Onehunga High School News

Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Onehunga High School

This past week, we hosted our annual Rotary Dinner, a key event that highlights the strong partnership between Onehunga High School and the Rotary Club of Maungakiekie. The evening’s food and service were delivered by our senior Catering and Hospitality students, who handled the event with professionalism and represented both their programme and the school with pride.

Rotary has been a longstanding supporter of our school, and we especially acknowledge the considerable voluntary contributions of Ernie Meyer and Peter Mayow. Ernie is onsite every day, providing invaluable hands on support to our Construction programme. Peter plays a key role behind the scenes, applying his meticulous attention to detail in preparing and submitting the plans for our annual house project, a cornerstone of practical learning at Onehunga High.

We continue to be supported by a wide network of volunteers: sports coaches, mentors, whānau, and community members, who show up each week to guide and support our students. Their involvement allows us to offer a broad and varied programme that extends well beyond the classroom, encompassing sport, culture, leadership, and service. The opportunities available to our students would not be possible without this generous and ongoing support. We sincerely thank all those who contribute. Your time and commitment are noticed and deeply appreciated.

Recently, we welcomed our Māori whānau to a hui where we celebrated the 2024 NCEA achievements of Māori akonga. It was encouraging to share the significant improvements being made and to engage in purposeful discussion about how we can continue to support success for Māori students. We reiterated our commitment for kapa haka and we are pleased to announce that our students will be meeting their new kapa haka tutor next week.

We were impressed by how seriously our students approached the Common Assessment Activities (CAA) exams held last week. They were focused, respectful, and mature throughout, demonstrating a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. This has been an excellent start, and it is important that this level of effort continues into the second half of the term.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi

Shameen Hayat
PRINCIPAL

Upcoming Key dates

2 June - Kings Birthday (school is closed)
3 June - Unitec Overview Seminar, 1.30pm
3-10 June - Network For Learning Wifi Upgrade
11 June - Otago University Overview Seminar, 1.30pm
12 June - Distinguished Alumni Dinner - hosted by Level 3 Food & Hospitality and Catering students
5 June - Victoria University - Te Herenga Waka Overview seminar, 1.30pm
16 June - Open Day for 2026 enrolments (3.30pm-6.15pm)
18 June - Year 13 Health Science Academy Leadership Trip 9am - 1pm
19 June - Matariki Boil Up
20 June - Matariki (school is closed)
27 June - Last day of Term 2

Open Night: Welcoming Our 2026 Cohort

We were proud to open our doors to the whānau of our prospective 2026 Year 9 cohort at this year’s Open Night.

Rotary Members Join Us For Dinner.

Hosting a dinner for the Maungakiekie Rotary members is an event we look forward to.

Music Students Enjoy APO Concert Experience.

Last week, senior music students from OHS joined students from throughout Auckland to attend the Auckland Philharmonia, ‘Discovery Concert’ at the Auckland Town Hall.

Students Race Through Terrain In NZSS Orienteering.

Six OHS students participated in the Auckland Secondary Schools Orienteering Championships in the Waiuku Forest North.

Rosemary Hayden Returns to OHS.

Alumna Rosemary Hayden, class of 2017, returned to school this week to speak to students interested in the Law.

Profile- Jason Manumu'a

In 1992, a fresh-faced OHS kid won the 3rd form (Year 9) speech competition with his comedic poke at his Tongan culture.

Level 3 Business Students Step Into the 'Dragons Den'.

This year OHS has five Level 3 Business teams entered into the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). This is a programme designed to propel students into entrepreneurship, and give them the confidence to be problem solvers and perhaps future business leaders.

OHS Theatresports Team Triumphs in First Players Match!

OHS first place in their debut Players Match

Shooting Star Award: Rosie – A Shining Example of Excellence and Leadership

OHS Bands Rock the Stage at Rockquest!

Last Friday night, two talented bands from Onehunga High School lit up the stage at Smokefree Rockquest, performing live at Auckland Girls' Grammar School in front of an enthusiastic crowd

HSA Students Attend Pasifika Leadership Course.

Level 2 Health Science Academy students joined Pasifika students from other Auckland academies to attend a leadership course designed to prepare students for careers in the Health sector.

MUNA Experience Does Not Disappoint.

One of the highlights of the year for some students is their involvement in MUNA, the Model United Nations Assembly.

Shooting Star Award – Week 5: Serene Foulagi’s Remarkable Commitment to Learning

The Week 5 Shooting Star Award goes to Serene Foulagi for her exceptional commitment to learning, demonstrated through her hand-crocheted animal cell project in Science.

Enviroclub Gardens Are Thriving.

There is nothing more satisfying for gardeners than harvesting their crops!

Sports News

There have been once again been a number of great sporting successes in the past couple of weeks to report, please see as below:

Netball grading has finished, and all four teams started their competitions on the weekend. We recorded three wins for our Premier A (32-30 v SKC), Y9A Red (23-7 v Marist College) & Y9B Green (7-6 v Baradene). Y10 Red went down to Baradene College 26-15.
Our basketball teams had a great week with four wins from five games. Senior A Boys (121-25 v SPC), Junior A Red (114-8 vs SPC) Junior B Green 65-36) & Boys U17 (63-49). Junior Girls lost to Western Springs 40-34, while our Senior A Girls had a bye due to the withdrawal of Mt Roskill Grammar from the grade.
Badminton have concluded their grading rounds with Girls A Red, Boys A Red & Boys B Green through to the top divisions while or Girls Green will contest the bottom 6 in their division.
· Social Badminton has started on Friday afternoons in the OHS gym from 3:30-5:30pm. The cost is $15 for the five-week program.
Junior Boys 1st XI scored a comfortable 8-0 win vs Glendowie College in their knock out cup round 2 fixture. The win takes them through to the quarterfinals, with the draw to be completed early next week.
Two of our First XV players have been invited to the Auckland U18 Divisional Combine on Saturday 31st May. The ARU-run combine will be held at Dilworth Junior Campus. Congratulation to Joseph Matakaiongo & Siaosi Havili.
Six runners take part in the Auckland Schools Individual Championships on Thu 22nd May in Waiuku. Xavier White came away with a silver in the Intermediate Boys grade. Other results: - Shea Mendis (Int Boys) 28th - Ren Sugahara (Jnr Boys) 15th - Ollie Ren (Jnr Boys) 30th - Louie Gould (Jnr Boys) 33rd - Maya Mendis (Jnr Girls) 15th
Asher Tebbutt and Emma Parker represented the school at the Auckland Schools Individual Squash Championships on Tue 20th May at North Shore Squash Club. Asher finished 7th in his division, while Emma took 4th is hers.

Upcoming tournaments/event:

Auckland Schools Cross Country Championships – 4th June. Entries closed
Auckland Schools Rogaine Championships – 8th June. Entries close 2nd June
Squash Junior & Open B Tournament – 11th June. Entries close 3rd June
Squash Teams Tournament – 17th June. Entries close 3rd June

Individual Championships Team L to R: Xavier White, Shea Mendis, Maya Mendis (front), Louie Gould, Ollie Ren, Ren Sugahara

Careers

Over the past week, senior students had the opportunity to dive deeper into the worlds of Law, Police, Heavy Diesel Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Aviation through our Careers Insights lunchtime seminar series.

Students interested in pursuing a career in law were delighted to hear firsthand from OHS alumna Rosemary Hayden and her colleague Abigail Stuart, about their experiences studying and now practicing law at Meredith Connell. For seniors considering the NZ Police Force, Sergeant William Latu and Constable Ryan Tiakia, also an OHS alumna, shared valuable insights into the realities of being frontline officers, as well as the rewards that come from serving the community. Ana Pedro from Scania offered guidance on the future of careers in heavy diesel engineering and how young people can secure apprenticeships in this field. Further seminars inspired students interested in becoming pilots or veterinarians, helping them understand how to strengthen their chances of selection in these competitive fields.

We are incredibly grateful to all our guest speakers for generously sharing their experiences, career advice—and a few fond memories of OHS! To stay up to date with upcoming events and seminars, please visit the OHS Careers website: ohs.careerwise.school

International Dept

It’s been a busy few weeks in the International Department as we’ve had the pleasure of hosting two short-term study tour groups from Japan.

We first welcomed 27 students from Shitara Cho, who spent a half day at Onehunga High School. Each student was paired with a Kiwi buddy and joined in regular classes, getting a taste of school life in New Zealand.

The next day, 76 students from Kyoai Gakuen arrived for a slightly longer visit. Alongside their New Zealand buddies, they participated in classes and ESOL lessons. Their time with us concluded with a wonderful farewell ceremony where students shared elements of Japanese culture through wonderful performances. A special highlight was a group of students who impressed the crowd with a karate demonstration.

These visits are always a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and for building international friendships – we’re grateful to all the students and staff who helped make it a success!

School TV - Parent Resource

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Cultural diversity is a defining feature of our school and society. It brings together a rich mix of cultures, languages, traditions, and histories that shape who we are and strengthen our identity. At Onehunga High School, we believe that embracing and celebrating this diversity is essential to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. When we value every student’s cultural background, we empower them to thrive across all areas of school life. By nurturing curiosity, respect, and open-mindedness, we set a strong example for the next generation.

Across Aotearoa, leaders continue to support this kaupapa. Professor Melinda Webber’s work explores how race, identity and culture influence young people’s success. Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath brings deep insight through her role in Māori and Pacific studies and her service on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Paul Tupou-Vea works with schools to build inclusive practices that honour cultural identity, and John Cowan has long supported families to raise children who understand and appreciate difference. To learn more, visit SchoolTV’s feature on Cultural Diversity: https://ohs.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/cultural-diversity-nz

A valuable resource for whānau to continue these conversations at home.

SCHOOL TV

Alumni Registration / Update details

We are currently working on building a comprehensive register of Onehunga High School alumni. Our goal is to reconnect with past students, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen the bonds within our school community. Whether you graduated recently or many years ago, we’d love to hear from you and keep you informed about what's happening at OHS today.

By joining our alumni register, you'll have the opportunity to stay connected with former classmates, attend special events, and support the next generation of students. We believe our alumni are an important part of the Onehunga High School story, and we’re excited to celebrate the lasting impact you’ve made. If you're an OHS graduate or know someone who is, please get in touch and help us spread the word!

https://www.ohs.school.nz/history/alumni