Congratulations to our Head Students for 2026!
The following questions were presented to our Head Students for 2026.
Q1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who you are, what drives you, makes you happy, inspires you etc.
Q2. What are your interests, passions and/or hobbies?
Q3. What are one or two interesting facts about yourself?
Q4. Why did you apply to be a Head Student in 2026?
Q5. What are you most looking forward to in your role as Head Student in 2026?
Q6. What goals / aspirations do you have as a Head Student in 2026?
Find out the answers from Indie Minshall here
Find out the answers from Anna Hays here
New Murals Created by Senior Art Students
The Visual Arts Committee, which is made up of senior art students, have been working on five murals.
They were influenced by New Zealand artists such as Flox, Shane Cotton and Shane Hansen. They have chosen subject matter that is relevant to this area such as the garden painting which makes connections to when Ōtūmoetai College was a market garden.
The three whales who are on their way to Papamoa who later go on to make up the three hills known as Ngā Maunga Tohorā (The Whale Mountains): Mangatawa (mother whale), Hikurangi (calf), and Kopukairoa (father whale).
All of these murals are now up and displayed outside around the art department.
Flag Day – Thursday 18 September
Flag day is coming up, students and kaiako are encouraged to come in cultural dress (or part thereof along with their uniform, or their uniform with a flag). Maunga points are awarded to anyone in cultural dress. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed students AND kaiako!
Frequently asked questions:
- I’m from New Zealand only. Can I wear kiwiana (gumboots, swanndri, All Blacks kit)? Yes, absolutely!
- I have family from multiple places, can I bring/wear multiple flags? Yes, of course!
- I just want to wear my lavalava. What should I wear on top? You’re allowed to wear partial cultural dress. Wear your lavalava and wear your uniform shirt/sweatshirt on top.
- My family is British. Can I come dressed as Winston Churchill? Sure, fill your boots.
- My mum is American and I was born in New York. Can I dress up like the Statue of Liberty? Go ahead.
- I have no links to Scandinavia but I’d love to come as a viking. Can I? No. If you aren’t Scandinavian and you dress up like a viking, that’s cultural appropriation. Someone’s culture is NOT your costume. Rule of thumb: Unless you can whakapapa back to it, don’t do it.
- I have an idea but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate. Second rule of thumb: If you have to ask, then it probably isn’t. Remember school rules apply. No drug or alcohol references. If your outfit might offend someone, don’t wear it.
- Can I just wear regular clothes? No, this is NOT a mufti day. You wear cultural dress or your uniform. You don’t have to take part but it would be neat if you did.
If you have any questions or queries around Flag Day or you want to check a costume idea please email Ms Moore lmoore@otc.school.nz
Violet Club Disco – 18 September
The Violet Club has organised a disco party scheduled for Thursday, 18th September 2025, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Ōtūmoetai College.
This event will celebrate and support our rainbow community.
If you have any questions please email Ms Ferreira sferreira@otc.school.nz
Get the Tools to Guide Your Teen Driver – 16 October
Driver Coach FREE 1-hour Workshop – Are you teaching your teen to drive or have a young driver in the family? Road Safety Education have partnered with Toyota to offer a free workshop called Driver Coach on October 16 at 6:00pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
This popular workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers support their children through the learning-to-drive process. Research shows that teens become safer drivers when their parents are involved and set clear boundaries. The Driver Coach program aims to give you the tools you need for this important journey.
During this 1-hour workshop, you’ll learn from a License Tester:
- How the teenage brain works and the best approach to road safety education.
- The difference between instructing and coaching your child.
- Core safety issues for young drivers.
- How to understand the graduated licensing system.
- Tips for choosing a safe vehicle (explaining ANCAP stars).
This is a completely free session with no obligation. It’s an excellent chance to get expert advice and support.
