Year 10 Health Expo
On Wednesday 17th June, our annual Year 10 Health Expo took place in the PAC. This event was facilitated by Level Two Health students, who created stalls highlighting wellbeing issues relevant to young people in our community. Presenting alongside our thirteen student stalls were four community organisations and two school departments. Their input was much appreciated and added significantly to the event.
The issues highlighted ranged from drink driving, drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating, self love, Tall Poppy syndrome and toxic relationships. The feedback from the year 10 students and staff was overwhelmingly positive, with the students enjoying learning about the issues through practical activities and from students only a couple of years older than themselves.
The year 12 students can be commended for their time management, positive communication and teamwork skills in delivering one of the best Health Expo’s at OTC yet!
Matariki Art Competition 2026
On Wednesday night te Ruamano Kōmiti ran the annual Matariki Art competition in the PAC. It was a wonderful way for the kura and the wider community to come together to celebrate Matariki.
We were delighted by the range of art pieces we received this year. The winning art work in the senior category was a piece called ‘Ko ngā whetū hei tohu i a koe ki te kāinga,’ a 3D printed Japanese style kumiko by Charlotte Potter. The winner of the junior category was ‘Hangi under the stars,’ a 3D sculpture by Mylie Christie and Frankie Beattie. Charlotte also won the coveted People’s Choice Award.
The rest of our 2026 winners were:
Tuakana:
1st: Charlotte Potter
2nd: Caitlyn Potts and James Laugesen
3rd: Autumn Taingahue
Teina:
1st: Mylie Christie and Frankie Beattie
2nd: Manaia Climo
3rd: Arthur Inglis
(First ever) Teacher prize: Sanet Bircham
People’s Choice: Charlotte Potter
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau
Celebrate the rising of Matariki
Celebrate the rising of the lord of the sky
Celebrate the rising of the New Year
Ngā mihi, Te Ruamano Kōmiti
Tuakana: 1st & People’s Choice Award: Charlotte Potter
Tuakana: 2nd: Caitlyn Potts and James Laugesen
Teina: 1st: Mylie Christie and Frankie Beattie
(First ever) Teacher prize: Sanet Bircham
Smokefree Rockquest Bay of Plenty Success
Ōtūmoetai College students had a blast at the BOP Smokefree RockQuest regional final last weekend!
YOU MUST CHECK THIS OUT HERE! Watch the video to get the full experience. It’s incredible!
1st Place – Grizzly Fish (Adam Sushames, George Cowan, Jude Chua, Caleb Friar, Damian Mazzutti)
The Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award – Grizzly Fish
Musicianship Award – Adam Sushames (Grizzly Fish)
Musicianship Award – Sciennaj Belcher (Technical Difficulties)
The following students participated in the event and represented the school to the highest standard, both as musicians and as individuals.
Hangtime – Zen Miyanami, Iro Angell, Jackson Jane, Osman Keenan, Madden Jamieson, Chris John
Pipeline Punks – Nirvana Hartley, Anika Te Nana, Georgi Gregory
Technical Difficulties – Sciennaj Belcher, Tye Belcher, Ayla Mears, Emy Greaves, Charlie Downard
Headspinz – Oskar Haskett, Perth Chareenchit, Jamie Simon, Jack Culver
Ngatai/Bureta Road Intersection Safety Improvements
Please find HERE resident notification regarding upcoming traffic management changes associated with the Ngatai/Bureta Road Intersection Safety Improvements Project.
Families are advised that from Tuesday 7 July, the next stage of the Ngatai/Bureta Road Intersection Safety Improvements Project will begin.
Key changes include:
- No access from Ngatai Road into Bureta Road.
- A 24/7 road closure on the southern side of Bureta Road at the intersection (outside the Bureta shops).
- A temporary 30km/h speed limit through the work area.
- Traffic detours for vehicles.
- Pedestrian and cycle access will continue via temporary crossings and pathways.
- Properties, businesses and the golf course will remain accessible via detours.
- Bus services normally using Bureta Road past the shops will detour via Vale Street, with a temporary stop in place.
This stage will take approximately six weeks, weather dependent.
These changes are being introduced during the school holidays to minimise disruption, however they will remain in place when students return for Term 3. Families who travel through this area are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Young Driver Workshop – Registrations Now Open
This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to build their confidence, improve their road safety knowledge, and receive a free professional driving lesson.
Who it’s for: Young drivers aged 16–24 with a current learner or restricted licence.
Each workshop includes:
- Education on driver behaviour (speed, impairment, restraints, distraction, and fatigue)
- A 60-minute one-on-one driving lesson with a certified instructor
- Waka Kotahi NZTA vehicle safety and roadworthiness checks
- Tips for sharing the road with heavy vehicles and vulnerable users
- Understanding the importance of star safety ratings
Workshop Dates & Locations:
- Wednesday 15th July – Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre (Gordon Spratt Reserve), 80 Alice Way, Papamoa Beach
- Thursday 16th July – Bethlehem Baptist Church 90 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110
For more information, please contact the Travel Safe School Coordinator- travelsafeschools@tauranga.govt.nz
