Ella Wilce Shines on the World Stage
ŌTC’s Ella Wilce has returned home after an incredible six-week European campaign, gaining valuable international experience and delivering an outstanding performance against some of the world’s best young canoe slalom athletes.
Competing at the Junior World Championships in Poland, Ella achieved a remarkable milestone in the K1 event, becoming the only New Zealand athlete—across both male and female, U18 and U23 divisions—to qualify for Finals Day, where only the top 30 paddlers progress. Ella finished an impressive 22nd out of 64 competitors in the U18 division, highlighting her talent on the world stage.
Alongside the World Championships, Ella also competed in two lead-in international events in Italy and took part in the New Zealand team’s training camp in Prague, making the most of every opportunity to develop her skills and experience high-level international competition.
Congratulations, Ella, on an outstanding tour and on representing both ŌTC and New Zealand with pride. We look forward to seeing what comes next!
New Zealand U17 Netball Mens Team
We are so proud of Nathaniel Young competing in the NZU17 Netball Mens.
Nathaniel’s speed, agility and flare was a stand out. Nathaniel is a perfect example of how dedication, determination, and hardwork makes the difference.
Nathaniel is also helping to break down the barriers for young men to play the dynamic and brilliantly athletic sport of Netball.
WELL DONE NATHANIEL FOR BEING OUR NETBALL LEGEND !!🔥💪💚
🏉 Barbarians Rugby | WBOP Youth Development Cup 2026 🏉
Congratulations to all of our Barbarians Rugby players from Ōtūmoetai College and Bethlehem College who proudly represented the WBOP U16 team at the 2026 Youth Development Cup (YDC).
The YDC is one of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union’s premier development tournaments, helping shape the next generation of rugby talent across our region.
Our players represented themselves, their schools, and the Barbarians with pride, integrity, and humility. Over the two-day tournament they grew as players, learned valuable lessons, and showcased the values that make our programme so special.
A special congratulations to the U16 side, who fought their way into the final with a must-win victory over Eastern Bay before finishing runners-up after a hard-fought contest against Central Bay.
We are incredibly proud of every player who wore the WBOP jersey. Congratulations on your achievements—we look forward to seeing where your rugby journey takes you next. 🖤🤍
🏉 Barbarians Rugby Returns
After a well-earned two-week break, Barbarians Rugby returns this week with two exciting fixtures as we head into the final stretch of the season.
🏉 Friday 24 July
Barbarians U16 🆚 Papamoa College U16
📍 Katikati Rugby Club
⏰ 10:30am KO
Our U16s have been invited by Bay of Plenty Rugby to play the curtain raiser to the BOP Steamers vs Auckland pre-season NPC match. A fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase Barbarians Rugby on a big stage before staying on to enjoy the NPC clash.
🏉 Saturday 25 July
Barbarians 1st XV 🆚 Trident High School 1st XV
📍 Trident High School
⏰ 12:00pm KO
🏉 Saturday 25 July
Barbarians U14 🆚 RBHS U14 TTT
📍 Bethlehem College
⏰ 10:30am KO
🏉 Monday 27 July
Barbarians Junior Girls 🆚 Te Puke High School Junior Girls
📍 ŌTC
⏰ 4:00pm KO
We’d love to see plenty of support on the sidelines this week as we get back into action. Your support means the world to our players and helps create an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and enjoy the game.
A huge thank you to our coaches, managers, volunteers, whānau, and sponsors for everything you do behind the scenes. Your commitment continues to make Barbarians Rugby so special.
One Club. One Culture. All In.
⚫️⚪️ UP THE BABAS! ⚪️⚫️
ŌTC Premier Teams – Term 3, Weeks 1&2 💚🖤
Week 1 is almost in the books (1st XV game tomorrow), and what a way to kick off the second half of the season! 💥
There were plenty of hard-fought contests, some nail-biting finishes, and great performances across our Premier teams. While a couple of teams had a BYE this week (which means more time on the training paddock 💪), the rest showed plenty of determination and fight.
Now it’s time to look ahead to Week 2, with some massive match-ups on the horizon that are sure to deliver plenty of excitement. 🔥
Congratulations to all of our teams on a strong start to the season, and best of luck for another huge week of competition.
💚🖤 Go well, ŌTC!
🏔️ SNOWSPORTS ARE BACK! ⛷️🏂
Think you’ve got what it takes to conquer the slope? Registration for the Bay of Plenty Secondary School Ski & Snowboard Champs is open!
🗓️ Date: Friday 21st August 2026
📍 Where: Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu
💲 Cost: Entry $60 + additional cost for lift pass
🏆 Categories: Freestyle | Giant Slalom
👉 REGISTER HERE
Registrations close midday Thursday 13th August 2026
The 🏋️♂️ S&C is back for Term 3!
The timetable remains the same as we continue building towards Winter Tournament Week.
Every session counts. Let’s get to work. 💪
Bureta Physio
BOOK NOW FOR 2026 TERM 3 – with our Bureta Physiotherapy.
NO CHARGE WITH ACC – Available for students and staff
Head to Bureta Physiotherapy website, select ŌTC and pick your time.
STRONGER TODAY. PERFORM BETTER TOMORROW. 💪🏽🟢
At Ōtūmoetai College Sport, we believe physical development is not an “extra” — it is an essential part of helping young athletes thrive.
New research reviewing 17 randomised controlled trials across team sports found that structured strength training can:
✅ Reduce injury risk by 30–70%
✅ Improve sprint speed, jump height and power
✅ Enhance movement quality and resilience
✅ Support long-term athletic development and wellbeing
Most importantly, the evidence shows these benefits are especially valuable for youth athletes involved in sports such as football, netball, volleyball, rugby and basketball.
Our ŌTC Strength & Conditioning Programme is designed to do exactly that:
🏋🏽 Build stronger, more resilient athletes
⚡ Improve movement efficiency and athletic performance
🧠 Develop confidence, discipline and physical literacy
🛡 Help reduce preventable injuries and time away from sport
High performance is built over time — not just during a season.
That is why we strongly encourage all ŌTC student-athletes to commit to year-round physical development alongside their sport-specific training. Consistency matters. Quality movement matters. Long-term development matters.
Whether students are aiming for representative honours, premier sport, or simply wanting to enjoy sport for longer and perform at their best, structured S&C training provides the foundation.
- Stronger athletes.
- Healthier athletes.
- Better prepared athletes.
For more information regarding our Strength & Conditioning programme please use the following link – Strength & Conditioning at ŌTC
To read the research paper in full please use the following link – Strength Training : Injury & Performance
Tauranga Archers Schools Archery Program Term 3 2026
$130 for Six, 1.5 hour archery lessons with all equipment provided.
Class Times Term 3 2026
Wednesday : 3:45 to 5:15pm
Saturday : 9am to 10:30am
Saturday : 10:30 to 12pm
Tauranga archers is offering lessons for year 7 to 13 students (11yrs+) at Graham Park.
This will be a weekly lesson run over six weeks where students will learn the basic safety and techniques for shooting a recurve bow.
We are Happy to have re-signups for those who have already attended a course.
Students will also get the opportunity to compete with other schools around the country through the Intermediate and Secondary School Shoot Programme, run by Archery New Zealand (ANZ).
https://www.archery.org.nz/school-and-tertiary-archery/school-shoot-programme/
We would be happy to answer any questions for interested students, or any questions you may have.
Here is a sign up form for those who would like to join
https://www.taurangaarchers.com/schools-archery
Please sign up, then when we have full classes we will get back to you regarding Course Start times.
You can park and walk down from 79 Edgecumbe Road, or come via the car park from SH2 Takitimu/Waihi Rd off ramp, southbound only.
Backing Our Teams: Thank You to Our Valued Sports Sponsors
As we head into the winter sports season, we would like to take a moment to sincerely thank the businesses and sponsors who continue to support sport here at Ōtūmoetai College. Their generosity makes a real difference to the opportunities we can provide for our students.
We are incredibly grateful to Barfoot & Thompson for their support of football and volleyball; Ray White – Greg Bopf for basketball; Ray White – Mark Francis and Pak’nSave Cameron Road for rugby; Marshalls Innovation for their support of rugby and hockey; Seeka and Watts & Hughes Construction for football; and Tauranga ITM for hockey.
These partnerships play a vital role in helping our teams thrive, and we greatly appreciate the commitment these businesses show to our students and wider school community.
Strength and Conditioning
Term 3 S&C timetable is the same as Term 2. Show up, put in the work, and keep building. Stronger every session.
Wrestling at ŌTC
Kids Back to Sport: Your go-to resource for child sports injuries
The website link below unlocks a comprehensive support for parents, health professionals, and teachers & coaches, empowering a safe return to play for injured children.
SPORT Noticeboard and Digi Screen
All your current Sport information is on the Action Centre Sports Noticeboard and Digi Screen. Location is opposite the netball court.
Ōtūmoetai College Alumni
We are looking to start an alumni of any previous students of Ōtūmoetai College – if you would like to be included, please click on the link below.
