Kia ora e te whānau o Mākoura College
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.  Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu.

As we come to the end of Term 1, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an outstanding start to 2026 for Mākoura College. There is a real sense of momentum across our kura — in our learning, our culture, and the way our students are representing the college.

A Strong Start and Growing Momentum
We began the year with our largest roll in 20 years, and that growth is being matched by a strong, positive tone across the school.
Classrooms are settled and focused.
Students are engaged and participating.
There is a growing sense of pride in being part of Mākoura College.
Our Year 9 students, in particular, have made an excellent start — stepping confidently into a college that is ambitious, supportive, and on the rise.

Attendance – A Key Shift
One of the most pleasing shifts this term has been attendance.
In Term 1, 2026, we have doubled the number of students attending regularly, with almost 60% of students attending 90% or more of the time.
This is significant progress.
We know that attendance is key to achievement, and we will continue working alongside our whānau to support all students to attend regularly and give themselves the best chance of success.

Celebrating Success Across the Term

This term has been packed with achievement across sport, culture, and learning. Here are just some of the highlights:
National Champions – Waka Ama
Mākoura College is celebrating a national title, with our Under-16 Boys Waka Ama crew crowned No.1 in Aotearoa in the 250m six-man (Te Ihu class) at the NZ Secondary Schools Championships in Rotorua.
An outstanding achievement and a moment of real pride for our kura.

Left to right:                                                                                                                                                               Back row - Paddy Rimene (Coach), Okewa Turipa-Bennett, Chance Johnson-Roseman,                   Joseph Fale Solomona, Eli Tiori-Snee                                                                                                                  Front row - Jeremiah Rimene Albrett, Khāleal Tiopira-Rimene, Salem Tiopira-Rimene

Regional Waka Ama Success
Our Kia Manawanui Waka Ama team also dominated at the Wellington regional championships, winning U19 titles in both the 250m and 500m events.

Individual Excellence
Lexus Hunter – Bronze medal at the Wairarapa Secondary Schools Waka
Ama Championships

Sam Courtney – 2nd overall at the Wairarapa Secondary Schools Lawn
Bowls Finals

Outstanding individual performances alongside strong team success.

Volleyball Success
Senior Boys fought back to finish Top 5 at Regionals, qualifying for NZ
Secondary Schools Nationals
Junior Boys and Girls teams both recorded strong wins in Wairarapa
competition
Touch Champions
Our Senior Boys team capped off a dominant season with a 10–1 win to take out the Wairarapa Secondary Schools Touch title.

Aviation Programme Taking Off                                                                    Students have continued to take part in our Aviation Programme, now in its second year. This remains a unique opportunity at Mākoura, with students gaining real-world experiences and pathways into future careers.

Academic & Fun Highlights
Aria Smith (Year 11) recited Pi to 202 decimal places — an incredible
achievement.  And yes… earned the right to throw a pie at the Principal!

Culture, Connection & School Life
Term 1 has also been about connection and culture:
Opening of Te Tapuwae o Pōtaerau — a special moment for our kura, led
by Te Kōhanga Mātauranga
Aroha Day — building connections, celebrating our value of Whaia te Aroha,
and having some fun along the way
Staff vs Student events — including cricket and netball, strengthening
relationships across the school

Pasifika Fono
We were proud to host our first Pasifika Fono for 2026, bringing together whānau for kai and kōrero.
These opportunities are important in strengthening connection, voice and partnership within our school community.

Living Our Values
Everything we do at Mākoura College is grounded in our values:
Whaia te Tika – Do what is right
Whaia te Pono – Seek knowledge and truth

Whaia te Aroha – Show care and respect
This term, we have seen these values in action — in our classrooms, on the sports field, in our cultural spaces, and in the way our students support one another.

Looking Ahead
Term 2 will be another important and busy term, with:
-  Winter sports beginning
-  Continued focus on learning and achievement
-  More opportunities across culture, sport and leadership
-  Ongoing focus on attendance and engagement
We look forward to building on the strong foundation set this term.
 

A Final Word
Mākoura College continues to grow as a place where students are supported, challenged and inspired to succeed.
We are proud of the direction we are heading — and excited about what lies ahead.
It truly is the place to be.
As we head into the Easter period and the term break, I would like to wish all our students, staff and whānau a safe and restful holiday.
Take the time to recharge, connect with loved ones, and return ready for another strong term.

Kia Manawanui — be courageous, be compassionate, be resilient.
 

Ngā mihi nui,
Simon Fuller
Principal | Tumuaki
Mākoura College