Embedded Files
Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou katoa.
A huge congratulations to all our ākonga who took part in the recent Summer Tournament Week. They represented themselves, their teams, and our kura with pride, determination, and integrity. Whether on the court, field, or course, their efforts and conduct were outstanding. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the way in which they showcased our school values in action. Ka pai!
This week we welcomed to our kura Mr Vishaal Prasad who joins our Technology Learning Area as TiC of DVC - Design and Visual Communication. Last week we also welcomed Miss Juliana Kerr - Performing Arts Co-ordinator.
Last weekend marked the official start of our Kapa Haka rōpū’s campaign for the regional competition! With the competition set for Week 4 of Term 2, the coming weeks will be incredibly busy as our rōpū refines their performance, builds strength as a team, and embraces the hard mahi ahead. Mihi to our kaiako, tutor, whānau, and supporters who are helping to guide and uplift our performers on this journey. We can’t wait to see them take the stage and showcase their passion and dedication!
Our Hostel Open Day was a fantastic event, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase both our school and hostel to prospective ākonga and their whānau. Hewett House is an integral part of our school, offering a home away from home for our boarding students and fostering a strong sense of community and connection. It was great to welcome so many whānau through our doors, giving them a glimpse into the unique and supportive environment we offer.
Mihi to our current hostel students who helped make the day so special, sharing their experiences and giving visitors a true sense of what life at our hostel is like. We also appreciate the support of our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to ensure our hostel remains a home away from home.
I am fortunate to have been awarded a Ministry of Education principal’s sabbatical this year. The sabbatical has a professional project component as well as time to reflect and rejuvenate. My focus during this time will be on the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be used to enhance teaching, learning, and school administration. AI is already starting to shape the way we engage with information, personalise learning, and support students and staff – and I’m excited to explore its potential further. I look forward to bringing back fresh ideas and insights that will help us navigate the future with confidence and creativity.
I begin my sabbatical next week and will return in Term 3. I am grateful to Deputy Principal Megan Mannering, who will be Acting Principal, and Caro Johnson who will be acting Deputy Principal.
Wishing you all the very best for the last week of Term 1.
Arohanui
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 2025
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6: Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Training, Kapa Haka Noho
Wednesday 9: Level 2 & 3 Music Performance Evening
Friday 11: Last day of of Term 1
Monday 28: First day of Term 2
Tuesday 29: Study Skills for Year 9 and Year 10 ākonga (Learning to Learn) - Patrick Sherratt, 3.15 - 4.45pm in H1, H2
MAY 2025
Thursday 1: Loves Me Not Programme for all Year 13 ākonga
Friday 9: Kapa Haka Regionals, Napier Municipal Theatre
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11: Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Tramp
Havelock North and Clive Buses - Term 2
Havelock North and Clive Buses - Term 2
In an attempt to get our students from Havelock North and Clive to school on time, Tranzit will be providing a 33-seater Ministry Bus returning from Mangateretere School to collect both NGHS & NBHS CLIVE STUDENTS ONLY in the morning. Any students from Clive using the Tranzit bus in the mornings need to be at their stop by 8.00am from Term 2. The bus will collect students at 8.05am.
Nothing changes for the students coming from Havelock North - their bus pick up times remain the same. The Havelock North bus will NOT stop in Clive.
There will continue to be only one Havelock North/Clive bus returning students in the afternoon.
With the Havelock North bus not stopping at Clive to pick up students in the mornings, we hope that both buses will arrive at school on time.
Tauiwi - International
Tauiwi - International
Our International students are immersing themselves into school life. They have been undertaking a variety of learning both in and out of the classroom.
Our short-stay students from Brazil, Thailand, and Japan have been visiting local places of interest.
This term our regional trip was to the Bay of Plenty. The students woke early to watch the sunrise, endured the hike up the Mount, and enjoyed Hobbiton.
A group of students took on the challenge of the climbing wall, under the supervision of Mr Gold.
Students are encouraged to try new activities, and these girls did just that.
Ms Jo Stickley - Manager of International Students
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
SUMMER TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Futsal - Wellington
With only four players remaining from last year's silver medal winning team, this year was always going to be tough. Four close losses and four wins resulted in finishing in 21st place. The future of Futsal at NGHS looks bright though, with three Year 9s and a Year 10 in the squad who all gained valuable experience.
Ngā mihi nui to coaches Shelley Cameron and Charlotte Cameron for their time, encouragement and huge support.
Tennis - Hamilton
A strong start with two wins on day 1 and two against Feilding High School and Rangi Ruru meant we made the semi-finals against top seed, Palmerston North Girls'. It was a close encounter in hot conditions with tie breakers in both singles, and doubles finishing just short of making the final.
On the last day we played off for 3rd and 4th against local rivals Woodford House. Again we saw super tight matches but this time came out on top, winning the bronze medal in the Tennis Cup (National division 2).
A massive thank you to Sarah Johnson for being an awesome parent manager and Luke Donovan for his coaching support.
Sailing - Taupō
Our NGHS sailing team competed in the Central North Island Teams' Sailing Regatta as a lead-up to the National Championships. With a record 14 schools taking part, NGHS was the only all-girls team in the competition!
After just missing out on the Gold fleet, the team put in a strong performance in the Silver fleet, dropping only one race over two days and finishing first – an incredible result! This sets them up well for the National Championships in New Plymouth during the second week of the holidays.
A special mention to international students Yara Koerner and Salome Richner, who joined the team through the NGHS sailing programme – an experience they will never forget!
A huge thank you to our amazing helpers, especially Jane Rose as event mum and Mr Mannering for his coaching support.
Canoe Polo - Hastings
The NGHS Senior Canoe Polo team recently competed in the NZ Secondary Schools Nationals, held at the Sports Park in Hastings, 21-23 March. Over three days, the team played nine challenging games, displaying impressive communication and teamwork. Their hard work and dedication were rewarded with a commendable 5th place finish.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Team Manager Anna Duly and Coach Kalder Pritchard whose organisational skills, guidance, and leadership were vital to the team's performance. Additionally, we wish to acknowledge the unwavering support of the girls' parents, who provided food, transportation, and constant encouragement throughout the season. Their collective efforts played a key role in the team's success. Final shout out to our teacher support from Ms Grellman for the time and effort given to the team this season.
Volleyball - Palmerston North
The Senior A Volleyball Team had a fantastic experience at the NZSS Volleyball Championships in Palmerston North last week. With only three existing members from 2024 and a couple of new editions (including the coach!) two weeks before departing, the week was a huge success. Playing two games per day and often late into the evening, really tested our stamina and personal resilience. However, we saw some thrilling wins and watching the impressive growth and development shown by this team was an honour. A special thanks to Jo McLaughlan for managing the team in every way and the nine students who were so awesome - we are again very proud of your achievements on the court and in yourselves. Huge thanks to Mrs Moffitt who stepped in to coach the team at the 12th hour; a fabulous job in the short time she had with the team - truly appreciated.
Volleyball Senior A placed 7th in division 6.
Equestrian - Dannevirke
It was a long but successful day at the Dannevirke Inter-Secondary Schools Equestrian event!
We had six teams competing, including three Year 9 teams, with five teams finishing in the top 30 – an impressive achievement in a field of 38 teams.
Tappenden Family Cup for Supreme Champion Team (highest points overall)
NGHS Mataī – Isobel Walklin (The Red King), Charlotte Harding (SWE Matapiro Reigns), and Chloe Cann (Worthy)
Alderson Family Trust Trophy for Highest Scoring Dressage Team
1st – NGHS Mataī (Charlotte Harding, Chloe Cann, Isobel Walklin)
Individual Dressage Placings
* Charlotte Harding (SWE Matapiro Reigns) – 2nd Test 2C, 6th Test 2A
* Chloe Cann (Worthy) – 1st Test 2C, 4th Test 2A
* Isobel Walklin (The Red King) – 1st Test 1C, 2nd Test 1A
Krystal Lethart Trophy for Mixed Dressage & Showjumping Teams
2nd – NGHS Rātā
4th – NGHS Tōtara
Individual Placings in NGHS Rātā
* Charlotte Harding (Riverview Memphis) – 2nd Dressage Test 2A, 4th 90cm Showjumping
* Chloe Cann (Alpha Tauri) – 5th Dressage Test 2A
* Addison Trumper (Miss Tilly) – 5th 90cm Showjumping
Individual Placings in NGHS Tōtara
* Hebe Truebridge (Byzance Little Jett) – 8= Dressage Test 1A, 6th 70cm Showjumping
* Isobel Walklin (Glenardon Geronimo) – 8= Dressage Test 1A
* Taylor Bremner (Dutiful Willow) – 7th 70cm Showjumping
** Other Top 10 Placings**
* Britta Oliver (Ginger Twist, NGHS Kauri) – 3rd 70cm Showjumping
* Ruby Verry (Seafield Zelia, NGHS Hīnau) – 8th Dressage Test 0C
All of our riders represented the school with pride and showed great support for one another. A huge thank you to Mrs Collins for her time given to the organisation of our riders and to Dannevirke High School for organising such a fantastic event!
Waka Ama - Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua
Huge congratulations to Aria Taurima, who brought home bronze in the U19 W1 250m – an incredible achievement!
Our U19 W6 250m crew placed 12th in Te Ihu (division 1).
A huge thank you to our amazing support crew, especially coach Stormie Waapu, parent help from Ginny Clarke Lloyd and our tu meke teacher manager, Mrs Perelini-Savage.
NZSS Triathlon
The NZ secondary school triathlon was held in Wānaka during Summer Tournament Week. Anatea Caviale-Delzescaux placed 8th in the individual race and her team placed 4th in the mixed team relay. Lili Caviale-Delzescaux came 5th in the Aquathon.
Gala Day - Rippa and Rugby 7s
Our Year 9 and 10 rugby players had an amazing time at the Rippa Rugby Gala Day earlier this week! There was plenty of fun, teamwork, and skill-building throughout the day, with the girls showing huge improvement in every game. NGHS Blue won four out of five matches and finished in the top three — an incredible effort!
Our 7s rugby team also took away bronze after 3 wins, a draw and a loss.
Ngā mihi to Ms Russell and Mr Mather for your support and to rugby coach, Waka Petera.
WINTER SPORTS START DATES
Week 1
Tuesday 29 April: Super Secondary Senior A & B Round 1
Saturday 3 May: Saturday Netball (grading day 1)
Week 2
Monday 5 May: Social Hockey, including Colts Blue and White
Wednesday 7 May: Football
Thursday 8 May: Hockey 1st, 2nd, 3rd XI and colts
Week 3
Monday 12 May: Senior and Junior Basketball
Tuesday 13 May: Pistol Shooting
Week 4
Tuesday 20 May: Table Tennis
HB Secondary School Swimming Championships
This annual event was held at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre. Once again Napier Girls’ High School showed its strength in the pool, winning the Hawke's Bay Swimming Champs with 387.50 points. In second place was Havelock North High School with 246 points.
This is very much a team event with all 17 swimmers gaining points for our school:
The team: Seniors Zoe Ennor (Team Captain), Holly Stanford, Lola Nicholls, Breeze Van Velduizen, Molly Duly, Tyla Motley and Lucy Kinnear have all continued to have outstanding swims for the school. Breeze had an outstanding night winning all of her events.
Our Intermediate swimmers Ophelia Booth, Mia Scott, Libby Furlong, Addy Wairama and Olivia Johnson have continued to have strong swims. A big welcome to Blanca Fernandez de Castillo, Paige Roe, Holly Evans, Lili Caviale-Delzescaux and Lacie Johanson. We saw these Year 9 students at the school swimming sports as they made a big splash. They demonstrated the continuing strength in the pool we will have for years to come. It's always exciting watching the new talent coming into school.
Touch
Congratulations to our Year 10 touch team who won the HB Junior Secondary School Touch Competition this term. Congratulations also to our Year 11 team who placed second in the senior competition.
Year 10 Touch Team
Annalie Boustridge
Ashley Duncan
Greer Hambleton
Aaliyah Heenan
Syvannah Mackie-Robinson
Kota Mackie
Asha Mclean
Poppy McPherson
Maia Nelson
Leah Ruhi
Tahlia Savaii
Lucy Wise
Year 11 Touch Team
Uma Barjon-Brighton
Emma Brady
Midnight Edmonds
Kaylee Heta
Ashla Holt
Kemille Hung
Madi Hunt
Dillyn Mouat
Zoe Reisima
Meela Tamati-Herrick
Haide Wilson
ECNI Athletics Championships
Congratulations to the 42 NGHS students who competed at the ECNI Athletics Championships, bringing home 9 titles across the grades!🌟 The highlight? A fantastic spread of podium finishes across a wide range of events, showcasing the depth of talent in our squad. Special shoutout to our champions:
Junior Girls
🥇 Syvannah Mackie-Robinson – 100m
🥇 Greer Hambleton – 70m hurdles
🥇 Ella Rutherford – High jump
Intermediate Girls
🥇 Paige Dobson – 800m, 1500m, 3000m
🥇 Zita Meo – 200m, 400m
🥇 Olivia Johnson – Shot put
Open Girls Relay
🥇 Arna Paewai, Aimee Evans, Georgie Hargrave, Lucy Angland
A big congratulations to all our athletes who placed – your hard work and determination paid off! 💙💪
Zita Meo and Paige Dobson have been selected for the Hawke's Bay team at the North Island Secondary schools athletics championships in Hamilton. Miharo!
Send Us Your Sports News!
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:
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.
MJ Durkin - Head of Sport
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
Congratulations to our Award Recipients!
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and perseverance this term. A huge congratulations to the following students who have been awarded their Bronze Award:
Kassi Bray-Pharazyn - Rosa Angland - Ivy Allan - Juliet Beckett - Mareikura Waapu - Emma Brady - Sophie Smith - Milla Hamilton - Ruby Kaye - Lilie Elder - Grace McDowall - Bella Dearden - Keely Flynn - Evonne Wylie - Abby Percy - Neve Callaghan - Abi Cantor - Grace Rose - Claudia Jones - Mikayla Davies.
Additionally, we extend a special congratulations to Ashley Blakesley and Tayla Baxter for their exceptional efforts in achieving their Silver Award this term.
These awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment each of these students has shown. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them continue to excel. Keep up the fantastic work! Well done to all.
We are finishing this busy term with our final bronze practice tramp to Kuripapango, Kaweka Forest Park. I hope this tramp has the same perfect tramping conditions the first group had.
During the school holidays, all participants can be busy making sure their online record books are up to date. Remembering to log in all the activities certainly makes the job easier.
Our first tramp next term is the silver practice tramp, scheduled for 10-11 May.
As always, we need parent support on these tramps - if you have any questions about coming on a tramp please email me: lbassett-foss@nghs.school.nz
Mrs Louise Bassett-Foss
Junior Science Badges
Junior Science Badges
Are you a junior student who is enthusiastic about science?
Do you LOVE science experiments and learning about our natural world?
Do you want to earn cute science badges you can wear on your school blazer?
Select a Science Badge from a list of topics supplied by your science teacher and register your interest with Miss Baylis ebaylis@nghs.school.nz.
Complete activities and get these signed off by Miss Baylis during Friday lunchtimes in M7. On completion you will receive both a badge and a certificate.
It is free to participate. Complete multiple badges to receive Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards!
0.1 Science Badge Topic Poster.pdfPasifika Group Stationery Drive
Pasifika Group Stationery Drive
At the start of the Term 2 school holidays, Sophie Hyde will be traveling to Samoa as a volunteer with Marist College and the Catholic Kahui Ako to work with the SVSG (Samoan Victim Support Group).
The Pasifika group recently organised a school-wide stationery drive, and we’re thrilled to announce that we collected over 160 pencil cases filled with supplies – such an incredible effort! These will be taken along with the group to be distributed to local schools in Samoa that have limited resources. We are deeply grateful for all the generous support and the stationery contributions we’ve received!
Page updated
Report abuse