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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 sixth 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. It is a privilege to lead a school that thrives because of you - its people.
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Regular attendance at Wairarapa College is essential because it gives students the best chance to learn, grow, and succeed. If there is a barrier to your child attending school regularly, we want to help you overcome that barrier. Please talk to your student’s Whānau Teacher or Dean so we can create an action plan together. https://waicol.co.nz/our-learning-experience/attendance/
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BTB – Be the Best, Better Than Before
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Inspired by our Head Students, our 2026 theme BTB – Be the Best, Better Than Before reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. It is about learning, wellbeing and equity, and building on the many strengths we already have as a school.
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BTB is not about being perfect or comparing yourself to others. It is about recognising where you are now and taking the next step forward—being better than you were yesterday. For students, this means giving your best effort, backing yourself to try, and learning from mistakes. For staff, it means continually strengthening our teaching practice and the care we provide. For our school and community, it means growing stronger together.
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As we begin 2026, I encourage everyone to ask:
“What does Be the Best, Better Than Before look like for me this year?”
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If we each commit to that mindset, 2026 will be another outstanding year for Wairarapa College.
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With Wisdom and Courage. Kia Mātau, Kia Māia.
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Matt White
Principal | Tumuaki
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NCEA results
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Our 2025 NCEA results were again very pleasing, with achievement above both national and similar-school averages. In particular, our school-wide focus on literacy and numeracy has had a very positive impact. Well done to our staff and students for their hard work, commitment and dedication.
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Staff update
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We are delighted to welcome our new kaiako to Wairarapa College, From right to left with Principal Mr Matt White: Matua Bob Stewart (Food Technology), Mr Ben Pederson (completing his Master of Teaching and Learning), Matua Caleb Agnew-Jones (Rugby, Health and PE), Ms Greta Montgomerie (English), and Ms Sarah Pringle (Social Sciences).
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We are also pleased to welcome Ms Georgia Atkinson, who will join our Health and Physical Education department for Term 1. Mrs Janine Reid and Mrs Belinda Broughton join our Supported Learning Centre (SLC) as teacher aides, and Mrs Samantha Wright begins in the role of Attendance Support Worker. We are also delighted to have Mrs Jane Ogilvie and Mr Charlie Brown returning to the College in fixed-term positions.
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Manaakitanga House Deans:
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- Aorangi: Mrs Abby Reid
- Maungarake: Mrs Marjan Shelton
- Puketoi: Mrs Kate Murray
- Rangitumau: Kōka Destiny Martin
- Remutaka: Dr Lynton Baird
- Tararua: Mr Bhavik Patel
- eLearning Dean: Mr Richard Wallis
- International Dean: Mr Geoff Shepherd
Staff congratulations to:
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- Mrs Ella Kokx and Mrs Bridget Price on completing their Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English Students of Other Languages (TESOL).
- Mrs Emma Allen on gaining her Full Practising Certificate (teacher registration).
- Ms Louise Studholme and Mrs Anja Lister on being accepted to study towards a Graduate Diploma of Teaching programme.
- Mr Mike van Woerkom on managing the NZ Indoor Hockey team.
- Ms Georgia Atkinson on representing Central Districts A Cricket Team.
20+ Club (Long-Serving Staff)
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- Ms Kathryn Houliston 20 years
- Mrs Jane Ogilvie 20 years
- Mr Richard Wallis 21 years
- Mr Hansel Wiramanaden 21 years
- Mr Nikolai Kokx 22 years
- Mrs Eileen Jackson 22 years
- Mr David Jones 22 years
- Mr Mark Williams 23 years
- Ms Michelle Senior 26 years
- Mr Mike van Woerkom 26 years
- Mr Aaron Perkins 26 years
- Mr Dan Grace 27 Years
- Mrs Bobbie Blumenthal 27 years
- Ms Fleur Hardman 30 years
- Mrs Kate Murray 37 years
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Staff professional learning and development at Pūkaha
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Leading the Way: Our 2026 Student Leaders
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Wairarapa College is proud to introduce our 2026 student leaders, a dedicated and determined group of young people who have already made a strong start to the year.
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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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At the 2026 Leaders Camp, I learnt many valuable lessons, but two in particular really stood out to me.
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The first was the idea of being a symbol of community, like the rātā tree. The rātā wraps around itself as it grows, creating a strong core. In the same way, a strong community is built when we support one another. Whaea Everlyne, who guided us at camp, encouraged us to check in on our friends, sometimes that simply means asking how they are and sharing an ice cream and a chat.
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The second lesson was that small actions can have a big impact. During the camp, Whaea Everlyne asked us to pick up a pile of leaves and look at the ground beneath them. She reminded us that, by doing so, we had disturbed someone else’s environment. This linked closely to our own lives as what we say or do, even when it seems small, can have a significant impact on others. It reminded me of the importance of kindness.
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Ngā mihi nui,
Tiara Milligan (pictured below at Pūkaha)
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Head Students - Maggie Shields and Campbell Wiramanaden
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Deputy Head Students - Shaughan McGregor and Stephen Price
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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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- Campbell Wiramanaden attended the National Rotary Science and Technology Forum.
- Lachie Dunbar (pictured below) won gold in javelin, silver in shot put, and bronze in the 100m and discus at the NZ Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships. He also achieved success at the Special Olympics National Summer Games, winning gold in shot put, softball throw, mini javelin, and the 400m relay.
- Amelia Troke delivered a record-breaking performance at the NZ Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships and Summer Games, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and relay, while also breaking two national records.
- Also, at the Summer Games Swimming:
- Ollie Goodin – Bronze in 50m and 25m freestyle
- Jenny Perry – Gold in 50m freestyle, Bronze in 25m backstroke
- Adam Davies – Gold in 25m freestyle, Silver in 25m backstroke, Bronze in 50m freestyle
- Maddy Brown represented NZSS Māori and Central Districts U19 cricket.
- Maggie Shields attending the Netball Central 2026 Manawa Preliminary Training Squad Camp.
- Pia Bunny, Macey Bruce and Rachael Pointon represented the U16 Thunder Girls Hockey team at the Super Challenge.
- Arlo Andrewartha represented the Wairarapa Year 9/10 Boys’ cricket team.
- Alerah Ali, Pia Bunny, and Ollie Shields represented the Wairarapa Year 9/10 Girls’ cricket team.
- Rylan Lewis-Waitere was selected for the Hutt Valley U15 Softball representative team.
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National Champion Lachie Dunbar with Mr White
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Student Voices on Rangatiratanga and Tiriti Partnership
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Our Tuakana Māori Leaders recognised the importance of Waitangi Day at a special school assembly and flag-raising ceremony.
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Rory Carswell (pictured left)
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Rangatiratanga – Understanding Māori Perspectives
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As we raise the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, we are recognising something important about Aotearoa and about the people of this land.
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The flag represents rangatiratanga. Rangatiratanga means leadership, authority, and the right to make decisions for yourself. For Māori, it means having control over their land, their language, their culture, and their way of life.
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When Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed in 1840, Māori rangatira believed they were agreeing to work in partnership with the Crown. They did not believe they were giving up their authority. They believed their rangatiratanga would be protected.
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Over time, this did not happen. Many promises made in Te Tiriti were broken. Māori lost land. Te reo Māori was discouraged and, at times, punished. Māori were often left out of decisions that affected their own people.
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These events were not just part of the past. Their effects are still felt today. That is why rangatiratanga continues to be discussed, and why this flag continues to be raised.
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Rangatiratanga is not about taking something away from others. It is about Māori being respected as tangata whenua, the people who belong to this land. It is about recognising Māori identity, history, and the right to be heard.
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The Tino Rangatiratanga flag stands as a symbol of strength and resilience. It represents Māori culture surviving, even when it was under threat.
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As this flag is raised today, we are being asked to do more than just watch. We are being asked to understand why it matters, and why Māori continue to speak about rangatiratanga in Aotearoa today.
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Tiara Milligan (pictured right)
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Being Tiriti Partners – Our Responsibility as Students and Leaders
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We have heard about rangatiratanga, about Māori authority, identity, and the right to make decisions for themselves. Alongside rangatiratanga is another key idea from Te Tiriti: partnership.
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Partnership means working together with respect. It means listening to one another and treating each other fairly.
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Being a Tiriti partner is not only the responsibility of adults or the government. It is something that involves all of us, including students.
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At school, partnership can be shown in simple but important ways. It looks like respecting te reo Māori and trying our best with pronunciation. It looks like understanding why we have pōhiri, celebrations like this one, and why the Tino Rangatiratanga flag is raised. It means singing the school song with pride and giving the haka a go.
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Partnership also means being willing to learn. Sometimes learning about history can feel uncomfortable. That does not mean we turn away. It means we listen, ask questions, and think carefully about what we hear.
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As Year 13 students and leaders, we have a responsibility to set the example. Leadership is not about being in charge; it is about showing respect, including others, and standing up when something is not right.
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Being a Tiriti partner does not mean being perfect or knowing everything. It means making an effort, being open-minded, and showing respect through our actions.
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As the Tino Rangatiratanga flag stands today alongside the New Zealand flag, it reminds us that partnership is ongoing. It is something we practise every day, not just during assemblies.
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The challenge for us is to take what Te Tiriti stands for and live it — in our words, our actions, and how we treat one another.
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Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
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Year 9 Orientation
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Our Year 9 students have been warmly welcomed to Wairarapa College with a start-of-year pōhiri 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 Maungarake emerged victorious, claiming the Tohu Toa Tau Iwa Cup.
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Thank you to all our student leaders and staff for leading the activities with energy and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead!
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Careers and Pathways
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We have 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 - scraig@waicol.nz or alister@waicol.nz. Thank you to the businesses that have already put their hand up! We greatly appreciate your support.
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A big congratulations to the 20 students who’ve been selected to complete the Learning Place Sports Coaching course at school!
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Drive is the FREE and official programme to help young people prepare for their driver licence tests. It’s made by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and ACC to help young people become safe, skilled and licensed drivers.
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The main feature of the Drive website most relevant to you is the interactive online road code to help students prepare for their learner licence. They can work their way through the modules on any device connected to the internet. The website also has a section for parents who are teaching someone to drive, and a restricted skills section for any students who already have their learner licence.
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Mrs Anja Lister & Mrs Sarah Craig
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Student Support Referral
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We’re introducing a new Student Support Referral Form to help us respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of our rangatahi.This form can be used by students, families, and teachers when you feel a young person may need some extra support — whether that’s around wellbeing, learning, or counselling.
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Why we’re using this system
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The new referral process helps us to:
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- Make sure no student slips through the cracks
- Respond consistently and promptly
- Ensure the right member of our support team is involved
- Continue building a coordinated picture of the support each student receives
What happens after a referral
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- Referrals are checked within five school days.
- A member of our Learning Support or counselling team will follow up if more information is needed and will direct it to the right person.
- Wellbeing referrals for counselling go directly and confidentially to our school counsellor.
The form is available through SchoolBridge. Students can also access it through their school login.If you ever have concerns about your young person, please don’t hesitate to use the form or contact us directly at studentsupport@waicol.nz - we’re here to help.
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Ngā mihi nui,
The Student Support Team
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Academic Enrichment Opportunities
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Wairarapa College continues to place a strong emphasis on academic enrichment, providing students with opportunities to extend their thinking, creativity, and leadership beyond the classroom.
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Tournament of Minds (TOM) was a significant success for our students last year, and we are aiming to compete again in 2026. This competition is open to students from Years 9 to 11, meaning students who participated last year are still eligible and encouraged to take part again. I will also be seeking to recruit new Year 9 students. TOM is featured on page 14 in the latest Education Gazette https://issuu.com/edgazette/docs/education_gazette_-_105.1
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In addition, there are several other exciting enrichment opportunities available:
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Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) Scholarship
The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand is offering a scholarship opportunity for senior secondary students (Years 11–13) with an interest in astronomy. Successful applicants would attend the RASNZ Annual Conference in Blenheim from 15–17 May 2026.
More information about the conference can be found at: https://www.rasnzconference.org.nz/
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2026 Strengthening Democracy Project
Senior students may also be interested in participating in the 2026 Strengthening Democracy Project, designed primarily for senior secondary students, although any motivated student from Year 11 upwards is welcome to apply.
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- Teams of up to five students
- Schools may enter more than one team
- Official launch: Thursday 12 February by the Minister of Education, Hon. Erica Stanford
- Six interactive workshops held between 23 February and 25 May
- $5,000 scholarships awarded to the winning team
I look forward to working with students who are keen to challenge themselves and take advantage of these opportunities.
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School Nurse Clinic
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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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We are fortunate to have three nurses in the school clinic. Claire (Registered Nurse), Fay (Nurse Practitioner) and Liana (Mental Health Nurse). We are employed by Tu Ora, Wairarapa’s local Primary Health Organisation. Our aim is for students to feel that the 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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This year we are once again looking forward to running health initiatives in the school, and are excited to be hosting the Student Support Expo on 12th March. We will also be welcoming Blood NZ into assembly to speak to the school community about becoming a blood donor. More information will be sent home with interested students.
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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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· Support in Health Classes
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· Self-referral from students
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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
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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 alternate Fridays
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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
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The service we deliver is free, 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, Fay and Liana - School Based Nurses
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Performing Arts Update
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Rehearsals are well underway for our major production for 2026. Students are working hard to learn music, choreography, and acting blocking for this fantastic musical that we will be performing in Term 2.
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Students were excited to start rehearsals for this year’s regional Shakespeare competition with the aim to qualify for nationals.
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Extra Curricular Arts groups 2026
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Parents and whānau: check out our school socials and SchoolBridge for more information on the below groups and remind your rangatahi to check the notices for signups and practice information.
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Save the date for our annual quiz night on Friday the 6th 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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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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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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- 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!
Athletics Day is coming up on the 19th of February, students enter via Schoolbridge. Whānau are welcome to attend.
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Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Swimming, Golf, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Pickleball and others on demand.
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Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Hockey, Motocross, Netball, Rugby, Squash, and others TBC.
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Before School Strength & Conditioning Programme – Winter Sports
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As we have done for the past two years, we will again be running a before school Strength & Conditioning (S&C) programme for students wishing to trial for or play in Winter 1st teams.
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We will also be offering an introductory S&C session for Junior students who are keen to get started.
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Where: Pavilion
When: 7.00am – 8.15am
Dates: Monday 16 February – end of March
Trainer: Mr Grant
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Monday: Boys Hockey & Football
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Tuesday: Girls Netball, Hockey & Football 1st XI
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Wednesday: Boys & Basketball Rugby
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Thursday: Year 9 & 10 Mixed Beginner Session
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What to wear: Appropriate training/workout gear and footwear
Breakfast: Provided afterwards upstairs in the Gym
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A great opportunity to build strength, fitness and habits early — BTB: Be the Best, Better Than Before. 💪
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- 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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Wairarapa College Sports Foundation
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We are seeking volunteers to assist in helping with fundraising to provide financial support to our teams and individuals at Wairarapa College. We meet twice per term and also look to support our coaches and managers. Absolutely no expectations are placed on any committee members. You put in the time or effort you can manage. If you are interested and want to find out more please don't hesitate to text Paul Adamson on 0276268511 or email padamson@waicol.co.nz. We are a small team loving putting in the mahi.
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Sports Department Contacts
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- Director of Sport: Brent Anderson | 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!
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Thank you for your support. Let’s have a great year of sport at WaiCol!
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Sutherland Block Reopening
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The official opening of Wairarapa High School took place on 14 February 1923. More than a century later, that same date continues to hold special significance for our school.
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The Board of Wairarapa College warmly invites former and current staff, students and whānau as well as the local community to join us on 14 February 2026 as we celebrate the re-opening of the refurbished Sutherland Block.
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This occasion marks an important milestone in the ongoing story of Wairarapa College. We would be delighted to have you with us as we acknowledge our history, celebrate the completion of this project, and look ahead to the future.
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10am Principal's welcome
10am-12pm Tours
12pm Speeches and kai
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Please rsvp with numbers by 12 February to office@waicol.nz
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Term 1 Events
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11 February - School Photos
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14 February - Sutherland Block Official Reopening
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19 February - Athletics Day
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24 February - University of Canterbury session
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25 February - Victoria University of Wellington session
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26 February - LEAD Report #1
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27 February - Intercollegiate Athletics
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2 March - Lincoln University session
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4 - 8 March - Golden Shears
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6 March - Cantate Quiz Fundraiser
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6 March - University of Waikato session
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10 March - School House Swimming
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17 March - Intercollegiate Swimming
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23 March to 28 March - Summer Tournament
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26 March - Year 12 RYDA Day
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26 March - University of Auckland session
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31 March - Regional Shakespeare Festival
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