Innovation in Motion: Ōtūmoetai College Shines at National Robotics
The workshops at Ōtūmoetai College have been buzzing with more than just electricity this year; they’ve been fueled by the steady ambition of the school’s Robotics Club. After a dedicated year spent designing, building, programming, and perfecting their driving skills, the club’s efforts have culminated in an impressive performance at the Vex Robotics National Championships.
Leading the charge, the college’s premier team, Indie Minshall, Rosa Sharp, and Tom Van de Pol, secured a hard-earned second-place finish in the national standings. This silver-medal achievement has earned them a coveted spot at the Vex Robotics World Championship in the USA, where they will compete against the brightest young minds on the planet.
The success didn’t stop with the frontrunners. The club’s depth was on full display as the second team battled their way to the semi-finals, while two additional teams showcased their technical prowess by reaching the quarter-finals.
Internationally managed by Vex Robotics, these competitions demand a sophisticated blend of mechanical engineering and complex coding. For the students, this journey represents a year of trial, error, and iterative problem-solving. As they prepare to take their custom-built machines to the global stage, Ōtūmoetai has firmly established itself as a top-tier contender in New Zealand school robotics.
Photos: the winning team (above) and national competition fields (below).
High School Exchanges!
Your Education High School Exchanges is giving a talk at Ōtūmoetai College, Wednesday 11 March 2026, 1.30pm in the Library (Non Fiction Room). All interested students are welcome.
If you want to know more about overseas High School Exchanges from Your Education, register your interest for our next online Information session on Tuesday, 3rd March at 6.00pm or Wednesday 18th March at 6.00pm. All interested parents and students Y9–Y13 welcome. An experienced staff member and returnee will share information about the destinations we are offering in 2026 and 2027.
RSVP on our website www.youreducation.co.nz/next-steps
Vote for Casita!
Please check out the video below of some of our past students from the Special Needs Department who have gone on to work at Casita!
We also have some of our current students who are currently gaining work experience at Casita through our Transition programme. Casita has also started a holiday programme for some of our Special Needs Department students as there are limited places these amazing young people can be their true authentic selves.
Casita has been nominated for people’s choice awards and we would appreciate all your votes!
Apron Fundraiser for ŌTC Rowers
Please support our Rowers, you can order aprons now by emailing sbircham@otc.school.nz
Ōtūmoetai College Photography Scholarships 2025
Need to see a Nurse or Doctor at School?
Our kura offers free health care for students through the School-Based Health Service, provided by the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation.
If you are in Years 9 to 13 and want to talk to a health professional during school hours, this service is for you. It is private and easy to use.
Our registered nurse, Kate Vaaulu, is on site during the week. She can help with everyday health concerns, ACC, sexual health, wellbeing and more.
A free doctor’s clinic also runs every Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm with Dr Tracy Ball.
To book, visit the Wellness Centre, email nurse@otc.school.nz or text/call 027 305 4615.
Learn more at https://wboppho.org.nz/school-based-health-services/
Cambridge Road Trunk Mains Construction – Traffic Management & Bus Plan
The Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Council have asked us to share information on the upcoming road closures and detours required for the construction of trunk water mains along Cambridge Road due to commence on 16 March.
For further information please click here
Important Bus Diversion Plan
From 16 March 2026 to 16 September 2026, Cambridge Road—between Wakefield Drive and St Andrews Drive—will be closed to all traffic.
This closure will affect the Route 60 Bay Hopper service, as well as school bus services 814a, 904b, and 905b.
Please view the diversion plan that buses will follow here.
Please note that all bus stops located within the closure area will also be out of service for the duration of the works.
Attendance Information
Staying connected is vital for your child’s success. We will continue to reach out via text, email, and phone to keep you updated on their attendance. If your son or daughter is unable to attend school, please let their Form Teacher or the Attendance Office know as soon as possible.
We have also implemented the STAR Framework to better track and support student presence. If your child’s attendance reaches the Yellow, Orange, or Red tiers, we will send a formal notification in writing to update you on the next steps.
Respiratory Nurse – Te Manu Toroa Information
2026 Japan Cultural Experience
Applications are open to share this incredible opportunity with our students.
In association with Tauranga’s Sister City activities, the Hitachi City Office, Priority One, and
Education Tauranga, we are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the
2026 JCE Japan Cultural Experience.
JCE 2026: Hitachi & Tokyo Trip
NZ Study Tours will be hosting an online information evening:
Sunday 1 March 2026 at 6:30pm – 7.30pm
Registration is required to receive the meeting link. PLEASE REGISTER HERE
For further information please VISIT OUR WEBSITE HERE
Tauranga Multicultural Festival – 14 March
This event is a wonderful opportunity for students and whānau to experience the rich cultural diversity of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty in a fun and inclusive environment.
The Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council warmly encourages Kiwi families, tangata whenua, and migrant families to come together to enjoy and celebrate the richness of our shared community.
