Hillcrest High School celebrated an incredible milestone, securing their third consecutive regional championship at the Highway Regional SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge held at Curro Hillcrest on September 27. In a thrilling repeat of last year’s final, Hillcrest once again triumphed over Luthayi High School, reinforcing their dominance in the regional netball scene.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu successfully defended their crown, securing back-to-back Girls’ ‘A’ Secondary Schools National Championships with an emphatic 88-56 win over Te Kura Kōkiri at Fly Palmy Arena. Led by Ngahirata Jennings-Haumaha’s dominant double-double of 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 steals, the defending champions controlled the game from the opening minutes, proving their class on the national stage.
The atmosphere at EventFinda Stadium was electric as the Premier and Senior A Basketball Finals unfolded in an unforgettable night of athletic excellence and school spirit. From buzzer-beaters to breakout performances, the evening was a celebration of hard work and community support.
Kelston Boys’ High secured the World Schools Rugby Festival title with a hard-fought 20-12 victory over South African powerhouse Paul Roos Gymnasium in Abu Dhabi. Led by standout loose forwards Aio Keith, Joseph Paiali’i, and Ulutoa Ai’i, along with captain Jarrel Tuaimalo-Vaega, Kelston battled back from an early deficit to reclaim the championship for New Zealand for the third straight year.
Napier Boys’ High School fell short in their quest for a historic first national secondary schools First XI cricket title as rain ended their final match against defending champions Christchurch Boys’ High School. Despite an impressive bowling effort that had Christchurch struggling at 23-4, a crucial 103-run partnership helped the home side post a competitive 181. Napier’s chase was cut short at 122-6 in the 39th over when rain intervened, resulting in a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) countback loss by 15 runs.
Papanui High School’s para-athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, capturing multiple national titles and podium finishes. Their achievements not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted the school’s strong commitment to inclusivity and athletic excellence.
Howick College emerged victorious in one of most dramatic endings a New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball Championship has ever seen.
Southland Boys displayed their championship pedigree with a 32-15 victory over King’s High School in the Southern Schools Rugby Championship final. Leading 19-0 at halftime, Southland Boys’ weathered a strong second-half comeback from King’s, who closed the gap to 26-15 before Southland Boys’ sealed the win. Centre Crenshaw Conroy set the tone early, scoring within the first five minutes and helping his team maintain control throughout the match.