Community Spirit

SH50 Cross Country - August 21st 

The SH50 Cross Country brings our school community together alongside Tikokino School, Argyll East School, and Sherwood School for a fantastic day of challenge, endurance, and camaraderie!

Held along the State Highway 50 corridor, this collaborative inter-school event gives our students the perfect opportunity to push their personal limits, support their peers, and test their grit on a varied natural course.

• Friendly Competition: Challenging students across all year levels to run their best alongside neighboring CHB schools.

• Community Connection: Strengthening relationships between local rural schools, staff, and families.

• Resilience & Wellbeing: Encouraging outdoor fitness, perseverance, and school pride in a supportive atmosphere.

Whether running for a top place or setting a personal best, the SH50 Cross Country celebrates determination, healthy competition, and the strong spirit of our rural school network!

Ngati Whai  2nd July 2026

Ngāti Whai in Central Hawke’s Bay (CHB) brings our community together to celebrate, honor, and uphold our rich local heritage. Grounded in the spirit of unity and shared identity, our kaupapa honors the enduring legacy of our tūpuna while looking ahead to a strong, connected future.

By centering our learning and community connection around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we foster genuine partnership, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the unique history of our takiwā:

• Honoring Heritage: Celebrating local pūrākau (stories), history, and sacred places that shape the identity of Central Hawke’s Bay.

• Living Te Tiriti: Upholding the principles of partnership, protection, and participation to ensure every voice is valued and respected.

• Whanaungatanga: Bringing people together to build meaningful connections, strengthen community bonds, and share collective knowledge.

Through this shared commitment, Ngāti Whai empowers learners and community members alike to stand proudly in their identity, acknowledge our history, and work together toward a flourishing future.

William Pike Challenge

The William Pike Challenge is a youth development program designed to empower young people to step outside their comfort zones and build essential 21st-century life skills, such as resilience, confidence, and adaptability.

Completed over the course of a school year, the program encourages students to embrace new experiences and grow into capable, well-rounded individuals through three key pillars:

• Outdoor Activities: Engaging in outdoor adventures—such as bush walking, rock climbing, or kayaking—to build confidence, practice teamwork, and connect with nature.

• Community Service: Giving back to local organizations or environmental projects to foster empathy, civic responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose.

• Passion Projects: Committing to learning a brand-new skill, hobby, or sport to cultivate self-discipline, goal-setting, and perseverance.

By pushing past their self-imposed limits and giving back to their communities, participants develop the self-belief and problem-solving tools needed to navigate an ever-changing world.