Visit to Sister School – Nanchang, China
During the first 2 weeks of April, 19 students and 4 teachers travelled to China to visit our sister school in Nanchang. During our time in China, we made the most of the extensive opportunities China offers and visited cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan and Shanghai as well as Nanchang. Starting our educational experience in Beijing, the students visited the Olympic Water Cube, Ice Cube and walked the Olympic promenade alongside the Birds Nest.
We also climbed on the Great Wall of China and visited historical sights in ancient Beijing. Travelling upon a bullet train at speeds of 350km/hr we then arrived in Xi’an and experienced cycling the ancient city wall, learning about the First Emperor of China and visiting the famous Terracotta Warriors and recently unearthed Terracotta Entertainers which are over 2200 years old. We experienced a phenomenal Chinese Tang Dynasty Cultural performance and climbed the ancient Bell Tower.
Travelling to Nanchang via Wuhan, our students had the opportunity to be hosted within the Chinese students’ homes and attend school with them. A typical school day for our Chinese students is 7:50am to 9:30pm and the school has a roll more than 5000 students. Class sizes are on average around 48 per class and teachers make their way from class to class rather than students due to the share volume of students. Weekly assemblies involve all students standing still and not speaking for 20-30 minutes outdoors, a vast contrast to what our students experience here in New Zealand.
We were lucky to be taken on a overnight trip with our host students to Wuyuan, considered the most beautiful village in the World by National Geographic and to Jingdezhen, the Chinese porcelain capital which was such an amazing experience for all and certainly so fulfilling to see the connections made between students despite language and cultural barriers.
After departing Nanchang, we finished our experience in the modern city of Shanghai we were fortunate to visit the Warehouse International Head Office and have a factory tour, learning first hand about the effects of trading tariffs and the effect that such implementation may have on the world economy. Shanghai highlight also including shopping, river cruise, silk museums and Disneyland.
Nanchang has a return visit to us in July and we plan on visiting again in March 2026. Please watch emails and notices for expressions of interest in participating in this amazing exchange programme.
School Value – Kia Rangatira – Strive for Personal Excellence
As a kura we are focusing on the school value of Kia Rangatira – Strive for Personal Excellence which also ties in nicely to our Te Muka Miro model, focusing on Engage.
Please click to view our video here
Our Head Students feature again with a short video that demonstrates how this value could be applied. Thanks to Adam Sushames for his amazing filming and editing skills.
Congratulations to Luca Henderson
Barbarians Rugby Executive have awarded Luca Henderson a $1000.00 Scholarship.
Successful winners must meet a certain criteria, some of which are listed below.
- Playing Multiple Sports: The successful student will represent the school in at least two different sporting codes. The Barbarians Rugby Executive encourages rugby players to involve themselves in other sporting codes and participation in the: Strength and Conditioning Programme. The Executive recognises the benefit sport plays in the holistic development and well-being of a young person.
- Representative: The student will have been selected for a provincial or national team in a sport.
- Education: The student is required to be fully enrolled in a school.
- Character: The student needs to have demonstrated excellent behavioural and engagement (attendance, application to course subjects) traits.
- Future Intentions of study or an apprenticeship: The student demonstrates a desire to commit to full-time study or work upon leaving Kura.
- Work ethic, resilience, and a commitment to sports excellence must be evident.
- Consideration is also given to a student’s background and personal circumstances
Luca’s Achievements 2024/25 Season
VOLLEYBALL
- Senior A School Volleyball 2024 & 2025 – attended provincial tournament in Rotorua and national tournament in Palmerston North both years.
- NZSS Beach Volleyball 2024 & 2025
- Volleyball Most Improved Senior Player 2024
- IPC U17 Volleyball 2024 – National Championships, tournament held in Wellington.
- IPC U19A Volleyball 2025 – currently training for Nationals, held Wellington later in May.
BASKETBALL
- Basketball Senior Premier Team 2024 & 2025
- Basketball MVP for Premier Team 2024
- Coached Basketball 2024
- Basketball 3×3 Championships term 1 & 4 – competition in Tauranga.
- Regionals (Tauranga) and Secondary School Nationals (Palmerston North) later in the year.
- Selected and attended: Junior Showcase Tournament in Whanganui.
- Potential selection pending for the Tournament team to Melbourne.
- Selected in Whai Academy HoopNations Team 2024, Selected for Whai Performance Academy (Top Academy) and Whai Elite Basketball Camp (Tauranga Based), currently trailing for selection in HoopNations Team for 2025.
- Selected for TCBA U17A Representative Basketball – Tournaments held in; Tauranga, Cambridge and Christchurch.
- Selected for NZ U17 Basketball – attended camp in Auckland over the holidays, has two more camps which will both be in Auckland with potential trips to Sydney and Samoa later this year.
RUGBY
- BOP Touch rugby Championships 2024 & 2025
- BOPS 7s rugby Championships 2024
- 1st XV rugby team 2024 & 2025
- 1st XV Best All Round Team Member 2024
- WBOP U16 rugby team – 2nd Youth Development Cup 2024
- BOP U16 Rugby – 2nd National Tournament
- Selected for Chiefs U16 Camp 2024
Mufti Day for Waipuna Hospice – 13 May
Next Tuesday, the 13th of May, we are holding a school mufti day to raise awareness and money for a local community charity, Waipuna Hospice. Students are encouraged to wear mufti and bring a gold coin donation in support.
You can support Waipuna Hospice here
Right now, Waipuna Hospice is supporting 263 patients and their families, most in their own homes. That means someone you know, or someone just down the road, may be receiving hospice care right now. All of Waipuna Hospice’s services are completely free for patients and their families. Because they (and we) believe no one should have to pay to die peacefully, with dignity, and surrounded by the people they love.
In a recent interview, Peter Mason, whose partner Keryn is being cared for by Waipuna Hospice, shared:
“Hospice is critical for our community. It provides care in a way the public health system just can’t. It’s filling a very large gap — and it can’t run without public support.”
To support Hospice, we’re holding a multi-day next Tuesday. With your encouragement, you and your emerging young adults become part of something meaningful — helping to bring comfort, dignity, and specialist care to people living with a terminal illness, and to those who love them.
As Wayne from Waipuna Hospice challenged our Year 12 and 13 students this morning:
Here’s my challenge to you, the same one I give to myself: life is short — live it well. Kick fear to the kerb. Embrace people. Say yes to new challenges. Live with a heart full of wonder, joy, and courage…
…so that when your time comes, whenever that is (nothing is guaranteed), you’ve lived fully — on your terms, with your people, and with nothing left unsaid.
Kia Kaha
Travelling to and from Ōtūmoetai College – Term 2 Reminders
Welcome to Term 2! To support a smooth and safe return — especially for new families — here are a few key reminders for navigating travel around Ōtūmoetai College.
🌿 Choose Active Travel
Whenever possible, we encourage students to walk, bike, or scooter to school. It’s healthier, better for the environment, and helps reduce traffic congestion around campus.
🚦 Safe and Legal Parking
If driving is necessary, please follow the road rules and prioritise safety over convenience. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe.
✅ Top Tips for Drivers:
- Park legally. The best spot is Carlton Reserve — just a short walk to school.
- Always use the designated pedestrian crossings on Windsor Road.
- Do not park on footpaths, yellow lines, or grass verges.
- Avoid double parking or blocking driveways.
- Obey all posted signs.
Unsafe parking reduces visibility and increases risk for students and other road users.
⚠️ Parking Fines – Be Aware!
👮 Regular Monitoring
Travel Safe and Tauranga City Council Parking Officers will be actively monitoring the area to ensure safety for all students and road users. Thank you for doing your part to keep Ōtūmoetai College safe!
Ōtūmoetai College School Reunion Registration – Closes 14 May
The registration deadline is now extended to 14 May – Register Here.
Partners are welcome to register and participate in all events.
Leadership Academy Presentation
Our four Head Students (Loralei Feist, Devlin Langton, Maia Solomona & Dominik Bennett) and our Ōtūmoetai College Board Student Representative (Liam Smythe) delivered a group presentation on leadership at the University of Waikato on the 6th of May.
They are taking part in the Leadership Academy through the Waikato Management School this year.
Microwaves & Hot Water Available at Lunchtime
Students can now bring their leftovers, reheatable meals, cup-of-soup, or 2-minute noodles for a warm lunch every day this Term. Microwaves and hot water are available daily in the kitchen between Pav 1 and Pav 2 (by the netball courts), supervised by our awesome SVA students from the start of lunch until 2pm.
Thanks to the Tauranga Charitable Trust for donating the microwaves. This popular initiative from Term 1 is back by demand—perfect for the colder days ahead!
Community Emergency Hub Launch Event – Sunday, 11 May
A Community Emergency Hub is a place where community come together to help each other during a disaster. But what does that actually look like? That’s what these launch events are all about!
Come along to:
- Find out how Hubs work and why they matter in an emergency
- Learn about the skills, knowledge, and resources already in your neighbourhood
- Meet your community
- See how you can get involved, in both big and small ways
This is a great chance to connect with your neighbours and build confidence in how we can support each other when the unexpected happens. After the launch, there will be a readiness drill where you can practice working together to support those around you.
No need to sign up just turn up and get involved! Everyone’s welcome, and no experience is needed.
Takitumu Homework Hub Starting Term 2
Ni sa bula vinaka, kia ora koutou, greetings everyone.
Takitumu Homework Hub will be up and running again from Week 2 of Term 2, every Tuesday 3:30-5:00pm.
We’re looking forward to another great year of academic support, connection, and community.
Te Ara Kaha Free Youth Programs
Momenta Live the Life you Love Award
Got a bold idea but need some extra money to get you going? How could $10,000 help you to go after a life you love?
At Momenta we believe that all people should have the opportunity to choose and go after a life they love. We encourage people to think big, to have a goal and chase it down, to step out of their comfort zones and go after a meaningful life they value. For people with disabilities, having the opportunity to achieve an audacious goal can be a financial challenge, so we would like to offer a little extra financial assistance to make your goal a reality.
Got a daring idea? We want to hear about it. It could be starting your own business, getting your music out into the world, writing a book, taking on an epic New Zealand outdoor adventure, or you may have a great idea on how to make a difference in your life or the lives of others. Dream it and tell us!
The award is available to any person 13 years or older, with a disability, living in the Bay of Plenty. With up to $10,000 funding available in 2025, you can apply for the full amount or just some of the fund.
Applications for the Live The Life You Love Award are open from 10 April 2025 until 23 May 2025.
See the website for more information and how to apply.
