Celebrating Summer Success & Looking Ahead to Winter Sport
As we wrap up an outstanding summer of sport at Ōtūmoetai College, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment, performances, and pride shown by all of our athletes. In particular, our teams who competed at last week’s Summer Tournament Week represented our kura with distinction – demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and a strong competitive spirit on regional and national stages. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and the way you carried yourselves both on and off the field.
As we transition into Term 2, winter sports will begin their respective competitions and leagues. We encourage all students and families to stay informed by regularly checking our school sports instagram page, sports website for draws, training information, and key updates.
Our Strength & Conditioning (S&C) programme will also resume in Term 2, continuing to support athletes across all codes. Winter sports teams will have designated, timetabled S&C sessions, while students involved in off-season sports are expected to attend Sports Academy sessions (two per week). This is a vital part of building and maintaining a strong physical foundation to support performance and reduce injury risk ahead of future seasons.
A reminder that the annual S&C fee is $80 for the year (or $20 per term). This provides full access to all S&C sessions, Sports Academy, and Barbell Club – offering excellent value and a comprehensive pathway for athletic development.
Thank you for your ongoing support of ŌTC Sport. We are excited for what promises to be another fantastic season ahead.
Volleyball Nationals
What a week it’s been in Palmerston North… battles fought, memories made, and pride worn loud! 
Senior A Boys – Division 1, 4th in NZ
Senior B Boys – Division 4, 11th
Senior A Girls – Division 1, 15th
Senior B Girls – Division 5, BRONZE MEDALISTS!
) — the kind of moments that turn teammates into friends for life.
ŌTC Rowing: Grit and Glory at Maadi 2026
The mist rising off Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel provided the perfect backdrop for the pinnacle of the secondary school rowing calendar: Maadi 2026. This year, Ōtūmoetai College was proudly represented by a dedicated squad of 17 students, comprising 15 rowers and 2 sharp-eyed coxswains to test their mettle against the absolute best in New Zealand.
Over ten days of competition, the team was greeted by spectacular Mackenzie Basin weather, but the conditions on the water were anything but easy. Competing at a national level requires more than just physical strength; it demands tenacity and the ability to find the courage to dig deep when the lungs are burning in the final 500 meters. Our crews faced grueling heats and repechages, with up to three races on some days, showing incredible resilience through days that began well before sunrise.
The season’s hard work paid off with several standout performances in B Finals:
- Girls U16 coxed eight: Paige, Emma, Kaia, Evelyn, Hettie, Harlow, Ruby, Milla & Olivia (cox)
- Girls U16 coxed four: Paige, Emma, Kaia, Evelyn & Olivia (cox)
- Boys U18 single sculls: Arthur
- Boys U17 coxless pair: Jayden & Ollie
While medals and final rankings were the goal, the true legacy of Maadi 2026 lies in the camaraderie forged on the water. Our students supported one another through triumphs and heartbreak, finding joy in moments of growing friendship.
We are immensely proud of every member of the squad for their sportsmanship, dedication and great company. A huge thank you to the coaches, parents, and supporters who encouraged our rowers to embrace the experience, support one another and represent our kura with pride.
Canoe Slalom Secondary School Nationals
Well done to our canoe slalom competitors, just like last year ŌTC on the podium.
Futsal Nationals
Massive congratulations to our Senior A Boys Futsal team for an awesome campaign at Nationals in Wellington, going head-to-head with some of the very best talent from across Aotearoa!
North Island Mountain Biking Champs
What a week in Wellington! Our Ōtūmoetai College riders stepped up and put together an outstanding set of results
Rijandre – 3rd U17 Downhill & 2nd U17 Enduro, huge rides in a competitive field Sierra – dominant across the board: U14 Downhill (after a chain drop in the final!)
U14 Enduro U14 Cross Country Zandru – strong performances in U20 Downhill & Enduro Luka – solid ride in U16 Enduro Both finishing inside the top 20 in their categories
What a HUGE day for ŌTC at the WAIBOP Athletics Champs! 🔥🏃♀️
Congratulations to Takara Smith who represented our school at Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals, the largest secondary school sporting competition in the country during summer tournament week with 141 schools and 2300 paddlers.
Ōtūmoetai College Old Boys Game – in support of the Gadsbey family
Bureta Physiotherapy 2026
We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news for our school community — ŌTC has a brand-new partnership with Bureta Physiotherapy! 🙌
This means we’ll now have a qualified physio based onsite at school, providing professional support for both students and staff. Whether it’s a sports niggle, injury recovery, or help with keeping your body feeling its best, having a physio right here makes it easier than ever to get the care you need.
How to book an appointment:
Select ŌTC as your location
Choose a time that suits you
Easy, quick, and right here at school — we can’t wait for everyone to benefit from this awesome new service! 💪
Basketball April Holiday Programme (Also open to ŌTC Year 9&10)
🏐 Calling All Netball Enthusiasts! Join the Ōtūmoetai College Coaching Team 🏐
Are you passionate about netball and helping young athletes grow? We are looking for coaches for the upcoming season at Ōtūmoetai College!
We want to create a culture where our players strive to perform their best while working constructively with others. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a supportive parent ready to give it a go, we’d love to have you.
The Game Plan:
- 🕒 Time: 1 or 2 trainings per week (flexible).
- 🏆 Game Day: Fridays at the Tauranga Netball Centre (TNC).
- ✨ The Perks: Guest Coach development sessions and ongoing support from the Sports Department.
We focus on a supportive, player-focused approach to ensure our students build skill, character, and teamwork.
Interested? Please contact our Teacher in Charge, Lara Richardson, at lrichardson@otc.school.nz to find out more or sign up!
Let’s make this a season to remember! 💚💙
Badminton – Expression of Interest
Rugby Our badminton programme offers both Competitive and Social badminton, and students may choose to participate in one or both. The competitive squads aim to develop players who will represent the school in competitions throughout the season, while the social squad provides an opportunity for students to enjoy badminton in a more relaxed and fun environment.
Students interested in the Competitive Squads will attend a selection session and be placed into ability-based groups (Yellow, Blue, or Nationals Squad) to ensure appropriate coaching and development.
Registration link below:
https://forms.gle/nJUUzdXkAjJNVC1X6
For any further questions, please contact our Teacher in Charge of Badminton Brent Smith at bnsmith@otc.school.nz.
Wrestling at ŌTC
Learn to Row
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.
