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Term 4 is a time to celebrate the achievements of our students, recognise the commitment of our staff and reflect on the many opportunities that make our school such a special place to learn and belong. With service, sports and cultural prizegivings, NCEA examinations, community events and end-of-year activities ahead, there is plenty to look forward to.
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For our senior students, the focus now turns to preparing for NCEA examinations and making the most of the learning opportunities in these final weeks. I encourage all our students to maintain their attendance, stay engaged and continue to demonstrate our LEAD values in the way they approach their learning and support one another.
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For our junior students, there is still plenty of learning to be done before the year draws to a close. Every day counts, and I want to see all our students make the most of the opportunities in front of them.
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Our goal is simple: to be the best students, teachers and people we can be.
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One of the great privileges of being Principal is hearing about the successes of our students. We know many of our students achieve success within and beyond the school gates, and we don't always hear about them. If your child has achieved something they are proud of, big or small, please get in touch with me principal@waicol.nz or contact the school office office@waicol.nz. We would love to hear their stories and share these successes with our wider school community.
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We are pleased to welcome Ms Larna Tigerholm to our Whare Āwhina SLC team as a teacher aide and congratulate Ms Kylie Souden on her appointment as Head of Counselling and Mr Caleb Agnew-Jones on his appointment as Rangitumau Manaakitanga House Dean. We also acknowledge Mr Stacey Grant, coach of the Hine Toa U20 squad touring India, and Mr Alistair Payne, coach of the Wairarapa men’s cricket team.
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We are pleased with the enrolments received to date and would like to remind families that enrolments are still open for all year levels, Year 9–13.
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If you are considering Wairarapa College for 2027, we would love to hear from you.
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Thank you to our whānau and wider community for your ongoing support.
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With wisdom and courage. Kia mātau, kia māia.
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Matt White
Tumuaki | Principal
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Student Success
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- UCOL Awards: Miles Upton UCOL USkills most dedicated student.
- Leadership: Brayden Whande was selected as a Generation Hope Ambassador for Save the Children NZ.
- Netball: Maggie Shields won the National Women’s Open title with Wellington and the National University Games title with Massey, and was named Manawatū Premier Player of the Year.
- Softball: Maggie Shields has been named in the New Zealand Under-18 Softball team.
- Boxing: Brooke Miller is a New Zealand national boxing champion and is representing New Zealand at the Under-19 World Boxing Championships.
- Squash: Liberty Jones was runner-up at the New Zealand Under-17 Squash Championships.
- Swimming: Sophia Campbell represented Masterton Swim Club, placed third in the 200m breaststroke and achieved personal bests at the Ice Breakers Blue Ribbon Carnival and Pirates Grit & Glory Meet.
- Cricket: Jonny Barrs and Maddy Brown were named in the Central Districts Tāne and Wāhine cricket squads.
- Clay target shooting: William Holmes finished runner-up in the South Island Single Barrel Championship and helped the Wellington Regional Team place third in the National Fish & Game Shield.
- Equestrian: The Wairarapa College team of Chloe Warren, Paige McGregor, Sasha Fairbrother and Giuliana Brown won the Team Spirit Cup at the Solway College Dressage Day. Chloe placed second in the OA test, Sasha third in the OC test and Giuliana fourth in the OC test.
- Hockey: Wairarapa College U16 representatives were Rachael Pointon, Lilly Brooks, Charlotte Wyeth, Ella Herrick, Georgia Buick, Libby Hay, Macey Bruce, Maddie Brooks, Pia Bunny, Maddi Morris and Sarah-Jane Bond. Tier 1 girls were Alana Dornan, Ali Blake, Isabelle Bulmer and Yasmina Jar; Tier 1 boys were Tama Harwood, Arlo Andrewartha, Zak Gudsell, Thomas Johnston, Levi Yee and Jack Newton; and Tier 2 boys were Noah Pullar and Joe Mason.
- Rugby: Wairarapa College U16 Hurricane Youth Rugby Council Tournament representatives were Finn O’Sullivan, Dom Aiavao, Harry Falloon, Rylan Lewis-Waitere, Ziggy Taitapanui, Xander Grant, Blake Kawana, Josh Fairbrother, Monty Rankin, Gerrard Broughton and Charlie MacArthur.
- Football: Wairarapa United U19 Girls’ representatives Caitlyn de Lara-Bell, Abi Whitehead-Kai, Mikayla O’Donnell, Rayne O’Donnell and Rose Bargh won the Under-19 Harbour Cup in Wellington, going undefeated without conceding a goal.
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Celebrating Service at Wairarapa College
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Our first awards evening of 2026 celebrated students who have given their time, energy and heart in service to our kura and wider community. As Principal Mr Matt White reflected, the evening was about more than presenting awards: it recognised leadership made visible through action—seeing a need, stepping forward and making a difference.
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The awards celebrated service as meaningful action and leadership demonstrated through everyday choices, support for others and a willingness to help without seeking recognition.
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Year 11 Service Awards
Corbyn Allan — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team; Rhiannon Fraser — Library Assistant; Fynn Brown — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team; Vladimir Jar — Tech Crew; Harry Kempton — Tech Crew; and Liam Tovio — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team.
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Year 12 Service Awards
Koby Burkett — Tech Crew; Madison Norman — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team; Ruby Edwards — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team; Ella Killalea — EnAction; Firdaus Hussein — EnAction; Jack Buckthought — Tech Crew and Library Assistant; Brayden Whande — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team and EnAction; Bree McGregor — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team and EnAction; Pippa Hansen — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team and Ball Committee; and Shilo Hebberley — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Ball Committee and EnAction.
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Year 13 Service Awards
Adelaide Arcus, Connor McEwen, Lucas Stoneley, Penelope Lategan, Rory Faulkner, Hana Harwood, Alwande Hlophe, Aleeza Sajid, Matilda Flemming, Addison McQueen, Jack Anderson, Emily O’Neale, Hazel Stewart, Zak King, Rose Kawana, Luke Fairbrother, Lola Robertson, Joseph Campbell, Sassa Duncan, Maggie Shields, Ngakau Walker-Gemmell, Tiara Milligan, Aurora Carswell and Jaimee Mobberley each received a Service Award for serving as a Student Leader. Additional awards are listed below where applicable.
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Lohan Faber and Olivia Weir — Ball Committee; Rayyan Hussein, Demelza Suisted and Verena Thawley — EnAction; Noel Shaji — Library Games Leader; Niamh Bramwell-Cooke — Ball Committee and EnAction; Riley Grove — Ball Committee and Student Council; and Katee-Maree Voice — Library Games Leader and Language Resource.
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Students recognised across multiple service areas included Eavhong Oeng — Ball Committee, Student Leader and EnAction; Maddy Brown — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Ball Committee and Student Leader; Stephen Price — Ball Committee, Student Leader and EnAction; Campbell Wiramanaden — Ball Committee, Student Leader, EnAction and Student Council; Lana Kerehi — Ball Committee, Student Leader, EnAction and SADD; Shaughan McGregor — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Ball Committee, Student Leader and SADD; Lorri Walterhouse — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Ball Committee, Student Leader, EnAction and Student Council; and Imogen Ball — 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Ball Committee, Student Leader, EnAction, SADD and Student Council.
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SVA Service Awards
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The Silver SVA Service Award, recognising 250 hours of service, was presented to Jack Buckthought, Pippa Hansen, Shilo Hebberley, Addison McQueen, Kai Van Beusekom and Campbell Wiramanaden.
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The Gold SVA Service Award, recognising 500 hours of service, was presented to Imogen Ball, Lana Kerehi, Sarah Pettit and Katee-Maree Voice.
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Kiri Playle Cup and Service Blues
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Lana Kerehi received the Kiri Playle Cup for Chairperson of the School Council.
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Service Blues were awarded to Jackson Bewley and Tristan Hunter for service to the Tech Crew; Matilda Flemming for service to the Astronomy Club; Lana Kerehi for service to the 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team; Shaughan McGregor for service to EnAction; and Pippa Hansen for serving as Board of Trustees Student Trustee.
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Special Awards
Jack Buckthought received the Top SVA Student Award after four years of sustained service. A Junior Leader in Years 9 and 10, Jack has contributed through SADD, the Student Council, the Library, the 40 Hour Challenge and as a buddy for visiting international students. His most significant school contribution has been to the Tech Crew, where he has supported productions and assemblies since Year 9. Beyond school, Jack serves through the Air Training Corps and has volunteered for the Cancer Society, the Balloon Festival and commemorative events. Having earned his SVA Bronze and Silver Awards, he is now approaching the 500 hours required for Gold.
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Shaughan McGregor received the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust Conservation Award for Environmental Leadership. Shaughan joined EnAction in Year 9, became co-leader in Year 12 and led the group in Year 13. Her initiatives have included establishing composting, coordinating Sea Week activities, testing and caring for the Waiwaka Stream, and organising a successful clothing swap to reduce waste and overconsumption. She has also volunteered at working bees at the Millennium Reserve and represented student perspectives through Enviroschools. Under her leadership, EnAction has been fully student-led, with Shaughan bringing initiative, organisation, maturity and a determined voice for environmental action.
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Lana Kerehi received the Wairarapa College Pikorua for Service, recognising five years of leadership and service. Beginning as a Junior Leader and member of the student LEAD team, she went on to serve through SADD, EnAction, the 40 Hour Challenge Leadership Team, Student Council, Cultural Council and Ball Committee. Lana also established the Wairarapa College Dance Troupe and brought creative ideas to school events, including new initiatives for the 40 Hour Challenge. Her contribution culminated in more than 500 hours of service and an SVA Gold Award. Lana’s determination, innovation and commitment to helping others embody the enduring connection represented by the Pikorua.
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Congratulations to all our award recipients. Through your service, you have strengthened Wairarapa College and the wider community. We also thank the whānau, teachers, coaches and mentors who have supported these students.
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Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
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Left to right: Jack Buckthought, Shaughan McGregor, Lana Kerehi
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Outward Bound: Three Weeks That Make a Difference
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What happens when you step away from everyday life, challenge yourself and discover what you’re capable of?
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Year 12 students Tess Sherriff, Ethan Coulson and Ruby Palmer found out when they were selected to attend the 21-day Korowai Leadership Course at Outward Bound.
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For Tess, the experience was life-changing.
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On September 21, I set off for a three-week Outward Bound course. I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that I wouldn’t return the same person I was when I left.
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From the moment we arrived and were sorted into our watches to the very last day, sailing away from the jetty, I learnt and experienced things that will stay with me forever. I learnt how to lead alongside 13 other students and formed great friendships. We climbed rock walls, sailed through the Marlborough Sounds and spent time appreciating the beauty of nature, disconnecting from the stresses of school and social media. This trip helped me gain confidence, and I strongly recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to experience it should do so. No matter who you are, this course can teach you so much about yourself and give you skills that will serve you for life.
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We congratulate Tess, Ethan and Ruby on embracing this challenge. Their experience is a great reminder that leadership is about more than taking charge; it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, learning alongside others and discovering strengths you didn’t know you had.
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Outward Bound Korowai watch 743.
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China Cultural Exchange Adventure
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On 17 September, seventeen students and two staff left New Zealand for a twelve-day adventure in China.
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The trip was a cultural exchange with our three Chinese sister schools: Linhai International Language School, Wenling No. 2 School and Wenling No. 3 School. Groups from all three schools had visited us in 2025, so it was now our turn to visit them. Linhai City and Wenling City are a few hundred kilometres south of Shanghai.
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In Shanghai, the group stayed in a hotel, but in Linhai and Wenling, students were billeted in the homes of their Chinese student buddies. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone. The students experienced first-hand life in a high-rise apartment, a whole range of exotic foods, being on their own in a very different language environment, and a culture with thousands of years of history.
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Year 13 student Tiara Milligan-Moore describes her impressions of the trip:
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China was one of, if not the most, amazing trips I have had the privilege of experiencing. The shops of Shanghai, the dumplings of Linhai, the activities of Wenling and the friendships I made in all three cities will be unforgettable.
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After a long, eleven-and-a-half-hour flight from Auckland, we started our trip in Shanghai, where we went to the M&M’s store and were allowed to roam around the other shops in the area.
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My highlight from Shanghai, however, was our visit to Jing’an Temple. This Buddhist temple was open to visitors, who could walk through the amazing ancient wooden building. Many people bought incense sticks and prayed; some just stood still, while others prayed in all four directions.
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In Linhai City, we visited Linhai International Language School, where we spent three days. My highlight at this school was making mooncakes and spending time with all the new friends I had made as the Mid-Autumn Festival approached. I had the chance to sit in a classroom while I was there, and it was very different from what I had expected. I had previously thought classes would be super strict and very quiet, but it was quite the opposite. Teachers laughed with students, and I even received a note asking for love advice.
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In Wenling City, we visited both Wenling No. 2 School and Wenling No. 3 School. Both schools had amazing activities. I loved learning how to fly a plane-like kite. One student taught me how to jump over the kite and switch hands behind my back. My favourite memory there was having a picnic with my buddy and her classmates for the Mid-Autumn Festival. I am truly grateful and blessed to have made such amazing friends and to have been welcomed back by them.
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China itself is an experience. I’m very grateful to the teachers, parents and, most importantly, the supporters who helped me and the group I travelled with get to China. It is an experience I will never forget.
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On the Farm: A Warm Welcome and a Busy Spring
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There is plenty to celebrate on the farm this term, with a special new arrival, excellent livestock results and preparations already under way for the year ahead.
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A warm welcome to Quade, our orphan Gelbvieh bull calf. At the students’ request, Quade is being raised by Mr Grace and is already proving to be a wonderful addition to the farm. We look forward to watching him grow and sharing his progress with the school community.
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It has also been a successful season for our sheep unit. Calving and lambing were completed last term, with 176 lambs at foot and an impressive lambing percentage of 184% at docking. Attention now turns to preparing the lambs for sale in November. We aim to finish over 85% of the lambs at a carcass weight of 20 kg or more for the UK Christmas market.
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Planning is well under way for the 2027 cropping season, with Agria and Van Rosa potatoes among the varieties being planted. These preparations give students valuable opportunities to take part in the full growing cycle, from planting through to harvest.
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In the olive grove, the focus is on maintenance and care ahead of pollination. This important work will help set the trees up for a healthy and productive season.
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The farm continues to provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn, contribute and see the results of their hard work. Thank you to everyone supporting these experiences.
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Clay Target Team Strong Showing at Nationals
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A great few days in Canterbury for the Wairarapa College clay target team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships.
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Liam Dennes, Lachie Newland, Duncan Weir, William Corlett-Galyer and William Holmes travelled south with coach Ian Buick for three days of competition, with the South Island Championships on Saturday, the National Championships on Sunday and Regional Teams on Monday.
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It was another strong showing from a group who have put in a huge amount of work this year, travelling regularly to secondary school shoots around the lower North Island and East Coast and steadily building their experience and results.
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A particular highlight came from William Holmes, who carried some very good recent form into the weekend. William shot a possible in the South Island Single Barrel Championship, earning his place in the shoot-off and eventually finishing runner-up overall.
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His performances across the championships also earned him selection in the Wellington Regional Team, which went on to finish third overall in the National Fish & Game Shield on Monday. A fantastic result at national level.
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A big congratulations to William, and equally to Liam, Lachie, Duncan and William Corlett-Galyer for representing Wairarapa College and the Wairarapa Clay Target Club so well, and for the commitment they have shown throughout the season.
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A special mention also to Ian Buick, who continues to give an enormous amount of his own time to coaching and supporting these young shooters.
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William Holmes (second from right)
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Mental Health Awareness Week: Belonging Matters
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Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au – I am you, and you are me.
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Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to pause, reflect and recognise the importance of looking after our wellbeing and supporting those around us. This year’s theme, Belonging Matters, reminds us that feeling connected, included and valued makes a real difference to our mental health.
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At Wairarapa College, we know that a strong sense of belonging is central to creating a culture of care and excellence, where every student and staff member feels they are part of our school community.
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Olivia, one of our school counsellors, and our Wellbeing Leaders organised a fantastic range of whole-school activities throughout the week, bringing plenty of energy, laughter and connection to our kura. Highlights included a staff First Day of School Photo Competition, giveaways, Just Dance, staff yoga, music and a casual clothes day.
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The week culminated in one of our favourite annual traditions: the Korero Cup, our staff-versus-students touch rugby showdown! It was a great opportunity to come together, have some fun and strengthen the relationships that make our school community special.
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A huge thank you to Counsellor, Olivia McHalick and our Wellbeing Leaders for organising such a fantastic week and creating opportunities for everyone to connect.
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While Mental Health Awareness Week provides a valuable reminder, looking after our wellbeing and helping others feel they belong is something we can do every day. Sometimes, the simplest actions make the biggest difference: checking in on a friend, starting a conversation, including someone new or taking a moment to ask, “Are you okay?”
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At Wairarapa College, belonging matters every day.
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Please mark the following dates on your calendar:
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Tuesday 20 October: Sports Prizegiving
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- Thursday 22 October: Cultural Prizegiving
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Monday 26 October: Labour Day – Public Holiday
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Wednesday 28 October: Senior Prizegiving and Senior Students’ Last Day
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Thursday 29 October: LEAD Reports
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Friday 6 November: NCEA Examinations Begin
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Friday 13 November: Teacher Only Day
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Thursday 19 November: Year 10 UCOL Taster Day
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Tuesday 1 December: Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner
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Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 December: Junior Activity Week
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Tuesday 8 December: Whare Āwhina SLC Prizegiving
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Thursday 10 December: Junior Prizegiving and Last Day
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We look forward to a positive and productive Term 4 and thank our students, staff, whānau and wider community for their continued support of Wairarapa College.
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