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Wairarapa College is defined by the strength of our community and the exceptional opportunities it creates for our young people.
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Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
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With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
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A key strength of our school is the opportunity for students to experience and achieve across a wide range of areas. Education is about more than what happens inside a classroom. It allows our young people to discover their interests, develop new skills, build confidence and connect with people and organisations beyond the school gates.
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Our Careers Expo was a great example of this, bringing together employers, tertiary providers, industry and our students to help them explore possible pathways for their future. Our partnership with the Wairarapa Aero Club is another exciting opportunity, giving students the chance to gain practical experience and explore aviation as a potential pathway.
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These opportunities are made possible by the strong community surrounding our young people. I want to acknowledge our staff, coaches, tutors, community organisations, businesses, volunteers and whānau, who generously give their time, expertise and encouragement. Your contribution makes a real difference.
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At Wairarapa College, we want every young person to have the opportunity to discover what they are capable of and to leave us with the confidence, skills and character to take their next steps with wisdom and courage—kia mātou, kia māia.
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Staff Farewells and Acknowledgements
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Congratulations to Mr Stephen Roger, who has been appointed to lead Te Hikoi Alternative Education Centre in South Auckland. After five years leading our Alternative Education programme, we thank Stephen for his care, dedication and commitment to improving outcomes for our students. We wish him every success in his new role.
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We thank Mrs Sheelum Satya as her maternity cover ends with Mrs Pratiksha Peters’ return. We appreciate Sheelum’s ongoing contribution to our students and school community.
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We also farewell Kōkā Destiny Tom as she begins maternity leave. We wish Destiny and her whānau all the best and look forward to welcoming her back.
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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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With wisdom and courage. Kia mātau, kia māia.
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Matt White
Tumuaki | Principal
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Tournament of the Minds National Champions
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Tournament of Minds is a problem-solving competition that challenges teams of seven to work together under pressure for three hours to solve a complex situation or circumstance, with no devices or help from anyone other than their team.
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The team of Isabelle, Vlad, Leo, Sevryn, Robert, Sam and Alby competed in the Secondary STEM category at the New Zealand National Competition and came home as National Winners! In the history of Tournament of Minds, no school had ever won the title two years in a row – at least, until now!
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This year at the New Zealand Nationals, our Secondary STEM challenge was to build a bridge that could span a 75cm gap, be moveable in some way, and hold five cans of beans weighing approximately 1.5kg. We were given only 20 popsicle sticks, some string, a small roll of adhesive tape and two empty cardboard boxes. We were also given only two of the five cans that our bridge would ultimately need to support.
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The Spontaneous Challenge is a quick four-to-five-minute problem where three judges come in and you have to immediately drop what you are doing to listen and respond to an unexpected, out-of-the-box question.
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This year at Nationals, our challenge was to look outside the frame. We were shown Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and asked to consider what might be outside the frame that could completely change the meaning of the picture.
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At the end of the three hours, we left our preparation room and went to lunch, where we could finally sit down and feel the nerves and adrenaline building. We then headed to the welcome and presentation theatre to perform our 10-minute presentation in front of around 50 people.
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Written by Isabelle Bulmer
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To come away as National Winners for the second year in a row is an incredible achievement. Congratulations to Isabelle Bulmer, Vlad Jar, Leo Sykes, Sevryn Vollebregt, Robert Evans, Sam Andrewwatha and Alby Rutherford on an outstanding result!
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Student Success
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- Ella Herrick, elected as Board of Trustees Student Representative.
- Brayden Whande was awarded 1st place in the Voice section, and Kyus Sanders took out 1st place in the Amplified section at the Intercollegiate Solo Music Competition.
- Eliza Price 3rd place overall in the Year 10 competition Intercollegiate Speech Competition.
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Tournament of Minds: our two Waicol teams who won the regional titles in STEM and Language & Literature.
- The STEM team went on to become National Champions.
- The Language & Literature team received a Merit Award.
- Matharapa: our students who achieved placings:
- Year 9 – 1st: Levi Nelley
- Year 10 – 2nd: Cole Le Roux, Robert Evans and Harvey Pullman
- Year 9 – 2nd: Levi Nelley and Caleb Gillam
- Year 9 – 3rd: Toby Shields, Keegan Illston and Jack Gard’ner
- Liberty Jones, a member of the NZ Secondary Schools Squash Team, which won all available trophies, including the Trans-Tasman Challenge Shield.
- Brooke Miller on becoming the Oceania Under 60kg Boxing Champion.
- Finn O’Sullivan, named Coaches’ Choice Top Player at the International Rugby Academy of NZ.
- Amy Foote-LynchL UCOL Hair & Makeup , 2nd place, and Trilby Parson, 3rd place, in the Matariki Hair and Makeup Competition.
- Basketball: the Wairarapa Knicks, winners of the Junior Division 2.
- Basketball: the Wairarapa College A Team, Senior Boys Division 1 Champions.
- William Holmes, who won Junior High Gun and Junior Highest Overall (HOA), as well as 2nd place in Single Rise and the 25 Long Run Badge in the Central & Lower North Island Secondary School Circuit. William then went on to finish 2nd overall in Single Rise and was part of the South team that defeated the North.
- Cameron Sims on being accepted into Otiwhiti School of Agriculture.
- Maia Buick on gaining a cadetship at Moeangiangi Station.
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LEAD values rewards
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“Kia tōkeke, kia ū, kia māia.”
Be steadfast, be committed, be courageous.
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Students are recognised for demonstrating our LEAD values through LEAD rewards on our school app, SchoolBridge. These recognitions celebrate the positive choices and behaviours that help make Wairarapa College a great place to learn and belong.
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Congratulations to the following students who received the highest number of LEAD Point recognitions in Term 3 for their respective year levels:
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Year 13 - Jaimee Mobberley
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Aviation Programme Students Go Solo!
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It has been an exciting term for our Wairarapa College Aviation Programme, with three WaiCol students achieving their first solo flights.
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Year 13 student Connor McEwen and Year 12 students Connor McNaughton and Jono Herrick have all reached this milestone after building their knowledge, skills and confidence through weekly theory and practical flying sessions.
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For Connor McEwen, flying had always been a dream. “It was daunting, but then I did what I’d learned. It was incredible being up there by myself.” He now hopes to continue flying and work towards his Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
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Jono had never considered flying until he saw it offered at school. “Flying solo was pretty exciting. I was a little bit nervous, but still confident because I’d done all the practice.”
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For Connor McNaughton, flying has been a childhood dream. He is now working and saving towards gaining his PPL and hopes to apply to become a pilot in the Air Force.
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Congratulations to Connor, Jono and Connor on an outstanding achievement and a fantastic start to their aviation journeys.
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Travellers programme
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Congratulations to our 2026 Travellers groups on completing the programme with our trained in-school facilitators, Stacey and Kylie. Travellers is a school-based wellbeing programme that provides a safe, small-group setting where young people can build resilience, strengthen their coping skills, and learn to navigate life’s changes and challenges. We are always humbled by how quickly each group comes together to support one another, celebrate shared experiences, and recognise that nobody is alone on life’s journey. Strong support networks help us all live well, and we are proud of the courage, openness, and care our rangatahi showed throughout the programme.
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Whare Whakaruruhau Alternative Education – Celebrating Success
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Whare Whakaruruhau offers an alternative pathway for students who may not thrive in a traditional school setting. Built around strong relationships, practical learning and individual pathways, it provides a different environment in which our rangatahi can learn, grow and succeed. At its heart is the belief that every young person has the potential to achieve.
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It has been a full programme, with weekly hiking, cooking, community connections with REAP and Pathways as well as driver education alongside a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. Supporting our learners to achieve NCEA Level 1 remains an important goal, and this year 80% of the class have gained NCEA Level 1 to date. In addition, all students over the age of 18 have gained their learner licences. These achievements reflect the skills, confidence and direction our rangatahi have developed as they prepare for their next step.
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Looking ahead, some of our rangatahi will study automotive engineering at UCOL in 2027. Others are moving into employment, while some will return to mainstream education to complete NCEA Level 2 before progressing into further education.
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There is no single pathway to success. Whare Whakaruruhau helps our rangatahi discover their strengths, build confidence and prepare for a future that reflects their individual goals.
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He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.
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We were delighted to welcome Vaka Tautua to share information about their services with some of our rangatahi. Their engaging, interactive workshop encouraged rangatahi to explore what good mental health means to them, how we can support one another, and where to reach out when support is needed. A big thank you to the Vaka Tautua team for creating a positive and supportive space for these important conversations. To learn more about Vaka Tautua and the services they provide, visit https://www.vakatautua.co.nz/
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Careers and Pathways Update
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Students have been busy with work experience placements, finishing off UCOL Trades Academy courses, attending tertiary open day events and university course planning sessions, plus much more. We have also seen an increase in students meeting with us about career ideas and future pathway planning and we love to see it.
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Remember, students from any year level can make a time to meet with us and have a chat about their future.
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Some of the highlights from Term 3:
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Work Ready Health and Safety and Advanced Health and Safety Courses
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These courses were run for students in our Pathways to Work (PTW) classes as part of their class requirements. These students have been out and about on different work experience placements throughout the year, and the courses are great solidification of what health and safety knowledge they have learnt on the job plus a great bonus credential to add to their CVs.
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Quick Fire Connections Event (Trades Industry)
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We took 10 students to Kuranui College to participate in a speed dating style interview session with local trade businesses and employers – students were able to ask questions and get to know how people got in their various trades.
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Wairarapa Whanaungatanga Careers Expo
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This was probably the largest event our department has ever organised! We are so happy with the success of this event and the great feedback we have received from staff, students and vendors. It was heartwarming to welcome so many of the rangatahi from around the region to come and participate in this event. Ngā mihi to everyone who made this event possible.
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Wellington Tertiary Open Day Trip
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On Friday 21st August, students from Year 12 and 13 travelled to Wellington to attend the open day events at Massey University and Victoria University. It was a fun-filled day for all, with students coming away with better ideas of what each university has to offer for future study as well as goody bag.
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It has been great to have the universities come through again in the second half of the year to work with students who are heading off to university next year. If you have missed this, please email Sarah, and she will get the university liaison representative to be in touch.
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- UCOL USkills/Trades Academy 2027 Interviews – Thursday 15th/Friday 16th October (Week 1, Term 4)
- Customer Service Star Course (Week 2, Term 4)
- Barista Course (Week 2, Term 4)
- Bartending Course (Week 2, Term 4)
- UCOL Year 10 Taster Day – Thursday 19th November (Week 6, Term 4)
Remember to check out WaiCol's Careers and Pathways platform, to stay up to date: https://waicol.careerwise.school/. Students can access this platform via their Student Dashboard on SchoolBridge.
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Anja Lister & Sarah Craig
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Wairarapa Whanaungatanga Careers Expo
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Wellington Tertiary Open Day Trip
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Quick Fire Connections Event (Trades Industry)
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Wairarapa College Tournament Week 2026
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Tournament Week 2026 showcased the very best of Wairarapa College — commitment, teamwork, resilience and pride. Across 10 teams, 10 venues throughout the lower North Island, 140 students, 12 coaches and managers, many whānau supporters and countless hours of fundraising and preparation, our students represented the college with passion and distinction.
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There were many highlights throughout the week. The Boys’ Basketball team finished a credible 6th at the Central Cup, including a thrilling 76–74 win over Wellington College. Our Equestrian team returned from Taupō with seven ribbons, while our Football and Hockey teams competed with pride, effort and sportsmanship against strong opposition.
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In Moto-X, Ethan Hunter won his division at Glen Oroua, an outstanding individual achievement. The Senior A Netball team showed exceptional growth, going unbeaten after Day 1 and claiming the Plate Division. Our 1st XV retained the Captains Trophy with an unbeaten campaign, while the Colts showed tremendous courage to finish 4th at the Lindisfarne U15 Tournament.
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We are incredibly grateful to our coaches, managers, whānau supporters and sponsors, whose generosity and commitment make these opportunities possible. Congratulations to every student who proudly wore the Wairarapa College colours and contributed to such a memorable week.
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Thank You to Our Winter Sports Sponsors
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Wairarapa College would like to sincerely thank the generous sponsors who have supported our winter sports teams this season. Their contributions have helped provide opportunities, equipment, travel support, and tournament experiences for our students across a range of sporting codes. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our school and to the development of our young people.
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Over the past three years, Wairarapa College Hockey has been fortunate to receive generous support which has helped our 1st XI teams attend tournaments, supported our Miskimmin Cup team with travel to Wellington, provided new equipment for all teams, including a girls’ goalie kit, and assisted with Dunce Cup and Annear Cup games. We sincerely thank our sponsors for their valued support over the past three years.
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Principal Partner: McKenzie’s Electrical Ltd
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Gold Partner: Holmes Construction Group Ltd
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Bronze Partners: Brooks Refrigeration Services Ltd
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Bronze Partner: Martinborough Plumbing & Gas
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Wairarapa College Boys’ 1st XI Football has been fortunate to receive generous support from our main sponsor, Kiwi Lumber Ltd, along with two additional sponsors. Their contributions have helped the team attend a week-long tournament, purchase kit and team supplies, and support the end-of-season prizegiving. We sincerely thank our sponsors for their valued support.
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Gold Sponsor: Kiwi Lumber
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Sponsor: Motumatai Pastoral Ltd
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We would like to sincerely thank our two sponsors for their valued support. Your contributions were greatly appreciated, and we know the girls benefited from and appreciated your generosity.
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Main Sponsor: JDS Plastering
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Sponsor: Property Brokers
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Ongoing support from our sponsors has allowed the team to compete in the Wellington Premier 1 grade, and enabled our Colts team to participate in the Lindisfarne Invitational Tournament.
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Tua Davidson Shearing Ltd — Jersey sponsor 2026/2027
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MSL Group — Jersey sponsor 2026/2027
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Sponsor: McDonald’s — tracksuit pants and backpacks
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Thank you once again to all our winter sports sponsors. Your support makes a meaningful difference to our students, our teams, and the wider Wairarapa College sporting community.
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Rio Carnival Winter Ball
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Our Rio Carnival Winter Ball was a vibrant celebration and a memorable highlight of the school year. Our students looked fantastic, embraced the occasion and represented Wairarapa College with pride.
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A special thank you to our Ball Committee for the considerable time, effort and creativity that went into planning and organising the event. The success of an evening like this relies on careful attention to detail, and we are grateful to the many staff and students who worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.
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In particular, we thank Mrs Pye and Mrs Allen for their leadership, organisation and commitment to making the evening such a success and for allowing IDEA services to use our setup for their ball.
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It was wonderful to see our students enjoying themselves in a safe, positive and celebratory environment. Ahiahi ataahua! A beautiful evening.
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Accessing support over the holidays
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As the holidays begin, we encourage our rangatahi to stay connected and look after their wellbeing. Keep reaching out to your mates, stay active, get outside, and enjoy the sunshine. These are simple, proactive ways to support your wellbeing.
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If you need to connect with a school counsellor during the holidays, send a Teams message to Kylie or Olivia, or text Paul if you have his number. You can also seek help through the Digital Hub, call or text 1737 for free and confidential support at any time, or visit https://www.1737.org.nz/.
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For urgent mental health support please contact CRS on 0800 745 477.
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Term 4 is an exciting time, celebrating achievement, supporting learning and connecting with our community.
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- Monday 12 October – Start of Term 4
- 12–16 October – Mental Health Awareness Week
- Thursday 15 October – Service Prizegiving
- Thursday 15 October – Cultural Prizegiving
- Tuesday 20 October – Sports Prizegiving
- Monday 26 October – Labour Day – Public Holiday
- Wednesday 28 October – Senior Prizegiving & Senior Students’ Last Day
- Thursday 29 October – LEAD Reports
- 6 November – NCEA Examinations Begin
- Friday 13 November – Teacher Only Day
- Thursday 19 November – Year 10 UCOL Taster Day
- Tuesday 1 December – Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner
- 7–9 December – Junior Activity Week
- Thursday 10 December – Junior Prizegiving & Last Day
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We look forward to a positive and productive Term 4 and thank our students, staff, whānau and community for their continued support.
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