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Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Kia orana, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, and warm Pacific greetings to you all.
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Ko Taranaki te maunga.
Ko Waitara te awa.
Ko Te Āti Awa te iwi.
Nō Ōtautahi ahau.
Ko Matt White tōku ingoa.
Ko au te tumuaki o te Kāreti o Wairarapa.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
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Born and raised in Christchurch, I whakapapa to Te Āti Awa in Taranaki. This is my fifth year at Wairarapa College, following leadership roles at Burnside High School and Scots College.
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Welcome, and welcome back!
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A special welcome to our new staff and students—you are now part of something bigger, our Wairarapa College whānau.
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It is a privilege to lead a school that thrives because of its people—because of you. What makes Wairarapa College great isn’t just its buildings or history—it’s the students and staff who bring our values to life every day.
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My motivation is simple: to make a great school even better by continuing to foster a culture of care and excellence. This year our staff will continue to focus on enhancing effective relational practices in and out of the class. We will also strengthen our engagement with whānau through our new platform, SchoolBridge, as well as through face-to-face connections throughout the year.
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Let's make it a great 2025.
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Matt White
Principal | Tumuaki
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NCEA results
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Our NCEA Level 2 results are the best since 2018 and our overall results remain above the national average and comparable schools. Well done to our staff and students for their hard work and dedication!
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Staff update
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Welcome to our new staff. From right to left (with Principal, Mr Matt White)
Mrs Samantha Wright - SLC teacher aide
Mr Theo Smales - Health & PE teacher
Ms Tessa-Kate Carroll - Health & PE teacher
Mrs Anja Lister - Careers Support Staff
Ms Cherie Hunger - History and Social Sciences teacher
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Mrs Wendy Davies also joins us as a SLC teacher aide.
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We are also pleased to have Mrs Jane Ogilvie, Mrs Jane Odonnell and Ms Wendy Jacobsen return in fixed term positions.
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Mr Patel, Mrs Shelton and Mrs Reid have been appointed as House Deans for 2025.
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Manaakitanga House Deans:
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- Aorangi: Mrs Abby Reid
- Maungarake: Mrs Marjan Shelton
- Puketoi: Mrs Kate Murray
- Rangitumau: Mr Ryan Wilson
- Remutaka: Dr Lynton Baird
- Tararua: Mr Bhavik Patel
- eLearning Dean - Richard Wallis
- International Dean – Geoff Shepherd
Staff congratulations to:
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- Ms Kylie Souden for completing her Master of Counselling.
- Ms Cassandra Celeste for gaining her Full Practising Certificate (teacher registration).
- Mr Harmesh Sharma for gaining his Full Practising Certificate (teacher registration).
- Mr Philip Roach and partner Erica for the birth of their second child on 17 December 2024.
20+ Club (Long-Serving Staff
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- Mr Richard Wallis 20 years
- Mr Hansel Wiramanaden 20 years
- Mrs Eileen Jackson 21 years
- Mr David Jones 21 years
- Mr Mark Williams 22 years
- Ms Janie Moore 22 years
- Miss Michelle Senior 25 years
- Mr Mike van Woerkom 25 years
- Mr Aaron Perkins 25 years
- Mr Dan Grace 26 Years
- Mrs Bobbie Blumenthal 26 years
- Miss Fleur Hardman 29 years
- Mrs Kate Murray 36 years
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Leading the Way: Our 2025 Student Leaders
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Wairarapa College is proud to introduce our 2025 student leaders—an inspiring group of young people who have already made a strong start to the year. With passion, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility, they are stepping up to lead, support, and create opportunities for their peers.
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From day one, our student leaders have been actively involved in running activities, welcoming new students, and supporting staff. Their enthusiasm was on full display during the Year 9 orientation, where they led team-building challenges, introduced school traditions, and helped create a sense of belonging for our newest students.
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As part of their leadership journey, the team also attended a leadership camp at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, where they engaged in workshops, developed teamwork skills, and reflected on the role they play in shaping the culture of our school. This experience strengthened their bond as a team and reinforced their shared vision of service, excellence, and whānau.
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Their dedication to making Wairarapa College the best it can be is already evident, and we look forward to seeing them continue to lead with positivity and passion throughout 2025.
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Head Leaders – Luca Duncan and Lola McCartney
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Deputy Leaders – Wyatt Backhouse, Jessica Harvey, Tiami Wilson
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LEAD values
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"We are what we repeatedly do." We are a Ministry of Education Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school. Our school LEAD values are used to reinforce our school expectations and create a safe and well-managed learning environment. Students are acknowledged for displaying our values with LEAD points on SchoolBridge which are used to enter prize draws.
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- Lachie Dunbar (pictured below) who won the NZ Secondary School Athletics Gold Medal in the Para Discus and Javelin and Silver in the 100m.
- Wyatt Backhouse on being selected to attend the National Rotary Science and Technology Forum in London!
- Jess Monk and Maddy Brown for representing Central Districts U17 cricket team.
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Jack Younger and Luke Fairbrother for scoring centuries and Maddy Brown who took 4 wickets for the 1st XI cricket team against St Pats Silverstream.
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Our Year 9 students have been warmly welcomed to Wairarapa College with a start-of-year pōwhiri and a three-day orientation programme before the rest of the school returned. Over these three days, new students have had the opportunity to learn about our school, connect with their whānau teacher, and build relationships with student leaders.
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The orientation concluded with a house competition, where Remutaka emerged victorious, claiming the Tohu Toa Tau Iwa Cup. Congrats Remutaka!
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A huge thank you to all our student leaders and staff for leading the activities with such energy and enthusiasm—you set the tone for an exciting year ahead!
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Careers and Pathways
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Congratulations to Mrs Sarah Craig who welcomed the arrival of her daughter Matilda early this term.
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Anja Lister has taken up the position of Careers Assistant and has made a great start: she has been busy finalising UCOL placements, organising short courses and is now preparing work experience placements.
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We’ve got lots of exciting things happening this term in the Careers and Pathways Department - here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up:
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Vocational Studies Update
We currently have 80 students enrolled in a UCOL course. We hope those of you who’ve started are off to a great start and good luck to those of you still preparing to begin your courses!
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Pathway to Work – Work Experience Update
Our Pathway to Work students are gearing up to complete a Comprehensive First Aid Course. These two 2-day sessions will be held in March at the Red Cross facility in Masterton. Some students may need a refresher course and the dates for that will be confirmed soon.
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Additionally, we’re currently looking for work experience placements in a variety of fields, Builders, Plumbers, Electricians, Engineers, Café’s, Restaurants, Fencers, Rural workers, Retail. If you can assist, please get in touch with us - jtiley@waicol.nz or alister@waicol.nz. Thank you to the businesses that have already put their hand up! We greatly appreciate you.
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A big congratulations to the 20 students who’ve been selected to complete the Learning Place Sports Coaching course right here on campus! The course will take place next week on Monday February 17th and Tuesday February 18th.
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Learner Licence Course
We’re still looking for more students interested in obtaining their learner’s licence. If you’re over 16 years old and want to get your licence, sign up now!
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The course will run from Monday 3rd March to Wednesday 5th March at REAP House. The fee is $140, but students only need to contribute $100, making this an affordable and supportive way to get your learner's licence as the fee includes the test fee of $96. To sign up, head to Anja in the Careers and Pathways Office or Ms. Tiley in Room 51.
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University visits coming up – onsite @ WaiCol Library
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- Victoria University of Wellington is visiting us on Thursday the 27 February at 10am. To sign up, put your name down on the list on the noticeboard outside Anja’s office.
- Massey University is visiting us on Monday the 10th of March at 12.15pm. To sign up, put your name down on the list on the noticeboard outside Anja’s office.
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Sutherland Block Construction Works Update
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The seismic strengthening project for the Sutherland Block has made significant progress since our last update in February 2024. The existing foundations and ground were excavated to 1.8 metres below floor level. This allowed for substantial steel beams and reinforcing to be installed, which are inow connected to the new steel members and braced walls. This milestone was large for the project and enabled the structural steel propping along Pownall Street to be removed.
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Recently, you may have noticed the lift installation completed with the commencement of precast stairs and landscaping underway. The links have made significant progress which will connect the Sutherland Block to the Food Tech Tahu. Alongside this visual progress, the staffroom, deans’ area, and administration area have had structural members installed with finishing trades nearing completion.
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In the months ahead, the teaching space will continue to progress as the timber framing is installed around the structural steel to allow services and wall lining trades to commence. Scaffolding will be erected around the Sutherland Block to enable some weathertightness repairs to be completed in parallel to these seismic upgrades.
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International Students
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This term we have welcomed twelve new international students to Wairarapa College.
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Fillipo Brambilla who has joined us from Italy will be with us until mid-year and we have eleven Brazilian students who are here for term one.
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Marlene Spreckelmeyer, who joined us from Germany last year, will be with us until the end of term two.
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We will host another group of Brazilian students in term three.
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In term three we will also host school tour groups from Togane High School in Japan and from Wenling Middle School in China.
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Brazilian students from left to right Matheus, Gustavo, Maria, Yasmin, Kamilly, Mariany, Kael, Julia, Vitor, Nicolas and Maria
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Masterton Trust Lands Trust launches Poto College House Scholarship
The winding up of the charitable trust set up to operate the hostel at Wairarapa College is seeding its education legacy in the form of a new agricultural scholarship, managed by Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT).
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Each year, a top-performing Wairarapa College agriculture student planning to further their agricultural education in New Zealand will be recommended to the Trust for the scholarship.
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Wairarapa College’s first recipient of the new scholarship is Abi Gibb – selected by the school’s principal Matt White, and Head of Agriculture, Dan Grace.
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Abi will be moving south this month to begin a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University. “It’s been so good to have been chosen for this scholarship,” she said. “Going to Uni is a big investment, so the money will help to pay some of my course fees.”
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Abi receives $1000 in her first year, and a total of $3000 over three years.
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She credits her success to the learning she gained at Wairarapa College Farm. The farm at school was “really good.” “Everything is set up for you – from the teachers to the supportive environment. I learned heaps there.”
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Abi loves the physical nature of farming — working outdoors, and the satisfaction of seeing the results of her ‘work’ each day. “Having good relationships, getting involved, and having drive,” was her advice for future scholarship contenders.
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In presenting Abi with her scholarship, MTLT chair Christine Brewster said, “We’re proud to be able to carry on Poto College House Trust’s aspiration to advance education for Wairarapa College students.”
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Poto College House Trust chair Chrissina Loader – a farmer and teacher from Dannevirke – said “This agricultural scholarship means the legacy of Poto College House will live on, in a very tangible way.”
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While the wrapping up of the Poto College House Trust marks the end of an era for Wairarapa College’s 100-year-old hostel, the scholarship ensures its educational aspirations will endure.
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The distribution of funds to Masterton Trust Lands Trust – to advance education and benefit Wairarapa College students – signals new beginnings for supporting agricultural education in Wairarapa.
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Since the 1950's, the Trust has leased around 13 hectares of land to Wairarapa College to develop a farm for educational purposes. Each year the Trust contributes money for ongoing farm maintenance. In 2024, around 372 students gained practical hands-on learning from outdoor experiences on the school farm; developing everyday farm skills like fencing, building, managing livestock, and growing and harvesting crops.
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School Nurse
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The Wairarapa College nurses wish to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students and wish you all a fulfilling year ahead!
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In the nurse’s clinic we have Claire (Registered Nurse), Fay (Nurse Practitioner) and Liana (Mental Health Nurse). We are employed by Tu Ora Compass Health, Wairarapa’s local Primary Health Organisation. Our aim is for students to feel that the nurse’s clinic is a safe place to come for any health-related questions or issues they have. We believe in empowering our youth to take responsibility for their health and would rather be proactive, than reactive!
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· Mental health concerns including ACT therapy sessions
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· General health – medical issues that reception staff require medical input with
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· Period products or concerns
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· Self-referral from students
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· School Counsellors/Social Workers
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· General Practitioner and Regional Public Health Nurses
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· Text the nurse – Claire 022 495 8933 or Liana 027 880 2533
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· Verbal conversation with the nurse/doctor
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· Students can contact us via TEAMS, leaving a message in our letterbox or by Email
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Our location & hours of work:
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· We are based in the Village opposite the tech block.
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· Claire is based at school Monday – Thursday and every second Friday, 0830 – 1500
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· Fay is based at school one morning per week
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· Liana is based at school on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 0830 - 1500
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The service we deliver is private and confidential. Students are informed of their right to confidentiality and will also be informed of the exceptions to this, which includes, “three harms”:
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· They intend to harm themselves
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· They intend to harm somebody else
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· They are being harmed by somebody
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As a parent, we would like to reassure you that we encourage students to speak with a trusted adult at home. If you have any concerns about your child’s health, please get in touch using the details above.
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Claire - School Based Nurse
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Performing Arts Update
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Rehearsals are well underway for our major production for 2025. Students are working hard to learn music, choreography, and acting blocking for this fantastic musical that we will be performing in Term 2 from Thursday the 15th to Sunday the 18th of May.
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Students were excited to start rehearsals for this year’s regional Shakespeare competition – this year we will have two group’s performing so watch this space! The festival will be held on Tuesday the 8th of April.
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Save the date for our annual quiz night on Friday the 7th of March ($60 for a table of up to 6 people). We will have Quizmaster Chris Cogdale running the quiz - It’s always a really fun night and is a chance to support our elite choir as they begin competitive festival season.
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Extra Curricular Arts groups 2025
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Parents and whānau: check out our school socials for more information on the below groups and remind your rangatahi to check the notices for signups and practice information.
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Sport Update
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We take pride in our sports programme and the opportunities it provides for our students. Below is some useful information to help you stay informed.
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- Notices about registrations, trials, trainings, and teams will be in the daily notices—please remind your child to listen carefully.
- Updates will also be displayed on the Gym TV and the sports section of the WaiCol website: www.sporty.co.nz/waicol.
- Encourage your child to stay alert so they don’t miss out on opportunities!
Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, and others on demand.
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Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Hockey, Motocross, Netball, Rugby, Squash, and others TBC.
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Sports Department Contacts
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- Director of Sport: Brent Anderson | 📞 027 471 4827 | ✉️ banderson@waicol.nz
- Sport Administrator: Carolyn Jephson | ✉️ cjephson@waicol.nz
- Office Location: Downstairs in the school gym, along from the gym classroom. Feel free to drop in or contact us with any questions!
- Basketball – Ms. Tiley
- Clay Bird Shooting – Mr. Adamson
- Cricket – Mr. Payne
- Football – Mr. Anderson
- Hockey – Mr. Anderson / Ms. Jephson
- Netball – Ms. Houliston
- Rugby – Ms. Olson
- Small Bore Shooting – Ms. Buick
- Squash – Ms. Jones
- All Other Sports – See the Sports Department
- Junior teams – Uniforms are available for major sports codes from NZ Uniforms.
- First teams – Uniforms are supplied, with an annual fee charged.
- Other codes (e.g., Volleyball, Tennis) – Players wear their PE uniform.
- Your TiC, coach, or manager will inform you of uniform requirements.
- Sports involve costs, but we work to keep fees as low as possible through sponsorship and fundraising.
- Fees are invoiced through the KAMAR system, and we appreciate prompt payment.
- SchoolBridge is used for permission letters and cost information—please check your emails.
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Volunteers & Parent Support
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We welcome volunteer coaches and managers to help with our teams. If you or your child is interested, please contact the TiC or Brent Anderson (banderson@waicol.nz).
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We expect all students to uphold our school’s LEAD values in sports, and we ask parents and supporters to model positive side-line behaviour.
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Thank you for your support—let’s have a great year of sport at WaiCol!
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Term 1 Events
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18 February - Anxious Teen whānau presentation
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20 February - Athletics Day
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27 February - LEAD Report #1
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28 February - Intercollegiate Athletics
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7 March - Cantate Quiz Fundraiser
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12 March -Student Support Expo
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13 March - Regional Athletics
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21 March - School House Swimming
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24 March to 28 March - Summer Tournament
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29 March to 30 March - Relay for Life
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10 April - LEAD Report #2
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11 April - World Book Day Dress Up
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