School News

Congratulations Denika Clooney

Who recently represented New Zealand as part of the 28-strong NZSSAA team at the 2026 Australian Athletics Cross Country Championships in Ballarat, Melbourne! 

We are super proud of your dedication and performance Denika!

Olla Podriga

Huge congratulations to every single performer who took the stage for Olla Podriga. The talent on display was next level.
A massive congratulations to our big award winners:

Oscar Curtain - Winner of the Folk and Roots Festival prize. Catch him performing live at the festival this November.
Intersection - Taking out BOTH the People's Choice and the Judges' 1st Place prize.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our  performers.

Fencing Course Level 2 Primary Industries

The Level 2 Primary Industries class completed day one of a two day fencing assessment course run by Land Based Training and the Whangarei A&P Society . The course was held at the property of Marty Roost on Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka. The two days were held over the space of several weeks and in between students did a significant amount of practice of the fencing skills that they learned on day one. As well as gaining valuable skills and experience in fencing, students were also able to gain 13 practical and theory credits for their Level 2 NCEA. Many thanks to Marty Roost for allowing this kaupapa on his property. 

What a few weeks of sport!

Our athletes have been absolutely smashing it. 
Hockey: Our team played an outstanding game against Whangarei Boys' High, taking a dominant 4–0 win to lock in top spot for Division 3!
Badminton: Massive shoutout to our Boys’ Badminton Team who took out 1st place in the Cup!
UNISS Netball: Talk about grit and determination! After a week of hard-fought games, the squad broke into the top 16, finishing 13th overall in B Grade—a huge achievement!
Yr 7–8 Netball: Our junior netballers had an absolute blast out on the court representing our school with awesome team spirit.
Mary Clinton Cup: Great work by the combined Bream Bay / Otamatea Hockey team, battling hard to finish 14th out of 21 teams! 
Skateboarding: Huge congratulations to Monty Graham! Stepping up into the Senior Grade for his first year at the NZ Secondary School Street Championships in Auckland, Monty scored an incredible 4th place in NZ!

Primary Industries Kerikeri Trip

This year’s Primary Industries class recently headed north to Kerikeri for an action-packed, hands-on learning experience across the region's thriving agricultural and horticultural sectors. 

The educational road trip kicked off with an eye-opening visit to a bustling kiwifruit orchard and packhouse, where students got a firsthand look at the rigorous quality control and technology required to get New Zealand fruit ready for the global market. Next, the group toured a diverse avocado and blueberry orchard, learning about the unique growing conditions and sustainable practices used to cultivate these popular crops. To round out the agricultural experience, a visit to a local dairy farm gave students invaluable insights into the behind the scenes of a dairy farm, and the daily operations of a busy dairy shed, as well as the opportunity to milk cows in a rotary cow shed and play with calves.

After long days of exploring and learning, the class wound down at the Bay of Islands Holiday Park, staying in the cabins. The accommodation provided a fantastic base for the team.

Of course, a road trip isn't complete without memorable travel moments. Travelling up in vans meant plenty of laughs, high energy, and classic road trip antics—including some lively food-sharing and back-seat chaos, courtesy of Elliot.

Overall, the trip was a massive success, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry practice. Huge thanks to all the local businesses who hosted our students! 

Jasmine and Eva

Ranfurly Shield

Our school hosted the Ranfurly Shield - GO THE TANIWHAS!!
We are incredibly grateful to Brett from Northland Rugby for bringing the Ranfurly Shield to share with the students at Otamatea High School and Māungaturoto Primary School.
It was a fantastic experience for our students, and we’d like to give a special thanks to OHS Deputy Head Boy Allistair Martin for making this visit possible.

Project Pest Control: Level 2 Primary Industries

13 Level 2 Primary Industries students completed the assessment day of a three day course run by the Northland Regional Council for Pest Control.

Over the three days (which were spread over a period of 6 weeks), and many days back at OHS, students learned how to set and maintain traps, pluck and skin possums, health and safety associated with pest control and the theory behind all of these practices. 

The course was held at Kai Iwi lakes and after completing the course the students gained a number of Level 2 and 3 credits

Environmental Committee 

Our Environmental Committee joined other Enviro Schools at the Dargaville Museum for an inspiring, hands-on day of learning and connection. Students crafted their own bamboo flutes while discovering traditional taonga puoro, and put ringa manaaki—hands of service—into action by helping lay a delicious hāngī. The group also developed focus and coordination through rākau practice, and rounded out the day with a lesson in sustainability by helping fix up historical machinery. It was a fantastic experience showcasing kaitiakitanga, teamwork, and practical sustainability in action!

12SPLD Elliot Bay Camp 2026

Our Year 12 Sports Leadership class recently enjoyed an action-packed three-day outdoor education camp at Elliott Bay. Despite a mixed bag of weather, conditions remained great overall. Students made the most of the coastline—exploring the new ridge track and coastal trail by day and relaxing around beachfront campfires by night. Beyond the fun, the trip served a key academic purpose: students were assessed on risk management and preparation for overnight camping. Ka rawe, Year 12!

Sapphire and Jaya ITC graduation 

Teacher Jess Baker was stoked to attend the graduation of Jaya Brown & Sapphire Parata from the International Tourism College! It was awesome to see them both succeed, with an extra big shoutout to Jaya for winning Student of the Year! Huge congratulations to them both!

Gold award presentation

Congratulations to ex Otamatea High School student,  Aaron Westlake on receiving his prestigious Gold Award from Peter Hillary at St Andrews College in Christchurch on the 12th September.
The ceremony recognised 90 young achievers from across New Zealand who completed their Gold award requirements and were finalised through the Wellington National office.
The Award recognises years of commitment, perseverance, leadership and community service through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels
.
Aaron's citation as found in the programme is as follows : 
"Doing the Duke of Ed pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me a lot more confident. Navigating the long hikes and sticking to my weekly goals showed me that I can handle hard things if I don't give up."

Robyn Bruce

Schoolhouse Available for Rent in Maungaturoto - $580.00 per week

Otamatea High School currently has a four-bedroom schoolhouse available to rent within Maungaturoto.
Features include:
3 good-sized bedrooms, plus a 4th bedroom or office/study
Open-plan kitchen and dining
Good-sized lounge area
Separate laundry
Double garaging
Furnishings:
Furnished with whiteware (optional) - microwave, fridge, chest freezer, washing machine as well as 2 single beds, a desk, and 3 sets of drawers.

Please note:
The tenancy will be subject to strict conditions. Applicants must provide evidence of permanent employment and excellent tenancy references. Any offer of tenancy will be dependent upon the applicant passing a police background check.

For further details and to request an application form, please email: ohs@otamatea.school.nz in the first instance.