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From day one of the Year 9 Orientation through to the end-of-year Activity Week and Prizegivings, 2025 has been another remarkable year for Wairarapa College. From the classroom to the stage, the sports field to community service, our students have gone above and beyond, showcasing our LEAD values and reflecting our culture of care and excellence every day. Attendance and achievement data continue to improve, and most importantly, awesomeness is at an all-time high.
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I am deeply proud of both our dedicated staff and our students, together whose energy and commitment make Wairarapa College such a special place. Each day they show what it means to Learn with Purpose, Engage with Pride, Act with Respect, and Dare to Succeed.
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Thank you to our staff, students, whānau, and community for your ongoing support. To those leaving us, thank you for your contribution, you will always be part of our Wairarapa College whānau.
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Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga — Fill the basket of knowledge.
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Staff Farewells
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We would like to thank the following staff for their contribution to Wairarapa College and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours:
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Mrs Christine Buckley – Health and Physical Education teacher. Christine concludes her most recent fixed-term position after an extraordinary 40+ years of service to the college.
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Miss Cassandra Celeste – Social Sciences teacher, who is relocating to Christchurch.
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Mrs Courtney Olsen – Assistant Head of Health and PE, who begins an exciting new opportunity with Strength Nation.
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Mr Michael Brown – who has been appointed Head of Science at Chanel College.
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Mrs Sue Cherry – concludes 8 years of dedicated service as a SLC Teacher Aide.
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Mrs Sam Jones – who has been appointed Head of Technology at Solway College.
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Mrs Janie Moore – After 23 years of teaching English, Janie begins a new role at Rathkeale College teaching English as an Additional Language.
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We thank each of these staff members for the positive impact they have had on our students, colleagues, and wider school community.
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Student Achievements
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Congratulations to our outstanding students!
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- Senior Prizegiving award recipients https://waicol.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/87/2025/12/2025-Senior-Prizegiving-2.pdf
- Junior Prizegiving award recipients https://waicol.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/87/2025/12/2025-Junior-Prizegiving-3.pdf
- Anastasia Bradley's extended writing award https://waicol.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/87/2025/12/A-Bradley-extended-writing-award-.pdf
- Photos https://waicol.co.nz/%f0%9f%92%99%f0%9f%92%9bprizegiving-2025%f0%9f%92%9b%f0%9f%92%99/
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Whare Āwhina Supported Learning Centre SLC – A Year of Opportunity, Achievement, and Community
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2025 has been a filled with new experiences, outstanding achievements, and memorable moments that reflect the SLC vision of empowering students to learn, grow, and live as independently as possible.
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The year began with Athletics at school followed by AWD Athletics in Wellington, where six students qualified for Regional competition, and both Lachie Dunbar and Amelia Troke went on to represent us at the North Island and New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships (results will be shared in our next newsletter) an incredible accomplishment. Many of our students took part in the annual Tug of War, Cross Country, and a wide range of sporting events, with impressive placements at local and regional levels.
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Our students seized opportunities across learning, art, culture, and leadership. From Toi Wearable Arts, Thai Boxing demonstrations, indoor bowls, cooking workshops, and a well-loved disco, to meet-the-Mayor discussions influencing the development of a community playground – every activity added confidence, skills, and connection.
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This year also saw strong collaboration with our mainstream classes. Students took part in drama trips, kapa haka events, and a very special hospitality luncheon planned and delivered by mainstream students specifically for SLC students. These moments beautifully demonstrated the inclusiveness and culture of care growing across our school.
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Our Work Experience programme continues to open pathways into the community, and we are grateful to the many employers who partnered with us this year. Students have contributed to Steens Honey, Wairarapa Laundry, Rad Pad, Farriers, Reduced to Clear, Ko Te Aroha Children’s Centre, UCOL taster days, and more. We are proud that several of our students will continue these roles beyond school – a true testament to their skill, work ethic, and the support of our local businesses.
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We also celebrate the successes of our students recognised through school sport Blues, community service awards, and SLC trophies presented at the end of the year.
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None of this would be possible without our extraordinary SLC team – teachers and teacher aides who go above and beyond every day and who bring expertise, creativity, and heart into the learning environment. This year we welcomed new staff, farewelled others, and continued to grow as demand for our centre increases.
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We were delighted to welcome six new students into the Whare Āwhina whānau in 2025 and look forward to welcoming five more in 2026 as we expand further into the main school.
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We wish Hanna Pay and Cody Walker all the best as the transition into the workforce and further supported learning.
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Thank you to our families, supporters, volunteers, and our school community for championing the opportunities and the potential of our students. We look forward to an exciting 2026 filled with even greater adventures.
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Falkner Trophy Connor Lenton-Wills
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George Watt Memorial Trophy Lachie Dunbar
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The Rose Cup Ivy Lenton-Wills
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The Booth Cup for Personal Achievement Cody Walker
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Te Manawaroa Trophy Aiden Newport
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John Graham Memorial Cup Rhion Cobb
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Aiden Newport and Rhion Cobb presented awards by former student Sam Kirk.
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Sutherland Block ready for 2026
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Our iconic Sutherland Block, first opened in 1923, has been water-tightened, earthquake-strengthened, and transformed into a modern, flexible teaching and learning space that honours the past while serving the needs of today’s students.
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A karakia whakawātea ceremony, led by Matua Mike Kawana, was held alongside mana whenua of Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu with staff, students, BOT members, contractors, and Ministry of Education representatives. The rededication recognised the thousands of students and staff who have passed through the building over the past century and the memories, stories, and legacies that remain within its walls.
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The building will officially open to students at the start of the 2026 school year, with a formal opening ceremony planned for 14 February.
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From arts to games and from fashion to hikes, our annual Activity Week once again provided learning-outside-the-classroom opportunities, allowing students to explore new skills and experiences as we celebrated the end of the school year.
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We share a powerful piece of true-life writing from Aleeza Sajid Year 12, who reflects on an experience that changed her world in a single moment. Her words provide a window into the fear, uncertainty, and resilience faced by many young people who have endured circumstances far beyond what any child should encounter.
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We thank Aleeza for her bravery in writing and allowing us to share her story. Her insight reminds us of the challenges some of our students have had to overcome before arriving at Wairarapa College, and the strength they carry with them each day. It is through stories like hers that we deepen our understanding, grow our empathy, and continue to build a school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
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The hall inside the Pasyala mosque looked into an ocean of frightened, restless people. Everywhere, breaths came fast and sharp the huh-huh sound filling the warm air. Children hid their faces in their mothers’ clothes. Their small sniffles floating like tiny broken notes. In one corner, an aunty’s trembling prayer rose and fell, shaky like waves trying to steady themselves. Aleeza stood near the entrance, her shoes held tightly against her chest. The BOOM of the blast still echoed inside her ears, repeated again and again as if the ground had screamed directly at her a few moments earlier.
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Her mother’s hand gripped hers so hard fingers were starting to ache, but Aleeza didn’t pull away. An exhausted uncle wove through the crowd, guiding people into free spaces. “This way, This way...sit here, make room,” he said, though his own voice shook with fear. A dusty little boy looked straight at Aleeza, his wide eyes silently asking, “Are you scared too?”
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Across the hall, a woman held her baby so close it looked like she was trying to protect him with her heartbeat. The baby wasn’t crying anymore - only tiny, shaky breaths lifted his shoulders. Someone switched on the fans, and a warm gust drifted through the hall, carrying the mixed smell of sweat, dust, clothes, and fear.
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Aleeza sat down and twisted the loose edge of her scarf around her finger again and again. Her heartbeat thudded so loudly she felt like everyone around her could hear it. Her mother leaned close, her voice soft and cool against the heavy air. “Aleeza, just a little while...everything will be okay." Her tone tried to be calm, but the fear in her eyes matched Aleeza’s own.
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From outside, a distant voice shouted, “Everyone is safe! Please stay inside!”
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The whole hall paused for a breath. Then slowly, people began to move, someone passed around water bottles. A man put a steadying hand on an old uncle’s shoulder. A young girl gently wiped another woman’s tear-streaked face.
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She simply held her mother’s hand with both of hers and stared at the white walls of the mosque realizing how a single second can change everything in the world.
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Message from counsellors
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Message for students:
"If at any time you are feeling particularly down or unable to lift yourself out of a low mood, please use the contacts available to you. You are not alone, and support is always here for you."
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1737 – Free call or text any time, day or night
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School Counsellors – Contact Paul, Kylie, or Olivia via Teams (or by text if you already have their numbers)
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Ngā manaakitanga,
The Counselling Team
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Ngā mihi nui to our Junior Leaders for organising the Colour Run, creating a fantastic afternoon bursting with colour, fun, and school spirit.
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Back-to-Back National Success for Tech Innovators
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Wairarapa College has secured national honours for the second year in a row, with a team of Year 10 students winning first place in the secondary schools’ section of the Interface Student Minecraft Competition.
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Congratulations to Sam Andrewartha, Izayah Apata, Conner Brunt and Adrian Te Kura, whose outstanding entry, Coral and Krill Marine Life, impressed judges with its creativity, technical skill, and strong focus on kaitiakitanga. Watch the entry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HVIEDjpjj0.
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This year’s theme, “Sustainable Seas”, challenged students to design a playable Minecraft world that protected marine life, supported sustainable fishing, and maintained clean, healthy oceans. The team created a thriving virtual ecosystem featuring a fishing village, coral reefs, seaweed forests, a sustainable fishing zone, and a state-of-the-art marine rehabilitation centre.
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Their world incorporated:
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- A marine rescue and rehabilitation facility for injured species such as coral and pāua
- Innovative waste and pollution management systems
- A flourishing micro-crustacean (krill) farm supporting sustainable food sources
- Educational spaces, including an on-site marae, promoting both fishing regulations and mātauranga Māori practices
- Ongoing environmental monitoring, highlighting issues such as ocean acidification, overfishing and plastic pollution.
The students used a combination of coding, Minecraft modifications, and extensive research into New Zealand’s marine environment to bring their world to life. We are incredibly proud of our students digital creativity and national achievement. Ka mau te wehi, team!
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A sample of the hard work and effort from our senior art students. From top to bottom - Olivia Stevenson, Levina Levaula Faalogo, Aniwa Turipa and Marleigh Paku.
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Spirit of Adventure
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On the third of November 2025, Zana Wright, Maia Lenihan, Hana Carswell, Elva Collings, Cyrus Gray-North, Sam Rudman, Sam Andrewartha, Josh Faribrother, our teacher Mrs Thomson, and I headed off on a five-day voyage on the Spirit of Adventure in Auckland. This voyage was unforgettable, it pushed us outside our comfort zones and showed us what we were capable of.
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We travelled with three other schools: Orewa College, Cambridge College, and Western Heights. With them, we spent five days exploring islands, learning about sailing, rafting, climbing the mast, and diving in beautiful waters.
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My favourite activity was sailing mini sailboats independently. After being taught the basics, we were set free to explore the water on our own. I loved it because our school group had the chance to work independently while still using collaboration and communication to navigate our way back to the main boat. I also met some amazing people on this voyage, including the crew members, who were nothing but kind and supportive to everyone.
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Every day brought something new and exciting, even if it meant waking up at 6:30 a.m. for a morning swim or stepping out of our comfort zones to meet new people. By the time our five-day voyage came to an end, I think we had all learned something not just about sailing, but about ourselves. It was an adventure I will never forget.
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International Student News
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In September, we farewelled Eita Miura (pictured below), who returned to Japan to resume his high school studies. Eita chose to study with us because of the outstanding reputation of our college farm and the excellent Agriculture courses we offer. We thoroughly enjoyed having Eita as part of our school community, and we already miss his smile, enthusiasm, and positive contribution to college life.
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China Cultural Trip — September 2026
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We are excited to announce that our three sister schools in Zhejiang Province, China, have invited us to visit them in September 2026, and planning is now underway.
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This first-time visit will be music and kapa haka based, enabling us to perform for each of our sister schools and potentially at additional venues. Early in Term 1 next year, we will establish a repertoire of five to six songs and a haka. Senior Music and Kapa Haka students will then be invited to register their interest in participating.
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We plan to take a maximum of twenty students for approximately ten to twelve days during the first part of the September holidays.
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We will fly to Shanghai, spending two to three days taking in the sights and attending cultural performances before travelling by high-speed train to Zhejiang Province. During our stay, we will be hosted by our sister schools and billeted with local families.
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The five to six days spent with our sister schools will be fully funded by the local government, covering all associated costs. At the conclusion of this visit, we will return to Shanghai for a further one to two days before flying back to New Zealand.
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Fundraising efforts will begin early next year to offset the anticipated $4,500 per student. We will be approaching local trusts and service clubs to request support, and we warmly welcome any offers of assistance or proven fundraising ideas that our community may be able to share.
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Eavhong Oeng, Campbell Wiramanaden, and Penelope Lategan were awarded scholarships to attend the Outward Bound 21-Day Korowai Course in Anakiwa. Eavhong reflects on the opportunity:
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Outward Bound was an incredible experience that pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I met so many new people and took part in a huge range of activities - some fun, others I was very glad to finish.
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One of the most memorable moments was our sailing expedition. We set sail straight into a storm and came close to capsizing multiple times. We slept in muddy tents in full wet-weather gear and rowed for 12 hours just to make it back to camp. There were hallucinations, blood, sweat, and tears, but we got through it. Our instructors joked, “Just an average night at OB.” Yeah, right.
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We also spent a solo night in the forest, went kayaking and rock climbing, and completed the meaningful Mahi Aroha service project, helping a group of lovely women who run an organisation called the Farewell Trust with their garden.
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This course genuinely built my resilience and adaptability. It opened my eyes to a lot of things, and I’ve grown because of it.
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Thank to the school and Outward Bound for the scholarship.
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Te Waiwaka Rākau Ceremony
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This term we had the privilege of hosting members of the Ngā Waipikopiko Rau o Whakaoriori – Tuna Highway Project for the installation and blessing of the Te Waiwaka Rākau here at Wairarapa College.
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Staff and student leaders led a thoughtful ceremony with karakia, kōrero and waiata. Their contribution captured the spirit of the project beautifully, and was brought to life through a powerful speech written with the support of Mr Michael Brown.
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Here is an excerpt from the speech:
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“Ko te wai te ora o ngā mea katoa – Water is the life giver of all things.
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We gather here today to welcome this rākau and, more importantly, to acknowledge the manga it stands beside — a stream that has flowed here long before us, and will, we hope, continue long after we are gone.
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Today is about more than unveiling a sign. It is about recognising place, connection, and responsibility.
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We begin by giving thanks to all living things that call this area home.
To the manu who sing in the trees,
To the pepeke that move through the grass and soil,
To the ika and small creatures that live beneath the surface of this stream,
To the hipi that graze by the stream,
To the nakinaki, rākau, and ngahere that shelter, feed, and protect life —
We acknowledge you, and we thank you.
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We acknowledge and thank Parawhenuamea for her guidance of the manga, and sustaining the hauora of the stream, so that it may continue to give life to the children of Aotearoa.
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We also give thanks to the natural features that shape and sustain this place.
To the water that gives life,
To the soil beneath our feet,
To the maunga that shelter this valley, and capture the water to provide for all things.
To the rocks, the wind, the rain, and the sun —
Thank you for all that you provide.”
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The speech encapsulated the heart of the Ngā Waipikopiko Rau o Whakaoriori — Tuna Highway Project, whose purpose is to restore identity to our waterways, enhance the mauri of Masterton’s streams, and bring to life the histories and stories that flow through Whakaoriori. The project team — including Joe Potangaroa, Tony Garstang, Kirsten Browne, Gareth Winter, and Masterton District Council officers, with support from Sam Ludden and others — spoke about this kaupapa and its connection to the Waiwaka Stream that runs alongside our kura.
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Similar rākau have been installed alongside waterways throughout Masterton, helping our community reconnect with our streams and the wellbeing that comes from being close to flowing water.
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We are grateful for this partnership and proud to have a rākau that honours Te Waiwaka, strengthens our connection to place, and reminds us of our responsibility to protect the stories and life of our local environment.
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Year 10 Street Food final products created a multicultural feast of colour, aroma, and taste, with students drawing inspiration from cuisines around the world.
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Free Dental Care for Teens
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Great news — 75% of Wairarapa rangatahi are now accessing their free annual dental care, and we’re aiming even higher. Youth Oral Health Coordinator Rachel Clarke encourages whānau to book their teens in if they haven’t been seen in the past year.
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All young people from Year 9 until their 18th birthday are entitled to FREE dental care, including check-ups, fillings, extractions, X-rays, fluoride, and sealants.
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How to enrol:
If your teen isn’t enrolled or you’ve recently moved to the region, simply visit a participating dental practice (all except Masterton Dental) and sign up at reception. Providers include Grace Dental, Kevin Wong Dental, Lumino, Greytown Dental, Martinborough Dental, Park Rd Dental, and True Dentistry.
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More info:
Email Rachel at Rachel.clarke@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz or call the Community Dental Clinic on 06 377 9071.
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Ngā mihi nui, Class of 2025
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Thank you for your commitment and contributions to Wairarapa College. We wish you every success in your future endeavours.
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Start of Year Dates
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Thursday 22 January Course Confirmation Day 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Hall
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Wednesday 28 - Friday 30 January Year 9 Orientation Days
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Thursday 30 January Year 9 whānau meet the teacher evening 6pm to 7pm
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Monday 2 February All students commence
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Friday 6 February Waitangi Day - School Closed
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Saturday 14 February Sutherland Block Official Opening
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