Great Day for our Leaders!
Ōtūmoetai College Head Students attended their first University of Waikato on-site day this week for their Leadership Paper in 2026.
(Pictured above from left: Adam Sushames, Indie Minshall, Milly Simon, Anna Hays & Dilshma Kaur).
ŌTC Sports Facility Development – Project Update
We are delighted to share positive progress on the Ōtūmoetai College Sports Facility Development project.
Following a successful application to the Lotteries Community Facilities Grant, and with the financial support of the Ōtūmoetai College Board, we are now able to move forward with the feasibility study phase of the project.
The feasibility study will be undertaken by XYST Ltd, a leading sport and recreation planning consultancy. This work will explore the scope, design opportunities, and long-term viability of future sports facility development at the college. The study is expected to be completed in September this year.
This milestone marks an exciting step forward in our vision to create world-class sporting facilities that will benefit not only our students, but also the wider Ōtūmoetai and Tauranga community for generations to come.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.
Apron Fundraiser for ŌTC Rowers
Please support our Rowers, you can order aprons now by emailing sbircham@otc.school.nz
Sail & Kayak Programme – 8-12 April 2026
An opportunity for students interested in the Sail & Kayak Programme will be held in the school holidays. They could voyage aboard the iconic vessels Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand, run by the New Zealand Sailing Trust.
This 5-day voyage is a unique opportunity for students to experience life at sea, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and explore Aotearoa’s stunning marine environment.
- Open to students aged 14–18
- 8th-12th April, School Holidays
- No sailing experience required – just a sense of adventure!
Learn more about our voyage HERE
The New Zealand Sailing Trust is also an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, and this voyage qualifies as either:
- an Adventurous Journey, or
- a Residential Project
Learn more about our partnership HERE
Students that take R22 and R25 Bus – Information
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.
Rocktopia Holiday Programme
The Rocktopia Climb & Craft Holiday Programme we will be running during the April Easter school holidays.
The programme is designed to give children a fun and active experience, combining climbing activities with creative craft sessions in a safe and supportive environment.
- Programme: Climb & Craft Holiday Programme
- When: April Easter School Holidays
- Who: Children aged 6-14 years
- Activities: Climbing sessions, creative crafts, and supervised fun activities
To book or for more information email admin@rocktopia.co.nz
Japan Scholarship Opportunity
AFS Intercultural Programmes is a global non-profit leader in student exchange and intercultural education. For over 75 years, we have provided life-changing exchange experiences for students, and we are delighted to once again make the MEXT Japan Scholarship available to New Zealand students.
Majority-funded by the Japanese Government, the MEXT Scholarship programme offers students the chance to embark on a four-week full-immersion programme in Japan this October.
Programme Highlights
Full Immersion: Students will live with a local Japanese host family and attend a Japanese high school.
Funded travel: MEXT Scholarship covers international travel, insurance, orientation and more. (Note: A NZD4,000 participant contribution applies.)
Support: 24/7 support from AFS Japan and AFS New Zealand throughout the programme.
Eligibility & Key Dates:
Who: Students aged 15.6 to 18.6 at departure
Language: Studying Japanese or a strong desire to learn
Dates: 7 October – 8 November 2026
Applications close: 27 April 2026
How to Apply:
Interested students can complete the enquiry form and view full details (incl. full eligibility criteria) here: MEXT Japanese Scholarships!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the team at info-newzealand@afs.org
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!
The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure – 29 March
Rotary invites you to join a family friendly scavenger hunt by bike or on foot in the Kopurērērua Valley Reserve on Sunday 29th March between 10am to 2pm.
(It’s only $45 for the whole team of up to 6). Dress up if you want, meet at the bottom of 17th Avenue, have the time of your life and win prizes.
