Looking for a fun school holiday adventure?
Bring the kids to Staglands and take on our Clue Hunt Challenge! Explore the Reserve, solve the clues and learn about some of the amazing wildlife along the way.
Complete the challenge and the kids will receive a FREE kids’ meal from the new Staglands Café.
7–19 April 2026
Excludes Easter Long Weekend (3–6 April)
Download the Challenge Sheet from our website or grab one from the Ticket Gate when you visit.
Bring the whānau and make a day of it!
Three days of basketball fun for kids in Years 3-8. They’ll build skills, play plenty of games, and enjoy being part of a team.
Why join us?
Open to all skill levels
3 full days of basketball and teamwork
Coaches focused on growth, not pressure
Date: 13 - 15 April 2025
Time: 9am - 3pm
Venue: Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
Cost: $165
Join Harbour City Gymnastics for an action-packed holiday programme during the term 1 break! Our programme, suitable for ages 5-12, combines exhilarating gymnastics with fun creative projects. Kids will get to play games and learn new skills in our dedicated gymnasium, while also taking part in stimulating crafts. Located in Hataitai, each session is $45."
Wonderplay
Wonderplay drama has places available in our award-winning drama classes for term two! Our fun New Wonders class for 5-8yr olds is back! Places also available for 9-13 year olds in our Star Players classes, Island Bay on Thursdays. Also ask about Advanced Drama for 9-13s on Weds in the CBD as well as our teen acting classes. First class free to try. Sign up now to join our term two mini-plays! debs@wonderplay.co.nz
Spaces available for Term 2! ! Dance, Drama and Singing for students aged 4-15 years
Led by a London West End performer!
AOTEA - JOHNSONVILLE - KARORI - LOWER HUTT - NEWTOWN - UPPER HUTT
Book your child’s two-week trial NOW! www.spotlightperformingarts.co.nz
April Holiday Programme
Dates: Monday 13th to Friday 17th - EBIS Hall.
Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwP8fNpxsMo (Warning: may cause spontaneous air drumming) Beginners and advanced pupils are welcome.
Activities include:
Daily busking trips
Band school (Thursday) - Perfect for drummers
Table tennis
4 Square
Badminton
Homestay Coordinator (International Students) – Fixed-term Part-Time (52 week worker)
St Catherine’s College, a high-performing Catholic school, is seeking a caring and organised Homestay Coordinator to support our international students and homestay families. This fixed-term part-time role, 7 hours per week, includes occasional after-hours support and plays a key role in ensuring students feel safe, welcomed, and well-supported in New Zealand.
Applicants are expected to contribute to the smooth running of the homestay programme and support the special Catholic character of the College.
We are seeking an organised, warm Homestay coordinator to support our International students team.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and monitor homestay placements and compliance
Maintain accurate homestay records, including police vetting for adults in the household
Conduct homestay visits and student wellbeing check-ins
Support student arrivals and orientation, including airport pickups
Build and maintain strong relationships with students and homestay families
Liaise with the Finance Administrator regarding payments and invoicing
Provide after-hours support as required
About You
Strong organisational and communication skills
Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Committed to student wellbeing and pastoral care
Full driver licence required
Willing to support the Catholic character of the College
Experience with international students or homestay programmes is advantageous
Additional Information
This is a fixed part time position (52 weeks), 7 hours per week (required to come to school once a week for meetings with the international students team), plus it includes occasional after-hours support. The remuneration is an hourly rate of Grade 3 Step 10 at $33.91 on the Administration Support Staff work matrix, Support Staff in Schools collective Agreement. Looking at a start date of Term 2, 2026. This position is until the end of the year, to be reviewed with the potential of extended hours.
Application Process
Please send a covering letter and CV to : applications@scc.school.nz
Applications close on Monday 30 March, 12noon. The application form can be downloaded from the college website. https://www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz/our-people/vacancies/
Empowering Kids Confidence, Learning & Achievement Through Gym!
From cartwheels, flips, and tumbling to tramp tricks and parkour — Bigair Gym’s classes are packed with fun, fitness, and focus. Kids learn cool skills, achieve goals, and build resilience and unstoppable confidence in a safe, supportive space.
Classes to Help Your Child Shine:
Crashmat Kids Sessions (walking-4 years)– Great for little ones to become familiar with the gym.
Pocket Rockets Gym Classes (3-4 years)– Build coordination and confidence early! Great prep for school.
Gravity Busters Gym Classes (5+ years)– Learn the fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling.
Team Extreme Gym Classes (Advanced)– Take your skills to the next level!
Free Running (5+ years)– Parkour + flips = epic agility and body control.
Trampoline (5+ years)– Boost spatial awareness and acrobatic abilities.
Recreational Cheerleading (5+ years)– Strength, flexibility, performance - Cheer style!
Tumbling (5+ years)– Learn walkovers, handsprings & aerials - perfect for Cheerleaders and Dancers.
April Holiday Programme:
Dates: Tuesday 7th April – Friday 17th April
Session Times: Half Day (8:30am – 1:00pm / 1:00pm – 5:30pm) | Full Day (8:30am – 5:30pm)
Term 2 Gym Class & Holiday Programme Bookings are open NOW. Don’t miss your chance to help your child grow, achieve, learn, and have fun at Bigair Gym! Booking online is quick and easy at www.bigairgym.co.nz
Bigair Gymsports Kapiti: ph. 297 0400, e. kapiti@bigairgym.co.nz at 4 Manchester Street, Kapiti.
Bigair Gym Tawa: ph. 232 3508, e. office@bigairgym.co.nz at 10b Surrey Street, Tawa.
Bigair Gym Wellington: ph. 383 8779, e. wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz at 14 Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay.
Easyswim believes swimming is more than just a skill — it’s a life-saving, confidence-building journey that every child should have the opportunity to experience.
We currently offer lessons at the following school pools: Plimmerton, Tawa, Khandallah, Johnsonville, and Newtown. If you are interested in enrolling your child in lessons, bookings can be made directly through the iClassPro app. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Services Team at book@easyswim.co.nz or 234-7946 for assistance.
Holiday courses will also be available during the second week of the school holidays (13–17 April) at Johnsonville, Newtown, and Plimmerton. These intensive block courses are a fantastic way to kick-start your swimmer’s journey or help them progress more quickly in their learning.
Easyswim has also launched an exciting 2026 community goal: to see all children in Wellington able to swim 1000 metres. While it’s an ambitious target, we believe it’s important to set high standards for our community’s children and encourage swimmers to take on the challenge. Swimming 1000 metres is equivalent to 70 lengths of our smaller school pools and would be suitable for current Easyswim swimmers in Hammerheads level and above. We also welcome children from the wider community to come along and give it a go. If you are unsure whether your swimmer eligible to participate, please reach out to our Customer Services Team.
Our next 1KM Swim Challenge is scheduled to take place on: .
Tuesday April 14th at Tawa School
Session times: 3.30, 4.15, 5.00, 5:45pm
Swimmers must book in advance, but there is no cost to participate. Those who successfully complete the 70 lengths will also receive one of our cool new 1KM ribbons.
Wellington Harriers Children's Cross Country
Our Open day is Saturday 25th April at 1.45pm.
We meet at that the Wellington Harrier Club rooms on Alexandre Road Mount Victoria.
The season will start with a relay (Donaldson Memorial) near our club rooms on Mt Victoria. This relay race is a fun introduction to cross country running, with mixed teams of adults and kids. Laps are about 1.5k, and new members are very welcome to come along and give it a go!
We offer two midweek after school cross country trainings, run by Athletics New Zealand Accredited Coaches. Note we will be running training over the school holidays.
For our trainings we meet at our clubrooms. we are lucky to have 8 different training locations close by, providing lots of variety to keep trainings fun and interesting!
Our clubrooms couldn't be in a better spot. They're also a fun place to hang out, before and after training, there's a pool table, table tennis table and foosball table available for indoor amusement.
These school holidays KidzStuff Theatre for Children are presenting 'The Boy With Wings' by Birdlife Productions
“We gave it 1,000 out of 1,000!!!”, Head Teacher, South New Brighton School
What: The Boy With Wings
When: 4th - 11th April 2026
Where: Tararua Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington
Times: 10am, no show Sundays
Tickets $15.00pp, Children under 2 Free.
Bookings: www.kidzstufftheatre.co.nz
Three days of basketball fun for kids in Years 3-8. They’ll build skills, play plenty of games, and enjoy being part of a team.
Why join us?
Open to all skill levels
3 full days of basketball and teamwork
Coaches focused on growth, not pressure
Date: 13 - 15 April 2025
Time: 9am - 3pm
Venue: Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
Cost: $160
The Wellington Phoenix Experience Camp is an intensive football programme designed to help young players develop their skills through engaging, professionally delivered training sessions led by Wellington Phoenix Academy staff. For further information including how to register please visit: https://wellingtonphoenixacademy.com/experience-camp-wellington/
WHA is excited to announce our second Junior Hockey Have-A-Go Day at the National Hockey Stadium for the opening weekend of Open Grade Hockey.
Date: Saturday 21st
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: National Hockey Stadium
This event is a great opportunity for both new and returning junior players to pick up a stick, get active, and enjoy some hockey before the Junior Hockey season officially begins in May.
What to expect:
A fun and welcoming environment to help kids get comfortable with the game
Games and activities suitable for all skill levels
Bring a friend along to join in the fun
Sticks available for anyone who needs one
Information about local junior hockey clubs and school teams for the upcoming season
If you have any questions about this community event, please contact Jack at jack@wellingtonhockey.org.nz.
We’re looking forward to a great morning of hockey — see you on the turf!
ONCE KINDY WHĀNAU ALWAYS KINDY WHĀNAU
As a past IBK whānau you hold unique perspectives and experiences of how attending kindergarten (community based not for profit and a 100 % qualified teaching team with affordable fees) has impacted on your child's learning development and transition to school. We would love to include your voice because once a kindy whānau always a kindy whānau. Below is an overview of what is happening and how you can join us. - Please share with other past IBK whānau too we want a STRONG voice!
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
We believe tamariki deserve the very best start in life — and that means qualified teachers, safe learning environments, and fair conditions for teachers. But big changes and decisions have and continue to be made through Early Childhood Education (ECE) Regulation Review, ECE Funding Review and Education and Training (ECE Reform) Amendment Bill to name a few that are putting profit before tamariki safety, wellbeing and learning. For example the proposal of lowering qualification requirements for teachers in ECE services and funding cuts for kindergarten.
This time last year we put the call out and invited whānau to share their thoughts about the importance of High Quality ECE to be included in our letter to our local MPs. We were overwhelmed by the support!
We know ours and the hundreds of letters from other centres gathered across the country have already made a difference. But we need to continue to stand strong and advocate for High Quality ECE and share our voices with the people who are making the decisions.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Share your experiences and thoughts with us about the importance of:
High quality ECE by 100% degree qualified teachers
Funding that allows free access for all tamariki and pay parity for all teachers
Regulations that ensure the safety and education of all children
You can email us at islandbay@wmkindergartens.org.nz or write on one of our attached sheets and hand it in.
LEARN MORE - CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:
He Whanau Manaaki (our kindergarten association) E Tū Kaha Campaign: https://wmkindergartens.org.nz/our-kindergartens/e-tu-kaha-stand-up-strong and read attached handout with an overview of what is at risk and what we are calling for.
Kindergartens Aotearoa: https://kindergartensaotearoa.org.nz/
A huge thank you all for supporting us and wanting to advocate for your children.
We need your voice! E TŪ (STAND UP) E KAHA (BE STRONG)
Ngā mihi nui,
IBK Teaching Team – proud to be 100% Degree Qualified
HELP! A Monster Ate My Story, a new play for young audiences written by acclaimed children’s book author/illustrator Ruth Paul (Stomp, Lion Guards the Cake, I Am Jellyfish and Anahera) is coming to Circa Theatre in the April school holidays.
With your HELP! Lion, Jellyfish, T-Rex and Kiwi join Ruth on stage to overcome the MishMash Monster and save their stories.
Stomping through the school holidays these fun-loving characters sing songs by Charlotte Yates, with costumes designed by WoW veteran Fifi Colston and stage direction by Jacqueline Coats (The Adventures of Tahi & Kowhai and Party Pigs) in a celebration of creativity, imagination and collaboration.
Tuesday 7 April - Sunday 19 April
11.30 am and 1.30pm daily (except Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April)
Running time: 50 mins
Suitable for audiences aged 3 - 9 years.
Tickets are $20pp (under 2’s free)
Family pass (4 tickets) $70
The production is being created with accessibility in mind so that the show can be enjoyed by all, however we are offering a Relaxed Performance which will include a pre show demonstration, 11.30am Wednesday 15 April. For an audience information pack with show summary, character guide and a video guide to the theatre To secure your seats, contact Circa ph 04 801 7992.
Egg-scuse me!? Did someone say The BIG Easter Weekend at Nga Manu?
From Friday 3 rd – Monday 6 th April, Ngā Manu turns into four days of whānau fun!
What’s on?
Annual Easter Rock Hunt
Face painting
Sausage sizzle
Easter Hub activities and games
There are over $3,000 of prizes to be found, and heaps of Easter Eggs to be won.
Come and enjoy nature, explore the reserve and be part of the fun activities!
No need to book – just turn up for fun and games and egg-stra special Easter fun.
The BIG Easter Weekend @ Nga Manu
Registrations are now open for the upcoming rugby league season with Hunters Rugby League Club. We are the only rugby club based in Wellington City and seeking new and returning players of all experience levels to join our club. We offer grades from under 6s through to under 16s.
Season dates run from 18th April to 4th July
Register here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/392997 or contact us at victoria.hunters@gmail.com for more information
LOST PONAMU
This item has been missing since last year. If you have found it, please return it to the school office. Thank you!
Wellington Basketball Morning Training Program
Whether your students have trained with us before or are looking for elite-level basketball development, this program delivers results.
We're offering enhanced structure, elite-level coaching (including current Sal's NBL players), and our proven Persistent Pace and Pressure style that develops complete, competitive players.
Session Details
Akau Tangi Sports Centre
Monday – Thursday
6:30 AM – 7:45 AM
Years 4–13
Starts Monday, February 9th
Program Options
4-Day Pass – Maximum development, unlimited weekly access: $265/term
2-Day Pass – Targeted training on your schedule: $195/term
Weekly Structure
Monday – Strength & Skill: conditioning and individual skill work
Tuesday – Basketball Concepts: offence and defence fundamentals
Wednesday – Skills & 3x3: competitive small-sided games + weekly concepts
Thursday – Scrimmage: live gameplay, high reps, play alongside Next Stars athletes
Not sure if it's right for your child?
Whānau are welcome to come and try a session before signing up. Just show up to any session and meet our coaching staff, or email Sam@wellingtonbasketball.co.nz to arrange a trial.
The players who show up early improve faster.
Open to all students. Spots are limited.
Registration: https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120484&programID=77217
Kia ora koutou,
Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki – Children's Day, is a special day for celebrating children, held on the first Sunday of March each year.
We’re excited to share that this year we will be celebrating at Staglands by offering ALL KIDS ½ PRICE ENTRY. It’s the perfect chance to bring the whānau together, explore our beautiful new spaces, and enjoy a fun day out.
Offer valid: Children’s Day weekend – 28th Feb & 1st March only.
Not valid with any other offers, including Entertainment Book.
Plus, our always-popular free tractor trailer rides will be running (weather and circumstances permitting) and you can expect to meet lots of adorable birds & animals too!
We’d love your help in spreading the word to families
Hope to see you at Staglands on Children’s Day weekend!
Important Message from Wellington Water:
Unfortunately this is an ongoing issue and we ask you to take note of the following information outlined below:
There is an ongoing untreated wastewater discharge affecting the south coast of Wellington. This includes Breaker Bay, Tarakena Bay, Lyall Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay. Do not collect kai moana or shells - We strongly recommend the public stay out of the water and off the beaches. This includes your furry friends also!!!
REMEMBER:
Do not swim or dive
Do not collect kai moana (shellfish)
Do not have contact with seawater
Do not walk dogs on the beach and avoid the beach if possible.
Suzanne Aubert Scout Group
Develop teamwork, life skills, personal resilience whilst having fun in the outdoors.
The Suzanne Aubert Scout Group is open to both girls and boys: Keas (aged 5 – 8), Cubs (aged 8 – 11) and Scouts (aged 11 – 14) on Monday nights 6.30 – 8pm at St Anne’s Hall, 22 Emmett St Newtown.
This terms activities include: camping, campfire cooking, mountain biking, outdoor adventure, archery and swimming. Come along and join the adventure.
For more details email SuzanneAubert@group.scouts.nz.
Visit Staglands on Valentine’s Weekend and enjoy:
Two free hot drinks , a shared animal feed & 10% off soft toys when two adults enter together
Cute animals, great coffee, zero awkward small talk!
Conditions apply:
Offer available for Valentines couples: Valentine’s weekend – 14th & 15th Feb.
Not available with any other offer.
Girls Smash is a fun cricket programme for girls in school years 3-8. Sessions involve activities and skills followed by a six a side game. The whole session takes about an hour and is held after school for six weeks. Our focus is learn-as-you-play, and every girl is supported to participate at their own level. All equipment is provided, no experience is necessary, and every participant receives a tshirt! The cost of the programme is $30 per participant
Your local hub is at Wakefield Park on the grass field next to the Turf. Sessions will be held on Mondays from 4.00-5.00pm starting on the 23rd of February.
Participants can register via https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/register/0d8d15
If you have any questions please contact sarah@cricketwellington.co.nz
At Read to Kurī, at Kilbirnie library, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with a therapy dog from our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with the specially trained dog. The dog's handler will be present at all times.
Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.
Research shows that therapy dogs:
can increase a child's relaxation while reading
listen attentively
do not laugh, judge or criticise a child's reading level
allow children to proceed at their own pace
can be less intimidating to practice reading with than a child's peers
This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills, or older rangatahi and teens who need some time and space to de-stress, while making a new canine friend at the library. The programme runs from 3.30pm - 4.30pm on Thursdays during term time. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Call in to Kilbirnie library or phone 04 3871480 to book a 15 minute time slot.
First Communion Dress Available
Hoping someone can use and enjoy it on their special communion/confirmation day.
It's nylon/polyester, with a bow at the front and the back, and would fit someone aged about 8 years old. Worn once! I bought it from Farmers.
Hoping someone can use and enjoy it on their special communion/confirmation day.
Please get in touch with Stephanie Coulman
021 629081
Learn • Play • Improve • Compete
When?
Every Thursday (during school term) from 6:30 to 7:30pm
Term Start Thursday 5 February
Where?
Wellington Bridge Club, 17 Tinakori Road Thorndon
Who is it for?
Student of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced junior players. Players are grouped by ability where appropriate.
What we offer
• Structured coaching using the NZ Chess Federation (NZCF) Badge Scheme • Clear learning pathway from beginner to club-standard chess
• Fun challenges, puzzles, and mini-tournaments
• Friendly and supportive environment
• Preparation for interschool and junior tournaments
Contact:
Gordon Lyall
FIDE Instructor & FIDE School Instructor
National Arbiter
NZCF Director of Training
gordon@crazyhorsechess.co.nz