport now well underway, with strong participation across a wide range of codes. Whether competing, coaching, managing, or supporting from the sidelines, our students are embracing the many opportunities available to them. Ngā mihi to whānau who are giving so generously of their time and expertise to assist with our sporting programme.
Involvement in co-curricular activities such as sport plays a vital role in building confidence, resilience, and connection. It strengthens friendships, promotes wellbeing, and fosters a real sense of belonging within our school community. We encourage all students to get involved — there truly is something for everyone, and the benefits extend far beyond the field or court.
We wish all our ākonga and teams the very best for the season ahead.
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
MAY 2026:
Friday 8 - Sunday 10: DoE Silver Practice Tramp
Friday 15: Year 12 Road Education Safety Day
Monday 18: PTA Meeting, 7pm 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
Tuesday 26: Year 12 Music Performance Evening, 5.30-7pm, school hall
Tuesday 26: Literacy & Numeracy CAAs Catch-up Day
Wednesday 27: Careers Expo for Year 12 ākonga
Wednesday 27: Tauranga Girls' College Exchange
Wednesday 27: Year 13 Music Performance Evening, 5.30-7pm, school hall
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Disney's High School Musical
As the curtain falls on another spectacular season, we take a moment to celebrate the success of this year’s combined NGHS/NBHS production. What a triumph it has been.
With sold-out evenings and audiences rising to their feet in standing ovations, the response spoke volumes. This was more than just a show…it was a vibrant, high-energy celebration of talent, commitment, and community spirit.
A huge congratulations must go to our exceptional cast and crew, alongside the incredibly talented and dedicated production team, who brought this polished and dynamic performance to life. Their passion, hard work, and creativity shone through in every moment on stage.
Audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, filled with praise and genuine enjoyment. Just as meaningful, however, has been the response from our students, with many expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something so special, and for the strong sense of belonging it fostered. Witnessing the impact of this experience has been both powerful and humbling for all involved.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the PTA, our incredible team of helpers, and the staff at the Municipal Theatre. This production simply would not have been possible without your support and generosity.
This truly was a show to remember.
From the cast and crew… “We’re all in this together.” Until next time…
Amy, Chris, Emma, Tess and Liv
Chamber Music
As we approach the NZ Chamber Music secondary schools' contest on June 4, our students are diligently rehearsing and organising themselves to ensure they represent the school to their usual high standard. In the lead-up to the event, the Nixon Block has been filled with the sound of beautiful melodies before school, during morning tea, and throughout the afternoon and evening, reflecting both the commitment and enthusiasm of our musicians.
Coaching
As part of their preparation, students will participate in a specialised coaching session on Monday 11 May with Dr Justin Bird. This valuable opportunity will provide them with expert guidance and insight, further supporting their musical development as they prepare for the upcoming contest.
Dr Justin Bird is an acclaimed pianist, teacher, arranger, tuner, and collaborator whose fresh interpretations include an affinity for underrated repertoire. He has won the New Zealand Kapiti Coast National Piano Competition and was awarded the NZ Young Performer of the Year for piano. Other awards have been finalist in the NZ Young Musician of the year Competition, MTNA National Young Artist Competition in the USA, and representing New Zealand in the finals of the Kowhai Australasian Piano Concerto Competition. Justin has performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and two of these performances were to an audience of over 250,000 people in the Auckland domain. In USA he won concerto competitions awarding performances with both Florida State University Philharmonia and the Indiana University (IU) Orchestra.
Dr Justin Bird
Smokefree Rockquest 2026
We are thrilled to be taking our outstanding rock bands, along with talented soloists and duos, (5 groups in total) to the Smokefree Rockquest 2026, hosted at Havelock North High School Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 17 May.
These dedicated students have been rehearsing relentlessly, committing to early Wednesday morning practices and making the most of the expert guidance of Jason Alexander. Their hard work and passion will come to life on stage as they perform their own original songs, an exciting and inspiring achievement.
We wish them every success and cannot wait to see them shine in performance. The event runs from 1:00 – 5:00pm, and we warmly invite our school community to come along and support them. Your presence would mean a great deal and help create an unforgettable atmosphere on the day.
May is Music Month
May marks the nationally recognised celebration of music, and our school is set to come alive with sound, creativity, and energy. Led by Lily Harrington and the Music Committee, an exciting programme of events has been carefully organised to bring music into the heart of our community over the coming weeks.
From vibrant lunchtime concerts to engaging poster competitions, lively quizzes, and crowd-favourite lip-sync battles, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. These events promise not only to showcase talent, but also to celebrate the joy and connection that music brings.
We warmly encourage all students to get involved, whether as performers, creators, or enthusiastic audience members, and help make this month a memorable celebration of music across the school.
Jasmine Hacker
We are so proud of Jasmine Hacker for braving the Paisley Stage on 24 April, and opening for former student Ella Pollett. Jasmine is not only a fantastic vocalist and guitarist, but also a talented song writer. Jasmine’s set consisted of beautifully tailored covers as well as her own song ‘Bring Back The Vibe’, which she is also entering into Smokefree Rockquest. We are so pleased she is sharing these talents with our Napier community. We can't wait to see what happens next for her and her music journey.
Napier Youth Council
Lily Harrington is a member of the Napier Youth Council and has organised The Local Music SHOWCASE event that will be taking place on Saturday 9 May at the Watea Youth Space, 41 Station St Napier. Well done Lily, and all the best for this event.
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
Coming up: Wed 27 May - TGC sports exchange in Tāupo.
Representative Selections
A HUGE congratulations to Emily Crowther for making the New Zealand secondary schools' netball team who will travel to Australia in the July holidays! This is a well deserved and incredible achievement. We are all proud of you!! 💙🤍
🎉 Congratulations to all of our students who have made HB Representative Teams for 2026🎉
Netball
HB Under 18 A netball team - Emma Baker, Emily Crowther, Ruby Kaye, Ruby Lilburn and Arna Paewai
HB Under U18 development netball squad - Victoria Kyle, Maia McKenzie, Lucy Parker, Jaymie Pascoe and Millie Wilson
HB Under 16 A team - Demi Arnold, Midnight Edmonds, Greer Hambleton, Kaia Hohaia-Hall, JaydanMae Thompson-Cole, Kendal Waenga and Assistant Coach - Ms Holmes
HB Under 16 Development team - Emersen Bentin, Lily Darby, Olivia Johnson
Volleyball
🏐 HB U17 representative squad for volleyball - Manea Robin, Kaira Shroff, Bobbie Milnes, Milla Funnell and Aora Shroff
🏐 HB U19 representative squad for volleyball - Jade Black-West
Basketball
HB U16 Georgia Mabin
Hockey
HB U18 team - Rosa Angland, Nikita Harding, Sophia Morris, Abigail Smith and Meela Tamati-Herrick
Ka pai tō mahi koutou.💙
Canoe Racing
A massive congratulations to Greer Hambleton and Lucy Kinnear, who recently competed at the 2026 Asia Pacific Cup! Competing at Lake Tikitapu against athletes from Australia, Singapore, and Japan, both girls showcased incredible talent representing New Zealand and the Hawke's Bay Kayak Racing Club.
In a historic milestone, New Zealand won the Cup for the first time ever, officially breaking Australia’s six-year winning streak!
Our students were instrumental in this victory with these fantastic results:
Greer Hambleton (U16)
1st Place: K1 500m, K1 200m, K4 500m, and the Mega Mixed Relay.
2nd Place: K2 500m.
3rd Place: Mixed K2 500m.
Lucy Kinnear (U18)
1st Place: U18 K1 Relay.
5th Place: U18 K2 Final.
Hockey 1st XI
It has been a high-octane start to the season for our hockey players, featuring both a road trip and an international sports exchange.
Eighteen players from our 1st and 2nd XI squads travelled to St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton to test their mettle against top North Island schools. Despite challenging weather, the team displayed incredible stamina, playing four games in under 24 hours. Their perseverance paid off with two wins against host school St Paul’s and New Plymouth Girls’ High School.
A huge ngā mihi to Ms Cotter, Mrs Angland, and Mrs Roberts for supporting the girls on this whirlwind trip.
The 1st XI also enjoyed a unique cultural exchange at the end of term 1, hosting St John’s from Argentina. Beyond the final 5-0 victory to NGHS, it was a brilliant opportunity for our students to experience a different style of play and connect with players from across the globe.
What a fantastic way to sharpen their skills and broaden their horizons before the local season hits full swing!
NGHS Clay Bird Shooting
Talk about starting with a bang! Our newly formed NGHS clay bird shooting team made their competitive debut this week at the Murray Luke Memorial Cup in Taupō, and the results were nothing short of stellar.
In a field of 12 competing teams, Emma McLachlan and Georgia Mabin took out the top spot to win the Ladies Team category. Georgia was in peak form, finishing 3rd overall and remaining the only girl in the competition to shoot perfect scores in both single rise (20/20) and single barrel (10/10).
Emma McLachlan also delivered a personal best performance, while Sienna Williams showed incredible composure and consistency in her very first competitive outing.
The Scoreboard:
Georgia Mabin: Perfect 20/20 (Single Rise), Perfect 10/10 (Single Barrel), and 52/60 (Points).
Emma McLachlan: 18/20 (Single Rise) and a massive 55/60 (Points).
Sienna Williams: Exceptional consistency throughout her debut.
A huge thank you to coach James Mabin for guiding the team to such a triumphant start. We wish the girls the best of luck as they head to Woodville this Sunday for their next school shoot!
Netball Senior A
Our Netball Senior A team started their season with an action-packed ANZAC weekend designed to build team culture.
The squad kicked things off with a high-intensity session at The Movement Gym in Havelock North, testing their fitness before heading to the coast. The dry land was traded for the ocean as the girls joined the Sea Sisters at Waimarama for a surfing lesson. For many, it was a first-time experience on a board, making for plenty of laughs and a fantastic bonding session.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with their first official pre-season tournament. It was a successful debut for the newly formed team, setting a great tone for the season ahead.
Golf - HBSS Tournament
Our NGHS golfers held their own against a massive field at the Hawke's Bay Secondary School Tournament.
Represented by Devon Henare, Miller Henare and Baylee Beets, the team secured an impressive 4th place finish out of 18 schools. The only teams finishing ahead of them were the winners from Lindisfarne College and two teams from Napier Boys’ High.
A special shout-out to Devon Henare, who carded a fantastic round to place 2nd in the Girls’ Gross Score category.
Congratulations to the team for showing such great skill and composure on the course!
Football 1st XI
Our 1st XI Football team couldn't have asked for a better start to the year. In a high-stakes season opener that doubled as the national qualifier against Taradale High School, the girls delivered a gritty performance to secure a 1-0 victory.
After a tense, scoreless first half, Nina Giacometti found the back of the net and the team defense stayed strong with some great teamwork and grit to hold on for the win. With this crucial win under their belts, the team look forward to the season ahead. Well done, girls!
Student Coaches
Last month Sport Hawke's Bay facilitated an awesome opportunity for our student coaches to level up. They learned what it really means to lead, built confidence, and walked away with practical tools to take back to their teams. It’s awesome to see our young NGHS leaders stepping up and taking on coaching roles.
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
Tauiwi - International
Tauiwi - International
This year we have welcomed International students from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
International students choose Napier as their destination for a study abroad experience because of the school values, the location by the ocean, and the feedback from past students.
Our domestic students provide buddy support to new students; developing friendships and sharing cultural knowledge.
Our local families host students, providing a safe home environment.
Our International students have been exploring Napier city, learning about the native species at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, visiting the Faraday Museum of Technology, and surfing at Waimarama beach.
Last week many of our students purchased tickets to see the school production “High School Musical on Stage”. This group watched the matinee show when the performers' nerves were high but the energy was higher. Well done to everyone involved.
Our manutaki ran through the school haka powhiri with some of our International students; they appreciate being immersed into the culture of NGHS.
If you are interested in being a buddy next term, please email: avanderlinden@nghs.school.nz
If you have a spare bedroom at home and are interested in hosting an International student, please talk to your family as we are currently recruiting for the July intake.
For more information please contact: homestay@nghs.school.nz or apply here.
Our grateful thanks to students, staff and hosts for supporting our International students.
Ms Jo Stickley - Manager of International Students
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 are available to book via Eventfinda now.
We are 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
Hort Day Out
Seven students attended the Horticulture Day Out at Whakatu. This was to expose Year 12 and 13 secondary school students to sophisticated, high-value career pathways within the modern horticulture sector. We learnt about the use of technology to grow better and more profitable apples, learnt how new varieties of apple are developed and saw how technology is now used in the packing shed. Thanks to Suzy Newman and all the contributors to the day.
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 has been emailed to you.
RYDA is the leading and only national road safety education programme for youth in NZ. 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.
Driver Coach Session for Parents
There is a FREE live DRIVER COACH event at Mclean Park happening on Thursday 14 May 2026.
The session will include how to:
o Unlock the Mysteries of the Teenage Brain: What Makes Driving a Challenge?
o Decode Risk Factors for Young Drivers
o Learn the Art of Coaching a Learner Driver
o Help you support the transition to solo driving
o Set a plan for collaborating with Driving Instructors
o And much more.
Register here
Hawke's Bay Careers Expo
Napier Girls’ High School is booked to attend the annual Careers Expo at Pettigrew-Green Arena, Wednesday 27 May, from 10:30am - 11:30am. This is compulsory for our Year 12 students.
The careers expo helps our students make their first steps to the world of work, by connecting them with the best training and employment opportunities Aotearoa has to offer. Students will speak to experts in their field and gain more information to help them make key decisions about their future career choices.
The expo is also open to parents/caregivers and all students on Wednesday 27 May, 5.00pm to 7.00pm at Pettigrew Green Arena.
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 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:
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.
Massey University (held at Toi Toi Events Centre, Hastings) - 25 May (6.00pm) - register here
Lincoln University (held at Toi Toi Events Centre, Hastings) - 28 May (5.30pm) - register here
Otago University - 3 June (6.30pm) - information 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
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
Congratulations to Giselle Baudet, who has been awarded her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. This is an outstanding achievement, and Giselle will have the honour of receiving her award at Government House in June, a very special and well-deserved recognition.
All Bronze Award participants have now successfully completed both their training and practice tramps. Well done to everyone involved for your effort and commitment. The final qualifying tramp will take place on either 7–8 November or 21–22 November. This is always a fantastic way to round off the year.
Over the winter months, all participants should be focusing on completing the remaining sections of their award. Remember, once you have finished a section, you are able to continue straight on to Silver in that section. If this is something you would like to do, please get in touch and I will send you the registration link.
Our Silver Award participants are heading to the Mackintosh Circuit this weekend to complete their practice tramp. While it may be a chilly few days, it promises to be a stunning experience. Their final qualifying tramp is scheduled for 11–13 September, with the location to be confirmed closer to the time.
Gold Award participants will join the Silver group for this qualifying tramp, using it as their practice tramp. Following this, all Gold participants will need to organise their own qualifying tramp. This is often a true highlight of the Duke of Edinburgh journey, showcasing independence, planning, and resilience.
Remember I am available in the library every Wednesday at lunchtime to meet with Duke of Edinburgh students and support you with any questions or concerns. Keep up the great work, it’s fantastic to see such dedication across all levels of the programme.
Please note: all payments for The Duke of Edinburgh Award must be made via kindo before I can approve the registration.
Bronze Award - $180 (includes the online training)
Silver Award - $105
Gold Award - $135
Louise Bassett-Foss - Award Leader
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
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