Newsletter Thursday 28th August 2025

28/08/2025

Ka mau te wehi! 
A massive congratulations to our ePRO8 Teams who took out today’s Central Taranaki competition! Emerson, Jett, Ollie and Indie claimed 1st place in the Year 5/6 division, while Tess, Riley, Guy and Mila stormed home to win the Year 7/8 competition.

Our awesome tamariki went head-to-head with a large number of local schools and showed incredible teamwork, creativity and problem-solving under pressure. Next stop Manukorihi Intermediate next week for the Regional Finals!

A huge thanks to our whānau who came along and supported our teams today – we couldn’t do it without you. 

From the Principal’s Desk….
It’s hard to believe we’re already this far through the term! It’s been such a great few weeks, with plenty of learning, fun, and opportunities for our tamariki to shine. A huge shout-out to everyone who makes it all possible – our amazing teachers and support staff, as well as the parents and coaches who give up their time to help with sports teams and events. We really appreciate you.

The winter weather has certainly kept us on our toes, but it’s been awesome to see a bit more sunshine creeping through lately – long may it last! Next Friday is school photos, so mark your calendars and make sure those uniforms are looking sharp.

We’ve already packed a lot into the term, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. One of the big highlights will be the Tatarakihi Kapa Haka Festival in Week 9, held at the TSB Hub in Hāwera. This is always such a special event for our kura and wider community, and we’ll be sharing more details early next week.

Thanks again for all the support – together we make our school such a positive, thriving place to be.

Ngā mihi,
Shane

Term 3 Happenings in Room 7

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Taranaki Interschool Football – written by Connor O’Brien

On Thursday, Week Six, some Year 7 and 8 students went off to Hāwera to play soccer. The first game was against Puketapu. It was a hard battle and we unfortunately lost by about 3–0. The next game we played Mangorei. We also, unfortunately, got pumped six–nil. Gladly, Connor went to goalie in the second half and made some great saves to stop them from winning by a lot more than in the first half.

The next game wasn’t as bad, as Ollie scored the opening goal, but Inglewood came back and won 3 goals to 1. Our best game was against Norfolk, and we swept them 5–0. We all worked well as a team in the last game. Although we didn’t get the results we wanted, we all had lots of fun!!!

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Rich Weir Trophy – written by Nikki Zuppicich

Rich Weir was held at Toko School. It is a competition between Ngaere and Toko School. We played our hardest but unfortunately didn’t win and lost the trophy. It was one game to determine who got the trophy. After our game, we were invited to have afternoon tea with their team. The food was really good; they had a whole selection.

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Te Whetū Mārama Kapa Haka Festival – written by Tessa Savage

The nerves started to kick in when the Kapa Haka performance group went to Memorial Hall to perform in front of other schools. It wasn’t a competition; it was a get-together to learn from other schools. We performed our school waiata, Tuia, and our haka. It was the first time in years that Ngaere had come back to perform. Everyone put great effort into our performance.

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Taranaki Interschool Netball – Hurlstone Cup

A sunny day decided to come our way with the amazing Hurlstone Cup competition in Hāwera on the 21st of August. The Saturday netball team, including Emerson and Jahlaa, were all buzzing and ready for their 5 games ahead. Our first few games became quite challenging, but in the end we came away with the win. At the end, everyone had a blast, but some were very exhausted as we put all of our effort in and left nothing on the court.

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Meals on Wheels – written by Alice Kerr

For Meals on Wheels, some students went out to a rest home and picked up some food for the elderly. We drove around and delivered them to houses around Eltham. While some did not answer the door, we still left it on the doorstep. We still had fun, and we felt really good helping people that can’t cook.

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Mamma Mia – written by Tovah Benefield and Floyd Hoskin

Room 6 and 7 were lucky enough to be invited to the Stratford High School performance of Mamma Mia at the King’s Theatre in Stratford. We were impressed with the amazing singing and colourful costumes. One of our favourite songs was Dancing Queen, and the wedding scene provided us all with some laughs. Overall, we loved the show and think that Stratford High School performed incredibly well.

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Technology – written by Mia Hazel

Tech is held at Stratford School. We made boats for our first tech session. It was very funny how they turned out. I enjoyed it very much. For our next session, we made Matariki lanterns. It was very frustrating and hard; I never finished mine. After lanterns, we made keyholes. We designed keys on Tinkercad and then printed them out on cardboard using the laser cutter. The only person who made the perfect key was Cooper. He won a bag of lollies. On our last tech day, we started making different things. I am making a shelf.

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Taranaki Airs – written by Toby Waite

We were lucky enough to have Jack and Scott from the Taranaki Airs come to our school. It was so much fun to have a great play around on our basketball court. Year 5 and higher came out to meet Jack and Scott. We played around for a bit and then went to the hall to have a Q&A. We learnt so much about these awesome basketball players and also scored some awesome merch. Then the Year 7 & 8 basketball team got to play a full court game with Jack and Scott. We had a lot of fun and learned some awesome skills.

Thank you to Jack and Scott for spending your time with us. It was awesome to have you playing on our court.

Room 3’s visit from Jess Fancy from the Taranaki Kiwi Trust 

Meet our Candidates

VOTE – Make it count!

Voting Closes 4pm Wednesday 10th September 

Candidate Statement: Sarah Luckin

My name is Sarah Luckin and I am standing for election for the Ngaere School Board of Trustees. 

I am self-employed, and alongside my husband we run a small agricultural hedge mulching business. We have two children. Pippa is in year one at Ngaere school and Sophie who will attend in 2027. As a family we enjoy being outdoors camping, jet boating and gardening. 

I have been on the committee for the Hawera Water Ski Club for the past 12 years and currently for the past 2 years held the role as president. 

While I have no previous experience being on a Board of Trustees, I am excited at the prospect of being able to make a contribution not only to Ngaere school but the wider community. 

I think it’s vitally important as parents that we are able to support our children through their education journeys by ensuring the environment they are within on a daily basis is positive and beneficial for all. 

Thank you 

Sarah Luckin

Candidate Statement: Bryce Savage

Hi, my name is Bryce and along with my wife Amanda, we are local dairy farmers with four children. Our 3 youngest Harry, Tessa and Jack are all proud Ngaere School kids.

I have spent the last 4 years on another school board and have gained good knowledge and understanding of school governance. I work well in a team and have good communication skills. I’m open minded and not afraid to ask questions or share ideas.

I am passionate about our school and community and would love the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees and help shape the future of Ngaere School for the next 3 years.

Thank you

Bryce Savage

Candidate Statement: Dorelle Sturmer

Kia ora koutou,

I’m Dorelle Sturmer, standing again for our School Board because I care deeply about the direction of our kura and the future we’re shaping for our tamariki.

I bring practical experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to equity. As a registered nurse with a background in clinical auditing, I value accountability and detail — which is why I’ve taken on the policy review role this term. I ask the hard questions and read the fine print.

I’m passionate about creating meaningful space for Te Ao Māori at Ngaere School and ensuring all learners — including those with additional needs — have fair access to education. I believe in individualising learning to support diverse learners, so every child feels seen, valued, and able to thrive.

I’ve coached netball for seven years, helped out at Jones and Stanley Cup, and know what it means to show up and get stuck in.

Small communities need strong voices — ones that listen, act with integrity, and get things done. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d love your vote.

Mauri ora/Be well

Dorelle Sturmer

Candidate Statement: Kim Manukonga 

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Kim Manukonga and I have been a parent of Ngaere School for five years now. I am running for Board of Trustees election to support Ngaere School to continue to thrive and provide a great education for the students and positive outcomes for its community. I come with long standing experience in education as a teacher, school leader and currently as a Practice Leader in the Resource Teacher for Learning and Behaviour service. This role is centred on supporting schools to strengthen inclusive practices for students, teachers and staff around learning and behaviour. The skills I can bring if elected include being well organised, strong commitment, good communication and willingness to work within a team for the best outcomes for our school. I am passionate about listening to perspectives and opinions when making important decisions and finding ways to govern and guide the school. While I can bring my professional skills and experiences to this role, first and foremost, I am a parent who cares deeply about the education for all our children and if chosen, will work closely with the school and community to find pathways to achieve this. Thank you for your support.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kim Manukonga

Candidate Statement: Monica McMahon

Kia ora, my name is Monica McMahon and I would like to put my name forward for the Ngaere School Board of Trustees. I am a committed member of the school community, with three children currently attending: Connor (Year 8), Oliver (Year 6) and Clara (Year 3). I have been actively involved in school life since Connor started in new entrants, and I have loved being part of the Ngaere community ever since.My involvement has included many years with the PTA, where I served as Secretary and later as Chairperson, stepping down from this role in 2024. Prior to my children starting school, I was also an active member of Kaponga Playcentre. These roles have deepened my appreciation for the value of community in supporting children’s development and have inspired me to seek a position on the Board.I am a strong advocate for community engagement in education.

Growing up in rural Canterbury, I was raised with a strong sense of belonging to local groups and organisations, something I continue to value today. After finishing school, I lived and worked in the USA and UK before returning to New Zealand to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. I have dairy farmed and now work as an Occupational Therapist in a leadership role at Hawera Hospital (Health NZ), supporting people to re-engage with the things in life that matter to them.It elected, I will work to ensure Ngaere School maintains a high standard of education and that our teachers and support staff have the resources and support they need to succeed. I believe that a well- supported school leads to great educational outcomes and happy, well-rounded children. With a broad range of life experiences, leadership skills and a passion for equitable services, I would be honored to contribute to the continued success of Ngaere School as a Trustee.

Ngā mihi

Monica McMahon

Candidate Statement: Mathew Hayman

Hi, I’m Mathew Hayman, married to Sarah, and we have two kids — Izack, who is 19, and Georgia, who attends Ngaere School.

We are contract milkers on a 440-cow farm. I have been on the board at Ngaere for the previous term and would like to continue with this.

Regards

Mathew Hayman

SPORTS UNIFORMS

For those students who have finished winter sports (Netball & Basketball) could we please have the uniforms returned to school.  These will be required for sports photos on 05th September. 

Thank you.

PET DAY WEDNESDAY 08th OCTOBER 2025

There are still a couple of outstanding Pet Day trophies.  Could we please have these returned to school asap.  Thank you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. If each family could please donate one (or two) of the following items to be raffled – Non perishable grocery items for the grocery raffle – a scratchie for the scratchie raffle – a bottle of “something” for the Mystery Bottle.
2. A plate will come home towards the end of the term for baking to be sold at the Cake Stall.  Any donations of baking is very much appreciated.  If the baking donations could please be dropped at the school office before 9am Wednesday 08th October.
3. Pet Entries are due back at school before the end of Term (Friday 19th September).  There are spare entry forms available from the school office. All entries will be given a Pet Diary in the last week of term, which is to be completed over the school holidays and returned to school by Tuesday 07th October for judging.
4. Pet Judging begins at 9.15am, Lamb Judging begins at 10am, Calf Judging begins at 10.30am. Please arrive and have your pet ready to go at least 15 minutes prior to the Judging start time.
5. There is no eftpos available, so cash will be required for the day.
6. Any questions about this day – please ask.

Below is an attachment for everything you need to know about the day.  A hard copy of this should have come home last Tuesday.

Friday 29th August:  Daffidol Day – Dress In Yellow – Gold Coin Donation

Friday 29th August:  School Assembly @2.15pm

Monday 01st September:  PTA Meeting 7pm @ school

Wednesday 03rd September:  Central Cross Country

Friday 05th September:  School/Sports Photos

Wednesday 10th September:  Board of Trustee Elections Voting Closes 4pm

Tuesday 16th September:  Board Election Results Announced

Friday 19th September:  End of Term assembly @2.15pm

TERM 4

Monday 06th October:  First Day of Term 4 – Sunhats required at school

Wednesday 08th October:  PET DAY

Vivid Rhythm Dance –  Enrolments Open
Classes for all ages – no experience needed.
At Vivid Rhythm Dance, we help children grow in confidence, develop teamwork skills, and discover the joy of movement. Our dancers perform in local shows, community events, and end-of-year productions.
 Classes in Eltham |  Limited spaces – enrol now.
Contact: Natalie – 0274310741    vividrhythmdance@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us keep dance and the arts alive in our community. Your support directly impacts local children’s confidence, creativity, and connection.

Ngā mihi,

Natalie Ropiha
Vivid Rhythm Dance