FROM THE PRINCIPAL

6th September 2026

Dear HNHS families

It was a pleasure to be able to do a quick whip around the motu last Thursday to see some of our teams in action during Winter Tournament week.  I am incredibly grateful to the coaches, managers and parents who took time out to support our students during the week. 

What is most enjoyable about getting around to see the different teams in action is the pride, teamwork and sportsmanship our students exhibit without compromising their competitive spirit.  That was consistent across all the teams I saw on Thursday and all those I have managed to watch throughout the winter season.

I have commented on the calibre of our premier teams in previous updates but the results from this year’s tournament certainly reinforce those messages.  Our girls’ football team returned home with silver medals, both boys’ and girls’ hockey teams with bronze medals and year 9 student Daniel Wood came home with a bronze medal from the national table tennis tournament.  That is undoubtedly the best result our school has seen in recent years. 

While other teams narrowly missed out on podium finishes it is exciting to look ahead at how 2027 might look for many of these teams who contain a large number of younger players.  

TOILETS & PROPERTY

We have been focusing some time and effort on preventing students from lingering in toilets lately to ensure that they are a place that all students can use comfortably.  Teachers are also recording when students leave the class to use the toilet.  This is recorded as the issuing of a ‘hall pass’ on our student management system.  From time to time, teachers and parents express concern about the frequency with which students ask to leave class and the effect this has on teaching and learning.  Our guidance team may refer to this information if it is relevant when working with students and families.

One of the issues that many students have brought to my attention over the years is the layout of the toilet facilities.  In new school builds, a bit like public toilets, the move has been toward single, unisex cubicles that offer more privacy and better functionality.

I am pleased to announce to the community that after several weeks of work and dialogue with the MOE, we have agreed that a refurbishment of our student toilets is a high priority for our next 10-year property plan.  Planning is currently underway and the new plan will be effective from mid-way through next year.  Ultimately, the buildings belong to the MOE but the Board and I will be doing what we can to make sure our next 10-year plan best serves our school and community and that the toilet renovation is the first cab off the rank.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Finally, I wanted to encourage everyone to get a ticket to this year’s Music Festival which takes place on Tuesday, 15th and Wednesday 16th September. 

Walking around the music block before school, after school and at break times, I know the staff and students have been putting an enormous amount of work into delivering another amazing night of entertainment.  They deserve full houses and you would be hard pressed to find better value for money than $15 (adult) and $10 (student). 

The night includes performances from our award winning Rockquest groups to award winning chamber music groups and everything in between.  Please support our young musicians by making sure they have a full auditorium to perform to on both nights.

Have a fantastic week ahead.


Joel Wilton

Principal

KEY DATES​​​​​​​

  • Tuesday, 8th September - PTA Meeting (7.00pm in staffroom)
  • Friday, 11th September - Year 10, 11 & 12 students must have their 2027 courses entered on the Parent Portal
  • Friday, 11th and Saturday, 12th September - Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition
  • Monday, 14th - Friday, 25th September - Inter-house Ki-o-rahi Competition
  • Tuesday, 15th and Wednesday, 16th September - 2026 Music Festival 
  • Tuesday, 15th September - Y12 Subject Selection (2027)
  • Wednesday, 16th September - Y11 Subject Selection (2027)
  • Thursday, 17th September - Y10 Subject Selection (2027)
  • Thursday, 17th September - Tukituki Whānau Festival (HNI)
  • Tuesday, 22nd September - Blood Drive
  • Monday 21st - Friday 25th September - Voix de Femmes/Concert Band Trip
  • Friday, 25th September - Last day of term three