Flag Day
On Thursday of week 8, Ruamano Kōmiti held a ‘Flag Day’ to celebrate the myriad of cultures and nations represented here at kura.
Staff and students were encouraged to wear cultural dress or display a flag, and they did not disappoint. Ōtanewainuku was the winning maunga, with Maunganui not far behind!
SVA – Celebrating Our Volunteers!
241 students. Thousands of hours. Countless acts of kindness.
On Wednesday 9 September, the SVA held its final major event for 2026 – our annual THANK YOU to our volunteers.
Our students have been making a real difference across our school and wider community, from Park Run and triathlon marshalling, tree planting, rubbish clean-ups and recycling, baking for those in need and mentoring, to lawn mowing, babysitting, production support and so much more.
This year we celebrated:
6 Gold Awards – 500+ hours
13 Silver Awards – 250+ hours
83 Bronze Awards – 32+ hours
138 Membership Badges – 5+ hours
Thanks to the Sport Department and SVA Committee, 32 pizzas were provided free as a small token of our appreciation. More than 100 students proudly displayed their SVA pins, collected two slices of pizza and received a heartfelt THANK YOU for their service.
We are incredibly proud of our volunteers and the difference they continue to make.
Well done, SVA Committee 2026, and our Leaders Jaymin Corn and Matt Smith and THANK YOU to every student who has given their time to help others!
Senior Art Exhibition – Come along and view!
Parents are warmly invited to view our Senior Art Exhibition in B Block from 3:30-4:30pm everyday next week.
Congratulations to our award winners.
Peoples Choice – Agnès Anderson
1st in Painting – Agnès Anderson
1st in Photography – Adam Sushames
1st in Printmaking – Chloe Cameron
1st in Design & Illustration – Ella-May Chapman
Highly Commended:
Painting – Peyton Clode and Catarina Kingston
Photography – Xanthe Brosnan and Chloe Cameron
Printmaking – Eden Hay
Design & Illustration – Imogen Ford
Year 13 Flimmaking Team Regional Finals
Year 13 Filmmaking Team ‘The Bourgeoisie’ has continued its run of success!
They are now in the final 15 of 150 teams in the ‘Across Aotearoa’ Region. They are the only high school team in New Zealand to make it this far. Many of the teams they are facing are made up of professional filmmakers.
The next step is the Regional Final, streamed live on YouTube, Friday 18 September 2026, at 7:00pm.
(The region is everywhere in New Zealand that isn’t Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch)
You can watch the upcoming Regional Finals and the Grand National Final live here on the
Vista Foundation @48hoursnz YouTube Channel
Congratulations to Jayden Dent, Drew Bryan, Aadit Tandon, Izzy Peers, Isabella Fitt & Alec von Bultzingslowen Newington.
2027 Trip to Argentina Opportunity!
Join us in April 2027 for a three-week educational trip in Argentina!
This immersive experience combines real-world language practice with an unforgettable dive into Argentine history, arts, and traditions.
We will live and learn in the bustling heart of Buenos Aires, practicing Spanish daily while exploring historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and local cuisine. We will also venture north, experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Iguazu Falls and the biodiversity of South America.
This trip is for 2027 Senior students only.
Find out more in our Information evening on Tuesday, 22nd September (Week 10) at 6pm, in the School Staff Room.
Good Neighbour – The Good Walk – 30 Laps in 30 Days
At Ōtūmoetai College, we want our sport to be about more than what happens on the field or court. Good Neighbour is the charity our sports programme is proud to support, doing great work for people across Tauranga.
This October, join The Good Walk – 30 Laps in 30 Days. Complete one lap each day, wherever and however you choose, while raising funds for Good Neighbour. The challenge finishes with a community walk at Coronation Park on 31 October – and every dollar raised will be matched by Good Neighbour’s funders.
We would love to see our students, families, staff and supporters get involved. 30 days. 30laps. One great local cause.
Mahuru Māori
In keeping with the maramataka, this year Mahuru Māori runs from the 11th of September to the 10th of October.
The Ruamano kōmiti will be running events for the remainder of the term to celebrate. Next week there’s a form class kahoot challenge, whare whare, and a scavenger hunt. In week 10, there’s more whare whare, yoga and weaving! Keep an eye on the notices for when and where! Lots of maunga points up for grabs!
Also, check the notices everyday for the reo phrase of the day. Try your hand at using them in your classroom!
Should I keep my child home from school?
Young Driver Workshop
This free workshop is designed to help young drivers build confidence behind the wheel, improve their road safety knowledge, and develop safer driving habits.
Who can attend? Young people aged 16-24 years who hold a current learner or restricted driver licence.
Workshop includes:
• Driver behaviour education covering speed, impairment, restraints, distraction, and fatigue
• A free 60-minute one-on-one driving lesson with a certified driving instructor
• Waka Kotahi NZTA vehicle safety and roadworthiness checks
• Tips for sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles and vulnerable road users
• Information about vehicle star safety ratings and choosing safer vehicles
Workshop Dates & Locations:
Wednesday 7th October
Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre (Gordon Spratt Reserve)
80 Alice Way, Papamoa Beach
Thursday 8th October
Bethlehem Baptist Church
90 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga
For more information, please contact the Travel Safe Schools Team: travelsafeschools@tauranga.govt.nz.
Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket Donate to Dine – 22 October
On Thursday 22nd October Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket (OSS) is taking over Sugo Restaurant for a special evening to raise support. Come and enjoy a night out with great food, music and company, all for a fantastic cause.
If you can’t make this you can still support the event by donating a silent auction item!
Where your support goes: Funds raised will go directly towards keeping shelves stocked and ensuring the Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket can continue to provide this vital service for our community.
Tickets: $150 per person.
Half of every ticket goes directly to OSS. Whether you book a seat or a whole table, your night out will help create something meaningful for local families.
On the night your ticket will get you:
- A three-course meal crafted by Sugo’s award-winning chef
- Champagne on arrival
- Live entertainment throughout the evening
- Ability to bid on some great silent auction items.
- A chance to connect with friends, neighbours, and our wider Tauranga community
For further information please email office@oss.org.nz
