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Mānawatia a Matariki. Welcome to Term 3. As we begin the second half of the year, we do so with pride in what we have achieved so far and with a clear focus on the learning, opportunities and milestones ahead.
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Term 2 finished with a sense of spirit and belonging through House Singing. Thank you to the students and staff who helped make this such a positive event. Moments like this remind us that Wairarapa College is not only a place of learning, but a community where young people can participate, contribute, lead and feel proud to belong.
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Our focus for Term 3 is simple but important: every is student known as an individual and as a learner. This means strengthening relationships, maintaining high expectations, and using our school systems well so students are connected, attending regularly, learning purposefully and supported to succeed. Whānau teachers, deans, classroom teachers, support staff and senior leaders all play a part in noticing students, celebrating progress and responding early when support is needed.
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Regular attendance remains one of the strongest foundations for success. When students are at school, on time and ready to learn, they are more likely to build confidence, keep up with learning, stay connected to peers and take part in the wider life of the school. We ask whānau to continue reinforcing the message that every day matters. If your young person is finding attendance difficult, please contact their whānau teacher or dean so we can work together early.
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Term 3 is also an important time for learning progress, assessment preparation, subject choices, winter sport, performing arts, leadership and community involvement. I encourage students to make the most of the opportunities available to them and to live our LEAD values
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Thank you to all whānau who have enrolled to date. We are proud of our students, staff and the opportunities we provide, and it was wonderful to showcase our vibrant learning community.
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If interested friends or whānau were unable to attend, we encourage them to get in touch. We would be delighted to arrange a visit.
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Thank you to our whānau and wider community for your ongoing support. Strong partnerships between home and school make a real difference. Please continue to keep in touch, use SchoolBridge for updates and communication, and encourage your young person to show up, take part and give their best.
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With wisdom and courage. Kia mātau, māia.
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Matt White
Tumuaki | Principal
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Our school whānau is deeply saddened by the passing of Anaru Voice, a much-loved student and valued member of our Supported Learning Centre. Anaru had been part of Wairarapa College since 2019 and was known for his warmth, honesty, cheeky smile, love of kapa haka, and the joy he found in being at school with his mates.
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Many will remember Anaru through kapa haka, his time in the Whare Āwhina Supported Learning Centre, and his honest visits to share a concern, a success, or something that mattered to him. He left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
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We were privileged to have Anaru as part of our school for eight years. He belonged here, and he was known, supported, valued, and loved by many in our school community.
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Our thoughts and aroha are with Anaru’s whānau, friends, classmates, teachers, support staff, our kapa haka rōpū, and all who knew and cared for him.
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Haere rā, Anaru. Moe mai rā.
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Student success
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- Toi Wearable Art Awards: Isabella Wichman – Outstanding Creative Concept Award; Evie Moore – Excellent Garment Construction Award.
- Hunter Brown: attended a Spirit of Adventure voyage, gaining the top award for outstanding endeavour and personal growth.
- Maggie Shields: represented New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Netball and the Manawatū U18 team.
- Liberty Jones: is participating in the Junior World Squash Tournament.
- Brooke Miller: attended a national boxing camp.
- Rory Faulkner: reached 100 caps for the Wairarapa College Boys’ 1st XI Football Team.
- Maia Lenihan: won the E Grade Women’s title at the NZ Graded Championships.
- Chloe Warren: was named Dressage Wairarapa Intro Pony Champion.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Boys’ Hockey Squad: Max Bradley, Duncan Bengston, Miles Upton, William Kippen-Cloth and Jono Herrick.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Girls’ Hockey Squad: Sarah Linton, Hana Harwood, Hazel Stewart, Maali Walsh, Sophie Ihaka and Olivia Weir.
- U16 Hockey Experience Tournament: Pia Bunny and Macy Bruce.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Girls’ Netball Squad: Ollie Shields.
- Wairarapa Under 16 Girls’ Netball Squad: Ollie Shields, Kendyl Goodger, Heidi Grove and Rayne O’Donnell.
- Wairarapa Under 14 Girls’ Netball Squad: Zara Atkinson, Nia Vaitaki and Lena Teofilo-Larkin.
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Welcome to the WaiCol whānau
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A very warm welcome to our newest international students; Patrik (Czech Republic), Ao (Japan), Rae (China), Guilia (Italy) and Maria and Hannah from Germany! We’re delighted you’ve joined our school community and can’t wait for you to experience everything Wairarapa College has to offer.
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British Beats & House Spirit
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House Singing is always one of the highlights of the Wairarapa College calendar, with each of our six houses taking to the stage for a fun, student-led competition.
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This year's theme, Best of British, inspired a fantastic range of performances. Popular choices included classics from One Direction and the Spice Girls, while Puketoi's small group took a more adventurous approach with Last Christmas by Wham! and Dynamite by Taio Cruz, who, much to everyone's surprise, is in fact British!
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Puketoi's performance helped secure the coveted House Singing title, allowing them to strengthen their lead in the overall Pottinger House Cup competition. House Singing continues to be one of our favourite student-led events, showcasing plenty of school spirit.
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Wairarapa College joins Pūhoro STEMM Academy
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We are excited to be part of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy, a kaupapa designed to support rangatahi Māori to thrive in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and mātauranga Māori pathways. Pūhoro has recently expanded into Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika through a partnership with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and Wairarapa College is proud to be one of the partner schools involved in this exciting regional opportunity.
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Through Pūhoro, participating ākonga will take part in weekly tutorials that strengthen classroom learning, build confidence, and connect STEMM subjects with mātauranga Māori. Students will also attend termly wānanga, giving them opportunities to learn alongside other rangatahi, engage with tertiary and industry pathways, and see how STEMM can contribute to the future of their whānau, communities and Aotearoa.
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This partnership aligns strongly with our commitment to supporting Māori to succeed as Māori and creating meaningful pathways for our students beyond school. We look forward to seeing our rangatahi grow in confidence, curiosity and leadership through this kaupapa.
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For more information contact Whaea Aroha.
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Pūhoro Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika launch day
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Small Acts, Big Impact: WaiCol’s SVA Update
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Wairarapa College is a SVA (Student Volunteer Army) award school. Students can log their service hours and work towards Member, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. These awards look great on their CV, when they apply for jobs or scholarships. WaiCol has nearly 90 active student volunteers, contributing to areas of school service such SADD, EnAction and the 40-Hour Challenge, coaching sports teams and serving in the wider Wairarapa community.
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So far this year nearly 2000 hours of voluntary service has been logged by Wairarapa College students. Congratulations to Rhiannon Fraser, Tess Sherriff, Caitlyn de Lara-bell, Ella Killalea, Heidi Grove, Ellie van Berlo, Isla Brown, Violette McGhie, Ella Herrick and Isabelle Bulmer who have gained their Bronze awards this year. Also, congratulations to Pippa Nelley, Shilo Heberley, Addison McQueen and Kai-Arie van Beusekom who have gained their Silver awards this year and to Immi Ball and Lana Kerehi who have completed the 500 hours needed for a Gold award.
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To help your rangatahi sign up, direct them to https://volunteer.sva.org.nz/. They can also speak to Miss Hardman or one of the student SVA ambassadors, Shaughan, Joseph or Immi, if they need help signing up.
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Wairarapa Whanaungatanga Careers Expo
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Our students will have the exciting opportunity to attend the Wairarapa Whanaungatanga Careers Expo this August at the Wairarapa College Hall. Over two days, rangatahi will connect with local employers, tertiary education providers, and career development organisations, gaining valuable insights into future study, training and employment pathways. The Expo is designed to inspire students, broaden career horizons, and help them explore the many opportunities available right here in our region.
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Tuesday 18 August 2026 For all Year 9–13 students from Wairarapa College.
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Wednesday 19 August 2026 For Year 11–13 students from colleges across the Wairarapa region.
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We encourage students to come prepared with questions, an open mind, and enthusiasm for discovering what's possible after school!
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Creativity Takes the Stage at TOI
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In the last week of Term 2, eight students, selected from more than 100 entries, travelled to Palmerston North to take part in the Manawatu Regional TOI Wearable Art Competition. TOI is a wearable art competition for student designers run in collaboration with the World of WearableArt (WOW).
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Students were selected based on their photographs, sketches, and design portfolios. Over two terms, they worked hard to design and create their wearable art pieces. The competition evening showcased the top 25 creations from across the Manawatu region.
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Before the event, students participated in a professional photoshoot, and their creations were judged by established artists and former WOW participants. Our students modelled their designs with confidence and pride, looking outstanding on the stage.
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We are especially proud to celebrate the success of two students who received awards:
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- Isabella Wichman – Outstanding Creative Concept Award
- Evie Moore – Excellent Garment Construction Award
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Congratulations to all our talented designers for their dedication, creativity, and hard work. We are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of the students who will progress to the National Finals.
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Hunter Brown Earns Top Award on Spirit of Adventure
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Hunter Brown has completed a 10-day voyage with Spirit of Adventure, where his outstanding endeavour and personal growth were recognised with the top award. Hunter reflects on the experience:
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At the start of the voyage, it took me a few days to adjust to the routine. We had early 6.30am swims and there were always jobs and responsibilities to do around the ship, but I eventually got used to it and started to really enjoy the challenge. It pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but that was one of the best parts of the experience.
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The biggest highlight for me was the people I met and the friendships I made. The trip was life-changing, and the friends I made on board were what stood out the most. They made the whole experience even more meaningful.
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I was also really proud to receive the top award for outstanding endeavour and personal growth. It was a special moment and something I will remember for a long time, because it showed me how much I had grown over the 10 days.
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The voyage gave me purpose and motivation to do better, not only at school but in life. Even though the beds were absolutely horrible, that was all part of the experience, and I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to take part.
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I am proud of what I achieved on the Spirit of Adventure voyage and grateful for the support that helped make it possible. I would like to thank everyone who supported me to attend, and Wairarapa College for giving me the opportunity to take part in such an amazing experience.
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Rory Faulkner Celebrates 100 Games
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Playing sport for your school is always something to be proud of. Reaching 100 games for the Wairarapa College Boys 1st XI Football team is an exceptional achievement and a milestone worth celebrating.
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Rory Faulkner has now reached the remarkable milestone of 100 games for the Wairarapa College Boys 1st XI Football team. In my more than 20 years of involvement with the team, this milestone has only been reached four or five times, making Rory’s achievement a very special one.
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What makes Rory’s achievement even more impressive is the way he lives the Wairarapa College LEAD values. He is committed, hard-working, and well respected by his peers. Alongside his football, Rory maintains strong attendance, gives his best in class, balances part-time work, and continues to contribute to another local men’s football team.
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Through all of this, Rory remains a grounded, polite, and friendly young man who leads by example both on and off the field.
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Congratulations, for an outstanding achievement and one the whole school community can be proud of.
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Celebrating the Special Mahi of Whare Āwhina SLC
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Whare Āwhina Supported Learning Centre is a very special part of Wairarapa College. Currently supporting 28 students, and guided by a dedicated team of 20 staff, the Centre provides a caring, inclusive, and highly personalised learning environment for students with high or very high ongoing learning needs.
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The work that happens in Whare Āwhina is broad, purposeful, and deeply meaningful. Students take part in learning across literacy, numeracy, physical education, the arts, inquiry, life skills, sensory programmes, community experiences, and transition pathways. Each programme is carefully adapted to meet individual needs, helping students build confidence, independence, communication, and a strong sense of belonging.
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Our SLC staff bring extraordinary skill, patience, compassion, and creativity to this mahi every day. Their work often happens quietly and without fanfare, but the impact is significant. They celebrate every step forward, support students through challenges, and create opportunities that allow each young person to experience success in ways that are meaningful to them.
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The strength of Whare Āwhina is also seen in the way students engage with the wider life of the school and community. From classroom learning to swimming, gym sessions, work experience, community outings, Duke of Edinburgh, Young Enterprise opportunities, STARZ, and special events, students are supported to participate, contribute, and shine.
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We want to acknowledge the special mahi of everyone involved in Whare Āwhina SLC. To our students, thank you for the joy, courage, personality, and determination you bring to Wairarapa College. To our staff, thank you for the care, professionalism, and commitment you show every day. Your work makes a genuine difference.
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Term 3 continues to provide opportunities for students and whānau, spanning culture, pathways, assessment and community connection.
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- Togane High School visit from Japan - 27 July - 31 July
- Matharapa Maths Week – 11–13 August
- Whānau/Parent-Teacher Interviews – 13 August
- Schools Foodbank Collection – 14 August
- Careers Expo – 18–19 August
- School Ball – 22 August
- Course Selection Evening – 26 August
- Cultural and Service photos – 27 August
- Teacher Only Day - 28 August
- Winter Tournament Week – 31 August–4 September
- NCEA Corequisite Assessment #2 – 7–11 September
- Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – 14–18 September
- NCEA Derived Grade Exam Week – 14–18 September
- Sports photos – 22 September
- Kapa Haka Festival – 24–25 September
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We look forward to continuing this positive momentum as we move through the year and thank our community for their ongoing support of Wairarapa College.
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