Term Four Week 2

Kia ora koutou

Our recent school assembly was a wonderful celebration of the many ways our students shine, from academic achievement and sporting success to creativity, community service and living our school values.

A special highlight was the presentation of our Gold Ākina Badges, recognising students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to our school values and met the criteria for this significant achievement. It was fantastic to see so many girls from across our four Houses acknowledged for their efforts.

Service to others was another important focus, with three students recognised for their outstanding contributions through the Student Volunteer Army (SVA).

A special congratulations to Sophia O’Kane, who received our school’s Top Student Volunteer Army Award, recognising her achievement of completing the highest number of volunteer hours at HGHS this year. Manreet Kaur and Harnoor Kaur were also presented with SVA Service Award Badges, acknowledging the many hours they have generously volunteered both within our school and in the wider community. These awards reflect the spirit of manaakitanga and the positive difference our students make through giving their time to others.

We also celebrated sporting and creative success. Jo Opoc and Micah Severino were recognised for their achievements in badminton, while Jada Smith was congratulated on winning the Youth Photography Award at the Fotofest Photography Competition. Jada’s outstanding photograph earned her a camera and tripod.

Academic achievement was also acknowledged, with students recognised for their Merit and Excellence results during Term 3. It is always pleasing to celebrate those who demonstrate commitment to their learning and strive to achieve their personal best.

Attendance was another important focus of our assembly, with students who achieved 90% or higher attendance during Term 3 going into a special prize draw. Congratulations to Nimrat Sandhu, Raima Kashaf, Deanar Kaka, Tiare Clark, Maria Nansen, Vardeep Kaur, Nesa Hunt, Lyka Canlom and Jeza Leih Salmasan, who were all lucky prize winners. A special congratulations to Seerat Sandhu, who took home the major prize of a $200 Rebel Sport voucher!

Regular attendance plays such an important role in student achievement, and these prizes are one way we can acknowledge and encourage students who are consistently attending school. Our goal remains for every student to achieve at least 90% attendance, and I encourage our girls and their whānau to continue working towards this.

On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Trades Academy Prizegiving at EIT, where it was wonderful to see so many of our students recognised for their hard work, dedication and achievements throughout the year. These programmes provide valuable opportunities for our girls to develop practical skills and explore future pathways, and it was fantastic to celebrate their success.

I was especially proud of Leilani Brown, who was given the honour of closing the formalities with karakia kai. Leilani once again represented our kura beautifully, demonstrating confidence, pride and mana. It was a special moment, and we are incredibly proud of her.

These celebrations remind us that success at Hastings Girls’ High School – Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina takes many forms. Whether through academic effort, sporting achievement, creativity, volunteering or consistently demonstrating our school values, every contribution helps strengthen our kura. I congratulate all our award recipients and encourage every student to continue striving towards their own goals.

It has also been wonderful to welcome so many whānau to our last two school assemblies. Having families alongside us to celebrate the achievements and successes of our students makes these occasions even more special. We value the opportunity to come together as a school community, share in these proud moments and recognise the hard work and dedication of our young wāhine.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to join us.

As we head into the long weekend, I wish all our students, staff and whānau a relaxing and enjoyable Hawke’s Bay Anniversary and Labour Weekend. Hopefully the sunshine continues and everyone has an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends.

Ngā mihi nui

Lisa Akers
Principal

Kia ora koutou

As we move further into Term 4, there is plenty happening across the curriculum, with examinations approaching, subject selections underway and preparations beginning for our end-of-year celebrations. I would like to share some important information with students and whānau as we head into a busy few weeks.

This year, we will hold two prize givings to recognise and celebrate achievement and excellence across our school in academics, sport and culture. Our Recognition Prize giving will be held on Monday 2 November at 12.30pm. All students will attend this event as it takes place during the school day. Our Senior Prize giving will take place on Thursday 5 November at 6.00pm, and all Year 11–13 students are expected to attend. Invitations to the whānau of prize winners will be sent out shortly. These occasions are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, commitment and successes of our students, and we look forward to celebrating alongside their families.

With NCEA examinations fast approaching, our senior students will begin study leave on Friday 6 November, ahead of examinations commencing on Monday 9 November. Students received their examination admission slips from their Ākina coaches today. These are essential for entry into their examinations, so please ensure they are kept somewhere safe. Students will also receive guidance on effective study strategies. I encourage whānau to take some time to sit down with their daughters, look through this information together and discuss their examination timetable. Helping students establish a realistic study routine, plan their time and balance study with regular breaks can make a significant difference to their preparation and confidence. Many teachers will also be offering tutorials during study leave to provide additional support. A timetable of these sessions will be shared closer to the time, and I encourage students to make the most of these opportunities.

Our junior students will also have an opportunity to develop their examination skills, with Year 9 and 10 examinations taking place in Week 7. Students will sit examinations in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. These will be held in the school hall under the same formal examination conditions experienced by our senior students during NCEA examinations. This is an important learning experience, helping our junior students become familiar with examination expectations, develop effective study habits and build confidence in preparing for and sitting formal assessments. The results of these examinations will also contribute towards the academic achievement awards presented at our end-of-year Junior Prize giving.

Our current Year 9 students are now making their subject selections for 2027, choosing their hubs and elective subjects for next year. Information about the available subjects can be found on our school website, and selections are completed through the student or parent KAMAR portal. The deadline for subject selection is Thursday 29 October. I encourage students and whānau to discuss these choices together, considering individual interests, strengths and future learning opportunities.

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I encourage all students to remain focused, make the most of the support available and finish the year positively. There is still plenty to achieve, and we look forward to celebrating their efforts and successes.

Ngā mihi nui

We are proud to announce the appointment of Erica Raukura Pounamu Monika-Matehaere Paul as our 2027 Amokura and Khushi Bijalwan as our 2027 Deputy Head Girl.

After several years without these positions, we are delighted to reintroduce both roles to our Student Leadership Team. These are important leadership positions, providing support to our Amorangi and Head Girl while ensuring our school continues to be represented with confidence, pride and mana at assemblies, events and other occasions throughout the year.

Erica has already demonstrated outstanding cultural leadership and a deep commitment to the kaupapa of our kura. As a leader within Te Rōpū Manu Huia, she has represented our school with pride, strength and mana, including on the national stage at the Kapa Haka Nationals in Tauranga.

Her leadership was recognised this year when she received the Hine Rēhia Female Leader Trophy, an award acknowledging outstanding female leadership in kapa haka. In her leadership application, Erica spoke of her passion for being involved in school life and her desire to make a positive difference.

“I am a reliable person with the goal of making our school a better place. I represent the school values with pride, and I love being part of school kaupapa, whether cultural or not. Leading is something I really love to do. It shows who I really am and what I can achieve.”

As Amokura, Erica will work closely alongside our 2027 Amorangi, Jaz Hohipuha-Godtschalk, supporting her in her responsibilities and stepping forward to represent our kura when required. Her strong cultural connections, willingness to contribute and genuine pride in our school make her well suited to this important role.

Khushi brings valuable experience to her new role, having served as our School Community Captain in 2026. Throughout the year, she has shown a genuine commitment to bringing students together, creating opportunities for connection and making school life enjoyable and memorable for others.

Her dedication to helping others extends well beyond the school gates. Earlier this year, Khushi was recognised with the Hawke’s Bay Youth Excellence Award, celebrating her outstanding commitment to volunteering and selfless service to both our school and the wider community. This recognition reflects the care, initiative and generosity she brings to everything she does, all while balancing her academic commitments.

As Deputy Head Girl, Khushi will work alongside our 2027 Head Girl, Payton Tautau, providing support, sharing responsibilities and representing our school at assemblies and events when needed. Her experience, approachable nature and commitment to ensuring every student feels included will be valuable strengths in this role.

The return of the Amokura and Deputy Head Girl positions reflects our commitment to developing strong, collaborative student leadership. These roles are not simply about stepping in when needed, but about working alongside our Head Girl and Amorangi, sharing responsibilities and helping lead our school community throughout the year.
We congratulate both young wāhine on their appointments and look forward to the contribution they will make to Hastings Girls’ High School – Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina in 2027.

We are delighted to congratulate Hazel-Maree Naoia, who has been elected as the Student Representative on the Hastings Girls’ High School Board for 2027.

Currently in Year 12, Hazel brings a genuine passion for student voice, inclusion and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be heard.

In her election speech, Hazel spoke about her experiences working with Pacific young people through Niugen, supporting their transition from intermediate to secondary school. Through this work, she has developed valuable skills in facilitating conversations, creating safe spaces and encouraging young people to share their thoughts and experiences.

These experiences have helped shape her understanding of leadership, particularly the importance of listening to and respecting different perspectives.

“I’ve learned that sometimes leadership is simply being willing to stop, listen, and understand.”

Hazel recognises that not every student feels confident speaking up or sharing their ideas, particularly when it comes to decisions that affect their school experience. As Student Board Representative, she hopes to bridge that gap by ensuring students have a voice in the conversations that help shape the future of our kura.

As she explained in her speech:

“Being your representative isn’t about speaking over you or speaking for you. It’s about making sure that you are part of the conversations that shape our school.”

The Importance of Student Voice in Governance

Our School Board brings together representatives of parents, staff, students and the wider community to help guide the strategic direction of our kura. Having a student representative at the Board table is particularly important, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of those at the heart of our school are considered when decisions are made. Hazel will have the opportunity to contribute to these discussions, ask questions and advocate for the students she represents.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all members of our School Board for their continued commitment, time and support. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, and we are grateful for the valuable contribution they make to the future of Hastings Girls’ High School.

Congratulations once again to Hazel on her election. We look forward to the contribution she will make and encourage all students to take up her invitation to share their ideas, concerns and aspirations. Student voice matters, and we are proud to have Hazel representing ours.”

This week, all students sitting external examinations will have received their official NZQA Examination Slip and Candidate Information Sheet from their Ākina Coach. With exams just around the corner, now is the time to start getting exam ready!

This week, all students sitting external examinations will have received their official NZQA Examination Slip and Candidate Information Sheet from their Ākina Coach. With exams just around the corner, now is the time to start getting exam ready!

Here are a few quick reminders to help keep everything running smoothly:

Check Your Details: Take a moment to check your slip and make sure all your personal details and registered standards are correct.

Keep It Safe: Put your exam slip somewhere safe at home so you know right where it is when exam day arrives.

Your Ticket In: You MUST bring your printed examination slip to every single NZQA external exam. Your exam slip needs to stay completely blank – please STRICTLY DO NOT write or draw on the front or back of it.

Test Your Login: Practice logging into your NZQA Learner Account now so you know you can access your results and timetable without any hassle.

If you have any questions, concerns, or notice an error on your slip, please reach out to Mrs Moli via email at

NZQA-Candidate-Information-Sheet

We’re pleased to share our Term 3 Newsletter, packed with highlights, achievements and memorable moments from across our kura.

And finally, after a little longer than anticipated, our 2025 Ākina Magazine is ready to enjoy! This special publication celebrates the people, events and achievements that made 2025 such a memorable year at Hastings Girls’ High School.

We hope you enjoy looking back on these wonderful moments and celebrating all that our girls have accomplished.

Click below to read both publications:

Term 3 Newsletter – Read Here https://www.hastingsgirls.com/news/

2025 Ākina Magazine – Read Here https://www.hastingsgirls.com/school-magazine/

Congratulations to our 2027 Head Girl, Payton Tautau, who has been selected for the prestigious 2027 Otago Advanced School Sciences Academy!

This fantastic achievement will see Payton travel to Dunedin to attend two fully funded science camps, from 24–30 January and 4–10 July. She will also take part in a Science Communication project throughout the year, further developing her scientific knowledge, skills and passion for science.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Payton to extend her learning, connect with like-minded students and explore new possibilities in science. We are incredibly proud of Payton and look forward to following her journey throughout 2027. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

Our Level 2 PE in the Outdoors class spent a fantastic few hours up Te Mata Peak today caring for our native plot of land!

Working alongside the amazing Cat from the Te Mata Peak Trust and Levi (the Pā, who is assisting the Trust), our students, hand-released our native trees to give them the best chance to thrive, cleared away surrounding weeds and learned valuable insights about the pests impacting our Ngahere and manu.

A massive thank you to Cat and Levi for sharing their expertise and inspiring us with new ways to look after our environment. Thanks to the hard work of our students throughout the year, the HGHS plot is looking healthy and strong!

Last week, six of our Gateway students completed a two-day Barista course at EIT Taradale.

During the course, they developed their knowledge of commercial espresso equipment and learnt how to prepare a range of espresso-based beverages.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to develop a new skill, putting their learning into practice by making coffee for the team at EIT to finish off their two-day course.

They are now one step closer to becoming barista experts!

Term 4 is off to an incredible start with our summer sports in full swing and a huge number of students getting involved, trying new sports, and celebrating returning codes across Hastings Girls’!

Our volleyball programme is buzzing with three junior teams this year – our highest number in years. Our Junior A team launched their season with impressive back-to-back wins against Sacred Heart College and Napier Girls’ High School, an incredible feat given most of the team are brand new to the sport. Our Junior B team bounced back strongly from their opening match against Taradale to secure a solid win over Sacred Heart College, while our HGHS Ākina social team kicked off with a win and plenty of fun on the court. Entering two teams into Junior Division 1 is a fantastic step in upskilling our junior players and keeping volleyball strong at HGHS for years to come.

Water sports and court games are also building fantastic momentum. Following its successful return in Term 1, our Waka Ama programme has already kicked off early training for the 2027 National Championships, drawing an impressive 24 paddlers to the first session with more to come. On the court, tennis has officially returned to our summer lineup with four girls competing in the local secondary school competition, and lunchtime pickleball has quickly become a school favorite with over 30 students hitting the court and local league opportunities on the horizon.

With Touch Rugby, Sevens Rugby, and Kī-o-Rahi all launching this week, there are more opportunities than ever for our girls to compete, learn new skills, and get active together. It is fantastic to see such high participation across every code, and we can’t wait to watch our summer sports continue to thrive throughout Term 4!

School Calendar