Student Achievement
Our students delivered stellar performances on Friday, August 14, making the community proud during a action-packed day of workshops and high-stakes dance at the Dance NZ Made competition. Learning directly from top choreographers, the dancers showcased exceptional behavior, skill, and dedication from start to finish.
The hard work paid off with several top placements across key categories:
2nd Place (Year 9–10 Duet/Trio): Mayana Larsen and Bree Neha Simons
3rd Place (Year 11–13 Teams): Isabelle Neil, Waimarie Magele, Cheska Capati, and Jess Horscroft
Golden Ticket Recipient: Reika Campbell
Reika’s performance earned her a coveted Golden Ticket, selecting her from a pool of over 200 young dancers. Reserved for only a handful of standouts per region, the ticket grants her access to exclusive workshops and auditions this coming January, along with a chance to compete for a $1,000 prize.
While the large group ensemble missed out on a top-three spot in a fiercely competitive field, the team remains upbeat and ready to take on the stage again next year. Video recordings of all the day’s routines were captured, and the group performed their massive showcase routine to the school at Iwi.
Events like these depend on strong community backing. Special thanks go to all the supporting parents, with extra gratitude to Liz Thompson for providing essential logistical and emotional support to the dancers throughout the day.
Showquest
A talented troupe of 28 local students struck gold—and silver—at this year’s Showquest, Aotearoa’s premier performing arts competition. Backed by a dedicated team of teachers and volunteers, the group travelled to Palmerston North on June 29th, returning home with a spectacular second-place overall finish.
The judges were captivated by the group’s performance called “The Infinite Page”, which was a story about the power of books and reading. The performance also earned special awards for outstanding live music and innovative use of technology, featuring a custom-designed video wall backdrop. Lead characters Austin Flintoff and Ella Hendrix delivered standout performances, while Ciana Allardice stepped up brilliantly as a last-minute replacement for injured peer Bree Neha Simons. Singers Will Plunkett, Holly Koubaridis and Reika Campbell delivered show-stopping vocals.
Beyond the trophy, the day was a massive success for student leadership. Captains Leah Martins and Lacie Taylor represented the kura during the interviews beautifully, while other students took ownership behind the scenes – from Katelyn Burkitt and Ashley Symons on hair and makeup, to Bree Taylor Thomas’ extensive prop work, and Jess Horscroft keeping dance rehearsals on track.
“My heart is full because of how much growth I noticed in these kids in just one day,” said Katerina Papageorgiou, teacher in charge of OHS Drama Club, who extended heartfelt thanks to the community, drivers, and the Opunake Players for making the dream a reality.
Our surfers take on Australia
This July, the Ōpunakē High School surf team swapped Taranaki’s winter chill for the warmer waters of Australia’s east coast, enjoying an unforgettable surf development tour. Beginning in Brisbane, the team travelled south, surfing some of Australia’s most iconic breaks, including Byron Bay, Yamba, Crescent Head, Newcastle and Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The trip concluded with an exciting day at Sydney’s URBNSURF wave pool, giving the students the opportunity to experience world-class, consistent waves. The team — Kymani Parata, Sahan Larsen, Victor Gibson, Cade Carr, Nathan Stockhoff and Zion Aldridge — worked tirelessly throughout the year to make the trip possible.
Through fundraising activities such as sausage sizzles, raffle sales, gardening jobs, silage and maize pit covers, quiz nights and car washes, the students demonstrated the DREAMS values of diligence, respect, exceeding expectations, aroha, mana and sustainability.
As well as developing their surfing skills, the trip provided valuable opportunities for personal growth and confidence-building. Their progress in the water was remarkable and reflected the commitment they showed in preparing for the tour.
The team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the generous community members, businesses and organisations whose support made the trip possible, including Dreamtime Surf Shop, Helloworld Travel (Strandon), 4 Square Ōpunakē, McDonald Real Estate, Green Meadows Beef, Gary & Nancy, Eltham Cheese Bar, Eftpos, Yarrows, Campbell Contracting, Taonga by Bianca, Jamie Hohaia, OHS Home & School and the many friends, family members and locals who contributed food and cash donations – and their time. Special thanks also to those who provided work opportunities for fundraising, including Morgan Farm, Ann and David Gibson, Abbey and Dave Wakeling, Soozy and Jimmy Carr, Jess and Mick Severn, Brian Bradley, Tracey Pickering, Hannah and Wheats Lawn, Angie Haigh, and Te Kura Kaupapa Ōpunakē.
The team is incredibly grateful for the support received and proud to have represented Ōpunakē High School and the wider community on this memorable surfing adventure.
