50 51 BASKETBALL The 2022 basketball season was one of the most successful seasons for the programme in a long time.This season our programme had 23 basketball teams and we continued to build off our success over the last couple of years. Some highlights for this season included: • - Our Senior A Girls team started off the year by being promoted from the North Harbour Open Grade, to the College Sport Auckland Senior A Girls Grade. • - TGS Basketball players Qaizden Stephano, Brody Cooper, Kellie Tawhiao, Mackenzie Mackereth, Bailey Flavell, Zenthia Stowers, Zen Lamb, Amy McKenzie and Thomas Green were all invited to and participated in New Zealand selection camps for their respective age groups. • - In the North Harbour competition, our Year 9 A boys, U17 Girls, Senior B Boys, Senior Open Girls all made it to the Grand Final in their respective leagues. • - The Year 9 A boys, Senior B Boys and Senior Open Girls all won gold medals, and our U17 girls took home a silver. • - Our Senior A Girls finished their first season in the College Sport Auckland Senior A Grade top of the table with a 13-1 record. • - Our U17 Girls, and our Senior Open Girls teams were invited and competed in the Greater Auckland Champs Tournament. Our Senior Open Girls made it all the way to the finals and won another gold medal to cap off a remarkable season. • - Our Senior A Girls advanced to the Senior A Finals and capped off their amazing season by taking home the gold medal, and they will now have a promotion game early April 2023 for a chance to compete in the College Sport Premier League next season. • - Winter Tournament Week saw us enter four teams into multiple tournaments. Our Junior Boys finished third place in the Junior Premierships A Grade Competition, and our Junior Girls finished sixth in the Premier Competition. • - Our Senior A Boys competed in the Northern Cup where they placed tenth overall. Our Senior A Girls competed in the Secondary Schools Qualifiers tournament where they placed fourth overall, and qualified to attend the Secondary School National Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2004. • - Year 11 basketball students Bailey Flavell and Zenthia Stowers were selected to the New Zealand U15 Basketball squad and played in the U15 FIBA Oceania Championships in Guam. • - Year 13 basketball student Qaizden Stephano was selected to represent the U18 Samoa National team and played at the FIBA U18s Women’s Asian Championships in India. Congratulations and thank you to the Year 13s playing in their final season. We wish you well.
52 53
52 53
54 55 CRICKET Takapuna Grammar enjoyed another great year of success on and off the pitch. The development of the Bert Sutcliffe pavilion allowed students to train with state of the art bowling machines and enjoy first class nets. First XI Boys The First XI Boys enjoyed a great season. In the T20 competition the team made it to the Premier/1A semifinal. Highlights of the campaign were openers Nick Petherick and Christian Scott producing a 212 unbeaten first wicket partnership against Selwyn College and beating St Kentigern on their home ground by five wickets, Daniel Middleton’s 70* against Pakuranga and defeating King’s College by four wickets in the quarter final of the oneday competition. Meanwhile, Freddy Birch claimed four scalps and a half century against Selwyn College. During the season Dan Middleton had three half centuries, while Vincent Yee Werry saw a bowling average of just 16 with the ball in the one-day competition. As the Yearbook goes to print, the 50 over season has Takapuna at the top of the table with eight wins from nine games. Second XI Boys A young 2nd XI made great strides in proving themselves in a high grade. Wicketkeeper Finn Granger recorded the team’s first half century against a quality Westlake side. Bowlers Dom Cook and Yash Aroha demonstrated lethality in their opening overs picking up wickets and restricting scoring. Captain Aidan Simpkins performed exceptionally with bat and ball seeing figures of 3/24 and a respectable knock of 27 against Auckland Grammar. Finlay Weaver smashed our first six, and impressive appearances from youngsters Ben Dunlop and Ryan Corner highlights the strong potential for the future of TGS cricket.
54 55 First XI Girls The First XI Girls have seen a successful season sitting second in their pool. Rishika Jaswal produced several all star performances including three half centuries at just shy of a run a ball. With the ball Izzy Fox had 10 wickets to her name including a stellar 4/9 display against Epsom. Both girls received offers into the Auckland Cricket Academy - , a tremendous honour well deserved. The First XI Girls saw an incredible one run victory over Saint Cuthbert’s, courtesy of a team-wide effort which saw five wickets taken for 15 runs. This included spectacular run-outs by both keeper Raiha Jeory Reynolds and Audrey Melhuish. The girls bowed out of their finals campaign in a narrow loss, but should all feel proud of their many accomplishments through the course of the season. Junior Girls The Second XI girls saw a topsy-turvy season opening. Despite being disadvantaged with fewer players, the side never failed to provide a contest in all their games, knocking off Rangitoto in a two wicket win. Isla McLean’s electric 36(33) with four fours and a six combined with tidy bowling from Isabella Watson and Brodie Webb saw Takapuna snatch their first win of the season. Plenty of other notable performances include Dorothea Waldron’s 2/12 and Eva Murray’s 2 unassisted run outs. Pippa Priddy’s unbeaten 24 against Northcote at number six shows the depth the team has and high potential for the future for girls’ cricket at Takapuna Grammar. Colts The Colts team saw great improvement over the year. Young prodigy Jack Jones posted several good knocks such as his tough 40* with four boundaries. Oscar Beech and Max Murray achieved numerous stands combining for 13 boundaries and 67 runs against Auckland Grammar. Luka Simperingham and Theo Wilkins provided good spells with all rounder Thomas Crawford delivering with bat and ball. Efficiency in the field lifted as the season progressed with Harry Brown snaring four catches against a top Saint Kentigern opposition. While the Colts may not have achieved the results they were after, all the players showed the right signs in making a great First XI down the track. Colts 2 The Junior Colts 2 team also saw mixed results to start the year. Sitting third at the time of writing, the side had seen three wins and three losses. Ross Chadwick’s 54*(37) and Liam Lawrence’s 40(44) serve as the batting top scores while George Kalupahana and Felix Johnson combined for 4/12 off four overs in a heroic bowling partnership which guided their victory against Orewa. Fielding standards were high with keeper Max Garland making a great stumping and four catches while numerous players recorded runouts including Marco Parker. Congratulations and many thanks to the Year 13s playing in their final season for Takapuna Grammar. The school wishes them the best of luck for the future of their cricketing careers.
56 57
56 57 CYCLING In this season, as in the other TGS sports, we were faced with extra external pressures. Due to the uneven cadence of Covid-19 continuing to disrupt our riders’ availability for training and racing, we were compelled to mix and match our team compositions for races within ages, genders and abilities from across the spectrum. Practically, this meant girls racing on boys teams and juniors being asked to compete up at the senior level. But everyone on the team stepped up and learned to ride with each other in unexpected combinations. From these experiences, we saw our team grow: closer in team culture, better in race day communication and, despite the odds and disruptions, faster on the tarmac. TGS Cycling 2022 results highlights A Grade Podiums during the season: Auckland Schools Team Time Trial Finals Day 3rd — Senior Boys Team Lachlan Campbell, Lewis Campbell, Jack Gerken, Dan McClune, Alex Skilton iBuilt Junior Tour 1st — U19 Men Kermesse Lachlan Campbell 3rd —U19 Men Kermesse Alex Skilton Northern Tour 2nd — U17 Boys Criterium Dan McClune 3rd — U20 Boys Criterium Lachlan Campbell Our seniors grew in their leadership skills, always there to encourage a younger rider with their technique and the willpower to keep striving toward improvement. And if a rider had a crash in a race — no matter what school — our team was the first to offer a helping hand. The TGS Cycling squad faced the challenges with real mettle, and always with encouragement and positivity. To all of our graduating seniors we say: well done, good luck and keep on riding! And to next year’s new recruits and returning veterans: we’ll see you on the road.
58 59 Year 12 Maggie Squire competed in the North Island Diving Championships earlier in the year winning four gold medals in all the Senior Open events she entered. Maggie was then selected to attend the FINA World Diving Championships in Budapest Hungary, in July and a FINA Grand Prix Diving event in Bolzano Italy, along with a training camp in Edinburgh. Maggie was then selected to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This was a fantastic achievement as she was the youngest travelling member in the New Zealand team. During her pre-Commonwealth Games training programme and just a couple of days out of isolation and with little training, Maggie rallied to keep up with her synchro partner Frazer Tavener to secure the gold medal on their last dive in scalding hot temperatures of 38+ degrees at the Grand Prix meet in Bolzano, Italy. In Birmingham, Maggie was very busy competing in multiple events and came away with the following results on the the biggest stage of her young career so far; • Qualified for the 1m, 3m women’s and 3m mixed synchro • Made the final of the 1m, placing 10th, a personal best high score • 3m women’s, placing 13th • Final of the 3m mixed synchro, placing 9th Here is a detailed list of her other 2022 achievements: NZ World Champs/Commonwealth Games Qualification Event, Auckland: 1m Open Women’s Champion 3m Open Women’s Champion 3m Mixed Synchro Champions 10m Platform Open Women’s Synchro Champions FINA World Diving Champs, Budapest, Hungary: Qualified for 1m, 3m, 3m mixed synchro Final of mixed synchro Bolzano International Meet, Italy: 1m Open Women’s, 7th place 3m Open Women’s, 12th place 3m Mixed Synchro Champions, 1st place, Gold Auckland Diving Champs: 1m Open Women’s Champion 3m Open Women’s Champion 3m Mixed Synchro Champions 10m Platform Open Women’s Synchro Champions TGS Team for the NZ Secondary Schools Event that placed 3rd North Island Diving Champs, Auckland: 1m Open Women’s Champion 3m Open Women’s Champion 3m Mixed Synchro Champions 10m Platform Open Women’s Synchro Champions NZ National Diving Champs, Dunedin: 1m Open Women’s Champion 3m Open Women’s Champion 3m Mixed Synchro Champions Awards: FC Isaacs Memorial Cup, Open Women’s 3m National Champion, 2022 Douglas Freeman Memorial Trophy, Open Women’s 1m National Champion, 2022 FINA International Diving Development Scholarship 2022 Maggie was also invited to the FINA International Diving Development Scholarship 2022 and has now been added to the TGS NZ Representatives Honours Board in Te Poho Hall. Commonwealth Games Athlete Maggie Squire DIVING
58 59 Along with Maggie Squire’s huge year in international diving, we also had Juniors Róisín Ward (below left) and Indy McCarthy competing at the NZ Nationals and at time of print, were heading to the Auckland Championships late in Term 4. Róisín was also invited to compete in the Australian School Games diving competition, held in Brisbane in late November.
60 61 he school congratulates TGS Alumni Imogen Ayris and Jacko Gill on their outstanding performances at the 2022 Commonwealth Games by winning a Bronze Medal in the Pole Vault (Imogen) and a Silver Medal in the Shot Put (Jacko). These are outstanding achievements after a decade of hard work both in and out of school. TGS SPORTING ALUMNI - JACKO GILL & IMOGEN AYRIS
60 61 TGS SPORTING ALUMNI - JACKO GILL & IMOGEN AYRIS FOOTBALL Girls Senior Gold This team came together late in the piece and was made up of mostly Year 12 and 13 students. Playing a team sport is very important and to get a group of senior girls to come together to enjoy football is a great spectacle and a pleasure to watch. Thank you to Logan Eastmure for coaching this team and we look forward to the returning Year 12 students playing again for TGS Football in 2023. Girls Third XI This year’s Girls Third XI had a tough but rewarding season with some excellent team plays and goals throughout the season. A highlight was when we beat the Second XI, which shows how a combined effort from really hard working players can beat any team, even when the odds are against them. Massive thanks to all the parents and Mrs Close who helped with transport as well as the Second XI players who offered to play for us when we were lacking players. Girls Second XI The Girls Second XI had a tough year but they should be very proud as they played in the highest grade with the majority of teams being First XI North Harbour school teams. Overall the team had some great wins and only close losses. They played well as a collective team and fought hard to play the style of football which TGS is so well known for. Thanks to Louis Liew for his constant hard work in coaching and supporting TGS Girls Football over the years. Girls Junior Gold The Junior girls had a great season and were able to come home with the 1st place trophy. There were some especially great performances throughout the season including the final game against Westlake where the team won 1-0 from an outside of the box freekick that sailed into the top left corner. They had one game sweeping the opposition into a 14-0 win. Such a strong sense of motivation and determination could be seen no matter who was on and where they were playing as they continued to develop their passing and game sense. Special thanks go to our wonderful coaches Maia Scott and Matthew O’Brien.
62 63 Boys Junior Blue The team managed to achieve some great wins and score some brilliant goals during the season, as well as develop themselves as a team and individually as players. The team had a great season overall, putting in a great effort finishing on a standout final game for the season with a great winning score of 6-2 to TGS. The parents and referees provided great support for bringing the team to their games and always being on the sideline supporting them during the season. Boys Junior Gold It was a pleasure to coach the Junior Gold Boys this year, watching them grow as a team and individuals. Just one of the many highlights was playing a game with only nine players showing the courage and determination to play against the odds and winning 3-0. The team scored some incredible set piece goals, gave some fantastic individual performances and scored last minute goals to seal victories. Junior Gold Boys demonstrated that by working hard together they could achieve great things and with one game remaining had a chance of winning the league but narrowly missed out on the final day. Boys Junior Yellow It was great to see all the team develop as players but also as young men and leaders. The visible improvement in overall footballing ability as the season went on, is a testament to Milo’s coaching. Highlights included Grayson’s pacy runs and left foot screamers, Caue’s penalty saves and playing in the fog with a 20 metre visibility. Thank you for the parent help and sideline support throughout the season that ensured things ran smoothly. Girls First XI The Girls First XI have continued to grow and develop this season. They had a good season in the Premier Auckland wide competition against some of the best teams in the country. After a few early losses, the team hit the reset button and went on to win four games in a row and secured eighth in the competition. It was great to see the girls grow in confidence. They are now really starting to play attractive possession based football, with all the girls developing their composure on the ball and their decision making attributes. The team headed off to Taupo to compete in the NZ secondary Schools National Championships where the top 32 school teams competed over a week long competition. The girls played seven games in five days. TGS ended up with three wins, three losses and a draw. Special mention must go to the Year 13s that are leaving this year, Georgie Shanahan, Anna Tucker and Maisy Longbottom. We wish you all the best and hopefully you continue to play football.
62 63 Boys Year 10 Gold The majority of this squad had played together in 2021 as Year 9 Gold so had planned to hit the ground running and build on the strong end to last season. The fixture list was favourable and so the team got off to a good start and banked a few early victories. It required a dramatic, but convincing, 5-1 victory over Avondale in the last round robin game to ensure the team rightly made the top four playoffs.In the playoff for third and fourth place against Westlake, the team ran out 2-0 winners to cap off a great season. A massive thank you goes to coach Ryan Ward and to all the parents who helped out during the season as referee or running the line. Boys Senior Blue The Boys Senior Blue team had an outstanding season. Along the way to finishing second place in the table, the team had some incredible matches of football - a 6-5 come from behind win over Rangitoto being a stand-out result. It was a most enjoyable season and thanks go to all the parents who volunteered to organise match days, to referee and to get the players across Auckland for our games. Boys Year 9 Gold The Year 9 Boys Gold team had a tremendous season. They really developed their ability to implement an attractive style of football, in which they dominated the possession in games. They finished a creditable second in the league They have showcased their ability to work together as a team,and they punished the opposition on many occasions from relentless pressure on the ball. The team should be massively proud of themselves and how they have developed. Thank you to all the parents on the sideline and to the dads who helped referee and run the line throughout the season.
64 65 Boys Senior Gold Winning almost every round robin game played, the team got better and better by the week. Highlights included some memorable goals from Gage’s half field boot or any one of Harry’s punts that ended in the top corner of the net. With a rough end to the season losing out in the semis the team still kept their heads high and ended the season off in the semis with an intense game. Boys First XI The First XI Boys had a very successful season. All players massively developed throughout the season with the team playing at times very attractive football. The team had great spirit and morale and finished third in the league.Several players were selected for their representative club teams to play at Men’s First Team level at National League, playing at the highest level of football in New Zealand, which was very pleasing. Highlights of the season include the 10-0 thrashing of Albany Senior High, reaching the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup and the 1-0 home win against Howick who at the time were top of the table. The boys had a great tournament week and finished fifth. They had a great time away together, playing some great football and enjoying themselves on and off the field. Thank you to all the parents for their support, especially at tournament week and also to Mike Riley for giving up his Friday evenings to referee the First XI boys. Boys Second XI The Second XI Boys had a fantastic season. With competitive entry into the First XI, the boys came to trainings and games raring to go, trying to push into the team.However, the team was composed of almost the entire Second XI. Grading well, the boys put in a great effort to finish third in the Senior B league. An enthusiastic group of parents giving great support and an abundance of offers for refs each game, made the season a blast.
64 65
6666 67 GOLF This year we had a strong year of keen golfers that were more than willing to represent Takapuna Grammar. The premier team placed third in the North Harbour Premier Nine Hole competition. Our season had its ups and downs but overall it was a great learning experience as for some players it was their first experience in competitive match play. Next year looks promising for TGS Golf too because there are more keen golfers coming through the ranks thanks to the high numbers of juniors coming through the local Waitemata Golf club. HOCKEY The Boys First X1 played in the highest grade of hockey in the Auckland region for the second year running, which pitched us against some of the top hockey schools in New Zealand. Taine Kearney our captain, was an inspirational leader and was part of the North Harbour Under 18As which won the national competition. Vice-captain,Henry Blanchard’s leadership style complemented Taine’s: Henry represented North Harbour Under 18Bs. Taine and Henry are the first boys for at least ten years to represent North Harbour at Under 18 level. We had a strong finish to the season making the semi-finals in the Olympic Stick Tournament in Hamilton.
66 67 The Girls First X1 developed strongly throughout the season and one quality that stood out was their resilience. By learning from their mistakes they were able to beat teams which had earlier beaten them. They learnt how to fight back by having a strong sense of self-belief and by backing themselves regardless of the score. The team culture was outstanding. We all decided on our four team values - Positive and Fun, Committed, Respect and Support, Excellence. These values gave them the drive to make the final at the Eveline Hankers Memorial tournament this year. They were denied first place, but the girls proudly wore their silver medals. After also coming fifth in Grade 1A at North Harbour, they have set a solid platform for 2023 and will be an inspiration to the other players, including the new Year 9 students. Both First XI teams played Alumni teams this year. This is a tradition worth preserving and a wonderful experience. We had four other teams this year, the Boys Second X1, two Girls Second X1 teams and a Junior Girls team. The Girls Blue team was promoted up after the first round and had a hard hill to climb but like all the teams, they never gave up. The team numbers were tight as we could only just make four teams but had too many for three. We had 14 player-coaches this year and we have a team of players visiting BIS on Monday afternoons to cement their ties with TGS. All teams achieved success on and off the field and the foundation of our success is a very strong team bond founded on core values of respect, resilience and relentlessness.
68 69
68 69 NETBALL The 2022 Netball season consisted of five Year 9 teams; five Year 10 and seven Senior teams. A shout out goes to TGS 9/3 who came second in their grade and congratulations to TGS Team 8 and Team 10 who placed first in their grades. Thank you to the 17 student coaches and our nine wonderful community coaches who volunteered this season. Well done to all the TGS umpires who earned new qualifications this season or who took the first step in their umpiring journey. HIGHLIGHTS 10/2 Thank you to our wonderful student coaches Jessica Archer and Issy Webb. The coaches found the season extremely rewarding as they watched the girls progress and grow as players. The team should also be really proud of their achievements, coming first place in College Grade 10, with only one close loss this whole season. 10/3 A huge thank you to our great community coach Karen Adams. Team 10/3 had a wonderful season. They demonstrated consistency throughout every match and quickly learnt the four phases of defence. This meant the team frequently kept the opposition to single figures. The players’ passion and determination in the final game made everyone on the side-line extremely proud. 9/5 Thank you to our terrific student coaches Sophie McComb and Layke Thwaites. The highlights of the season were the players growing together as a team, seeing them take on advice and then improve throughout each game. The players always motivated each other on and off the court even through the difficult challenges.
70 71 UNISS Tournament Team The tournament was held at the Pakuranga Howick Netball Centre. There were high spirits and excitement for the first game. The team played against Keri Keri which ended in a close win, 29-31. The team came together in this game and fought to the end, something everyone should be proud of. The last game at Tournament would be the last school netball game for the Year 13 girls. This definitely brought on some sadness as well as excitement which made the team play a game they would always remember. The team thanks coaches Jill Collier and Rebecca Shaw, and manager Tracy Davies. Team 7 - Social Team This team was put together by a group of friends who love to play netball. There were many highlights for the team this season. Some of these include: the team’s spirit and eagerness to play, the freedom on court and their competitive edge. The coaches were players themselves in the team and this created a lot of fun along with great memories and stronger friendships. Team 9 A huge thank you to our wonderful student coaches Zara Bruce and Olivia Wilson. This team had all players push themselves to learn and become better players. At the start of the season there were a lot of games with convincing wins which set the tone for their season. However, near the end there were some challenging games which pushed the team but despite this, everyone worked really hard together and should be proud of their third place.
70 71
72 73
72 73 CROSS-COUNTRY & ROAD RACING Takapuna Grammar School had a small but dedicated group of athletes representing the school in the major cross country events this winter. Cross Country and Road Races Like in Athletics, Takapuna Grammar, although small in total numbers, had a very successful winter of cross country and road race achievements. At the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Champs in Nelson, in the Senior Girls Jodie Nash finished a very credible 11th and Sascha Letica 17th, both of whom still have another two years in the Senior Girls grade. Asha Edwards finished an amazing 11th in the Junior Girls in her first national champs schools competition. New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country National Champs in Nelson - Jodie Nash - Intermediate Girls, Asha Edwards - Junior Girls College Sport Auckland Cross Country Champs at Lloyd Elsmore Reserve - Team TGS. Jodie Nash Asha Edwards College Sport Auckland - Auckland Cross Country Champs: - Jodie Nash 2nd Intermediate Girls - Sascha Letica 3rd Intermediate Girls College Sport Auckland - North & West Zone Cross Country: - Asha Edwards 1st Junior Girls - Jodie Nash 1st Intermediate Girls - Sascha Letica 2nd Intermediate Girls - TGS 1st Intermediate Girls 3-person team (Jodie, Sascha and Piper Lodge) College Sport Auckland - Auckland Road Race Champs: - Jodie Nash 3rd Intermediate Girls - Sascha Letica 4th Intermediate Girls Jodie and Sascha both represented Auckland at the Athletics NZ Road Race National Champs in Wellington, with Jodie 2nd U18 and Sascha 4th U18. They were also part of the winning U18 Auckland team. Sascha was also part of the winning U18 Auckland team at the Athletics NZ Cross Country National Champs. Other TGS athletes who competed at the College Sport Auckland cross country and/or road races competitions were; Samantha Korck, Anna Tucker, Piper Lodge, Jessica Donnelly, Nova Powles, Cooper McNaughton, Charlie Bolser-Catlin and Lyri Posimani College Sport Auckland Cross Country North & West Zone Day – Winning Intermediate Girls 3-Person Team (Jodie, Sascha & Piper).
74 75 ROWING Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club The 2021-22 rowing season for Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club was definitely an incredible one for all athletes, coaches and supporters. Despite the many limitations brought about by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we had a great deal of fun at our many camps and were able to successfully compete in local regional and national regattas. This included the opportunity for some of our senior athletes to compete with ‘Taka PRIDE’ on the stunning Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel for the first time. With a record number of athletes, some amazing results were achieved, and some fantastic memories made. This season will be remembered vividly as one of Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club’s most successful rowing seasons. Achievements and Awards: Annabelle Knowles - Rowing New Zealand U19 International Women’s Squad: 12th Place - U19 Quad - 2022 Junior World Championships. Skye Lang - Rowing New Zealand U18 Squad: 1st Place - U18 Quad - NZ North vs South Regatta. 1st Place - U18 Single - NZ North Vs South Regatta. Skye Lang - Auckland Rowing Association Light Blues Squad. Annabelle Knowles - Auckland Rowing Association Open Blues Squad. Skye Lang & Annabelle Knowles - New Zealand U18 Double National Champions. Annabelle Knowles, Skye Lang, Isabella Foster, Rea Kearns, Karin Kozuka, Harrison Toxopeus & Jimmy Austin, - Rowing New Zealand Top Ten Badge. Bill An & Dan McDonald - U15 Double North Island Champions. Skye Lang & Annabelle Knowles - U18 Double North Island Champions. Ollie Burton & Benjamin Mansell - Novice U18 Double Regional Champions. Brynlee Smith, Amelia Swarbrick, Elizabeth McKendry, Galeyt Alexander & Karin Kozuka - Novice U18 Coxed Quad Regional Champions. Annabelle Knowles - Auckland Rowing Association Female School Rower of the Year. Annabelle Knowles & Skye Lang - Auckland Rowing Association Female School Crew of the Year. Key Results • Our junior athletes attended the Auckland Championship Regatta and came home with two regional titles and Gold Medals, one Silver and one Bronze. • This year we decided to take a squad of 16 athletes down to the South Island to compete in the prestigious New Zealand Club Championships Regatta. Our athletes competed against many people double their age, and after qualifying for an outstanding six A Finals, they secured one Silver and two Bronze Medals. • The full Competition Squad was able to attend the Junior AON Regatta. Competing within the restrictions of the red traffic light in the Covid-19 Protection Framework, and in our first Karapiro regatta of the season our athletes achieved some outstanding personal bests and also secured three firsts and one third placing. • In the North Island Secondary School Regatta we won two North Island titles, two Gold Medals, three Silver Medals and four Bronze Medals. • Our season culminated at the 75th New Zealand Secondary School Championships - the AON Maadi Cup where our athletes qualified for seven A Finals, six B Finals, three C Finals and one D Final. This National Championship regatta had a huge number of spectators at Twizel, online and on Sky Sports and with over 1300 athletes competing, this is the largest school sporting event in New Zealand. We returned home with another national title and a medal trifecta: Bronze in the GU17 Single, Silver in the GU18 Quad, and a Gold Medal in the GU18 Double.
74 75 RUGBY 1st XV CAPTAIN’S REPORT We kicked off our season with a couple of the more challenging teams in the competition, Massey and Manurewa. Our young team showed great heart against these considerably larger sides but they ultimately exposed some areas that we needed to improve. The following week. Rosmini gave us an extremely tight match, going back and forth until the dying minutes when they edged the win. After our game against Whangarei, we honoured the late ex-Takapuna Grammar student, Waikato Chief and Maori All Black, Sean Wainui and his family with a haka and a jersey presentation. This was a powerful moment and both teams were inspired by the mana present in the Takapuna Grammar Rugby community. Next up we had Rangitoto. This was our televised game and our boys were fizzing to rip in on live TV. We fought hard, but in the end, two penalty kicks from Rangitoto were enough to seal the game in the closing minutes. This led into the Orewa match where a relentless attitude both from the starters and the finishers drove us to secure the win by one point. Physicality was expected from Massey and Manurewa going into the second round. These games took a physical toll on our boys and with a few players out with injuries we knew we would have to step it up. We took it to Rosmini the following week in front of a roaring home crowd. Our forward pack was dominant this entire game culminating in an 80 metre forwards effort in the dying minutes. However, Rosmini did not relent and snuck the win by one point. We then suffered a couple of difficult losses on the road against Westlake and against Whangarei. Going into the playoffs, a couple of teams pulled out causing us to be fast-tracked into a plate final against Rangitoto. We played relentlessly, but Rangitoto’s penalty kicking game was enough to push the win out of our reach. This season was a steep learning curve for many but ultimately, it was a season of hard work and memorable moments that we are all proud of. We were also fortunate enough to have two of our players selected for the North Harbour U18 squad; Liam Arthur-Hunt and Heath Barrett. The team thanks all of the parents and supporters that came to our games. The team is also grateful for the experience and expertise of the coaching team; Grant Simpkins, Donald Coleman, Zach Martin, and Connor Hill, as well as the management team; Jeremy Barrett, Andy Godslave, and Ian McAlpine. GIRLS’ RUGBY REPORT This year we were thrilled to be able to field a Youth 15 Girls Tackle Rugby Team. The team was made up from a number of girls who had graduated from the rippa rugby grades and a group of new to rugby players who were keen to give tackle a go. The season started with quite a few nervous players but they were quick to develop confidence and learn the rules of the game. With quite a few young players it’s a team with plenty of potential. During the season we saw some good strong running, powerful tackles and some textbook plays. The scoreboard may not have been on our side this year, but we saw plenty of gutsy performances from the girls. The girls have played with passion, and good humour and we look forward to continuing to grow girls tackle rugby here at TGS. A massive thank you to Mrs Dawson for the energy and time she has put in to coaching the team this season.
76 77 Youth 16 The TGS Youth 16 side went from strength to strength throughout the season with all players growing in both confidence and ability. The team finished the regular season with a 6 win, 3 loss and 1 draw record including great victories over both of the Westlake sides in the process. This meant they finished third overall, booking themselves a semi final spot. The team played arguably their best game of the season in the semi final where they came up against an Orewa side who they had previously lost 38-12 to. The final score was 8-8 but due to TGS scoring the first try they qualified for the grand final. Played at the Oval outside of North Harbour Stadium, TGS came up against an unbeaten Mahurangi side. Although the result didn’t go their way, there were some very well taken tries which showed the progress that was made throughout the season. The final result was 32-12 to Mahurangi. 2nd place overall for the TGS Youth 16 side is a reflection of what was a very outstanding season for a great group of young men. 2022 TGS RUGBY SEASON SUMMARY Youth 14 The side started the season with an outstanding win over Westlake Green (57-5). The confidence that the players took from this match flowed into the remainder of the season. The team finished with a win - loss record of 7 wins and 3 losses, and finishing 4th on the points table and qualifying for the play-offs. This semi final match was against the top of the table Rosmini (Red) side, who had gone through the regular season undefeated. Unfortunately the result didn’t go TGS’s way and we ended up playing off for 3rd and 4th.
76 77
78 79
78 79 SAILING TGS Sailing has had their most successful year to date. The TGS sailing team of captain Dylan Forsyth, Vivien Chung, William Mason, Jamie Kwong, Mischa Grotrian, Caleb Newton, Finn Brown and subs Abigail Goosen and Sienna Hawkes competed at the New Zealand 420 teams Nationals held at Algies Bay in October. 29 schools competed in this annual event with six of the top qualifying Australian teams here to compete for the Australasian Champion school and to try to win the overall Trans -Tasman team’s cup. Takapuna Grammar qualified as top New Zealand boat to compete against the Australian teams and against the top three kiwi teams.They racked up solid wins against Napier Boys,Glendowie, Brisbane, Scott’s college and Peninsula. TGS went on to secure first place overall with only one loss on the last day. Takapuna Grammar did not only win the NZ Nationals secondary schools’ 420 teams title, but were also first in the New Zealand / Australian competition making them first in the inter dominion championships.TGS were the winning New Zealand school that helped secure the trans -Tasman trophy to stay in New Zealand along with the help of Napier Boys’ and Glendowie College. These outstanding results were a credit to the team working Matt Mason (Coach) Melita Tu’isila (TIC), Mischa Grotrian, Jamie Kwong, Finn Brown, Vivien Webster Chung, Dylan Forsyth, Will Mason, Caleb Newton, Abigail Goosen, Sienna Hawkes and Kent Forsyth (On water crew) together with on point communication and commitment to the goal which had been set. The future looks fantastic with some very talented sailors coming through from Junior school. Special thanks to Coach Matt Mason and our TGS on-water crew of Kent Forsyth and TIC Sailing, Melita Tu’isila. TGS In action above, during the 420 Teams NZ Nationals (Algies Bay Boating club)
80 81 TGS Sailing also gained another first place in the inaugural Inter Secondary schools Fleet racing regatta held at Wakatere Boating Club in September, taking out the overall School Championship across all classes.TGS top sailor on the day was Dylan Forsyth who gained first in the Laser Radial Class. He is currently ranked second in New Zealand for the Youth ILCA 6. Year 9 student William Mason also did exceptionally well in the P-Class division, gaining a silver medal. He already has an impressive wrap sheet for such a young sailor. Milla Henderson, Jamie Kwong, Dylan Forsyth, William Mason, Will Westgate, Nam-Anh Nguyen, Sienna Hawkes, Mischa Grotrian and Abigail Goosen. Missing were Zach Nigh, Rye Brady, Claudia Pearce and Matthew Kirk. Dylan Forsyth, Will Mason, Caleb Newton, Vivien Chung, Finn Brown and Jamie Kwong. Dylan Forsyth 1st Place Mischa Grotrian and Abigail Goosen 2nd Place 1st Female Will Mason 2nd Place Another great result came from the all girls crew of Mischa Grotrian and Abigail Goosen, both Year 10 students. They sailed the RS Fever and were not only the first all girls crew but second overall in this class. They are part of a new up and coming group of talented girls coming through TGS Sailing.
80 81 Mischa Grotrian and Abigail Goosen 2nd Place 1st Female Our top female sailor Vivien Chung has gained some fantastic individual results. Not only being part of the TGS team that gained eighth in the Secondary School’s Keelboat Nationals, but in her 420 Class she has won the North Island Championships and the Auckland Championships. She came second in the NZ Youth Championships and she is currently a National Champion in the 420 class for women. She also went on to compete overseas this year gaining 95th Junior European Champs and 49th in the Open World Championships. TGS Year 13 Dylan Forsyth has gained NZL honours at the Nationals ILCA Sailing regatta in Picton gaining second Youth ILCA 6. He then went on to the Yachting NZL Oceanbridge Youth trials held at Takapuna Boat Club in Term 1 coming second in Youth ILCA 6. Dylan continued to sail well and came first in ILCA 6 in the Lake Taupo Centreboard Sailing regatta. Other results included; • 3rd in the North Shore Freshwater Championships Lake Pupuke NZTSA Auckland Cup Teams Sailing Regatta Royal Akarana Yacht Club • 3rd (Captain of TGS Team) • Harken National Secondary School Keelboat Championship Royal NZ Yacht Squadron 8-4-22 • 8th Gold Fleet (Captain TGS A Team) Special mention to Tom Darby who won the CBRE NZ Club Champs which qualified his team to represent NZ in the USA later in the year. TGS Sailing won Takapuna Grammar School “Team of the Year” for the following results. • 1st NZ Teams 420 Nationals • 1st Inter Dominion teams 420 Championships against Australia • 1st Trans-Tasman Team racing challenge( representing NZ) • 1st Auckland inter Fleet racing championships • 3rd Auckland 420 Teams racing
82 83 SKATEBOARDING New to TGS this year, we had 10 skateboarders enter into the inaugural College Sport Skateboarding competition which was held at Barry Curtis Park, Flatbush in September. Competitors were Angus, Liam, Toby, Charlie, Roman, Iani, Dusty, Tyler, Sam and Sam who competed in the Junior or Senior section depending on their age. After two runs Dusty and Liam were announced as finalists in the Junior boys and Tyler and Charlie in the Senior boys. Congratulations to the team for an epic effort and to Dusty (bottom right) who was awarded silver in the Junior boys, Charlie, (bottom left) who won bronze in the senior boys and Tyle, (bottom middle) who won silver in the senior section. Thanks to all the parents who supported the team in this new and exciting sport at TGS! You may be surprised to learn that TGS has a very strong team of snow sports athletes that balance their studies with cold early mornings and 70 ft + jumps or 100 kph+ speeds on hard packed snow throughout the year and across the globe. 2022 has been an exciting and productive year for Mischa Thomas and Liam Richards who are both in Year 10. Kicking off with three months intensive training in Laax, Switzerland during Term 1, they returned to school life inTerm 2 before relocating to Wanaka for the NZ season Term 3, returning to school Term 4 as soon as training concluded. While in Europe, Liam also represented New Zealand at the Junior Freestyle World Champs held in Leysin. Injuries disrupted the season for both athletes. However, they still managed to put down some solid results with Mischa leading the Open Freestyle Series and Liam in a very respectable sixth as this is written. Nina Holbrook, also Y10, is enjoying back-to-back winters, training in Park City Utah over the kiwi summer and competing within the US domestic Competition in the traditional Alpine disciplines of Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G. Now back in New Zealand she is also in Cardrona training with a view to a top finish at the NZ National Champs at the end of the season. SNOWSPORTS
82 83 SQUASH There were three boys’ and two girls’ teams entered into the Auckland Secondary schools squash competition during Term 2. Highlights of the season included: • Premier Girls winning the Auckland Team Championships and second place in the National Secondary School Championships • Takapuna Grammar School combined girls and boys teams winning the Co-Ed Cup at the National Secondary School Champs • Three school squash players selected for the TransTasman team 2022 • Increase in the number of TGS teams playing in the Auckland competition from two in 2021 to five in 2022 Thanks to Joshua Choice (TIC), coach Manu Yam and his team, as well as all the parent managers, volunteers and the boys for all their efforts. Season Summary Premier Boys: E grade + Henry Griffiths, Max Bailey, Angus Parsons, Karl Letica, Samuel O’Brien Auckland Secondary School Team Champs The Premier Boys Team competed in the Auckland squash champs in June. They played against power houses Westlake Boys, Auckland Grammar as well as Orewa College and Howick College. Our team finished fourth overall which was a great result and a very good experience as the youngest team. National Secondary School Champs Along with the TGS Premier Girls Team, the highlight of the school squash season for the Premier Boys Team was the National Secondary School Squash Competition held over a
84 85 weekend in August in Auckland. 32 teams competed in the boys’ division with schools from all over the country. The team included Henry Griffiths, Max Bailey, Angus Parsons, Samuel O’Brien, and Henry Thorpe. The team had incredibly tough games against higher ranked players in many games but really rallied as both individual players and as a team to support each other with many wins along the way. The final standing for TGS was eleventh position out of the 32 boys teams Winners, in conjunction with the TGS Girls Premier Team – New Zealand Secondary Schools Squash Competition Best Performed Co-Ed School CUP NZSS Trans-Tasman Squash Team Selection Congratulations to Max Bailey who was selected as one of the two non-travelling reserves for the Boys’ Secondary School’s Junior team. Premier Girls: E grade + Justine Pausch, Saara Joukani, Sarah Bowden, Heather Bowden Nina Holbrook played in Auckland Secondary Schools Championships; Greer Lundjevich played in New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships. The TGS Premier Girls’ team competed in two team competitions this year and in the Individual Secondary schools Championships. It was another very exciting year with them stepping up to win the Auckland Secondary Schools Championships and retain their runner-up seeding in the NZSS competition. Auckland Secondary School Team Champs The Girls’ Premier divisions at the Auckland Secondary Schools Championships were played in June.TGS had two 5-0 convincing wins against both Westlake and Epsom Girls’ taking last year’s winner’s title away from Westlake Girls’. National Secondary School Champs This year NZSS was held in Auckland in August. With TGS seeded second, they went straight through the first round into the winners’ round robin draw. Great wins secured them a place in the finals against the number one seeds, Otumoetai College. TGS Girls lost in four, in some very exciting and hard fought matches. The silver medal was an exciting achievement and in conjunction with the boys they were awarded the Co-Ed School Cup for the best performing co-ed team. Open A Boys: under E2 grade Henry Thorpe, Oscar Dixon-Hall, Kieran Weaver, Hassan Sorour, Hugo Dixon-Hall The TGS Open A Boys squash team represented the school with great commitment and spirit. The matches were competitive and passionate, with some epic wins. Each of the players saw their speed and skills improve with regular games, against schools such as King’s College, Selwyn College, Lynfield College and Auckland Grammar. Thank you to the parents who helped to transport players to their games and team managers Steve Thorpe, Briar and Byron Weaver Team Managers: Steve Thorpe, Briar & Byron Weaver TGS Open A Girls Lynn Kawana, Greer Lunjevich, Izzy Meyer, Rima Malloch, Lily Pinero The TGS Open A Girls Squash Team represented the school well in 2022 with many of the girls playing together as a team for the first time and some new to competitive squash. They can be proud of their contribution to the overall TGS squash season, the improvements made and their ranking this year. Thanks go to team manager Jason Lundjevich for all his hard work. Junior Boys: ungraded Alex Lord, George Duffield, Max Cook, Toby Melhuish, Victor Nguyen The Junior Boys Squash team had a great season as this was the first time any of them had played competitively. The team finished second overall in the table. They got better and better each week, and came away with some great wins, many against much more experienced players. Thank you to team manager Johanna Melhuish for her support throughout the season.
84 85
86 87 SWIMMING Year 10 student Liam Vogel competed at the New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships in August, making it into eight finals races. From the eight finals he won two National Age Group Titles in the 100m backstroke and the 100m fly. To go with his two gold he also collected a trio of bronze medals in the 50m backstroke, 50m fly and 200m backstroke. Congratulations also go to Liam on his inclusion in the NZ Development Team which competes in Brisbane in December.TGS took a team of six to the North Harbour Zone competition. Swimmers included Liam Vogel, Dima Kuzmenkov, Jodie Nash, Halena Kearns, Brodie Webb and Piper Lodge. (Liam Vogel Year 10) (Dima Kuzmenkov year 9)
86 87 Term 2 was a successful one for a couple of our teams who competed in their respective grades. TGS Team 2 members Connor Christensen, Nathan Fernandes, Sam Moffitt, and Maxim Tenitski placed third in the B grade North Harbour competition and were invited to compete in the Auckland Team Championships. TGS Team 6 members Yaku Villacis Feick, Kush Svak, and Fletcher Watts placed second in the C Grade and were also invited to compete in the Auckland Team Championships. The programme also had Year 11 student Rebecca Robson compete in the Auckland Secondary Schools Grade Championships during Term 2. This year,TGS sent a team to the NZSS Table Tennis Championships for the first time. The tournament was held in Hamilton and the team consisted of Gavin Wu, Carrie Guo and Robert Park. The team placed second in the B Grade division, with Carrie winning Gold in the U15 Girls competition.. TABLE TENNIS
88 89 TENNIS In Term 1, TGS Tennis had seven tennis teams entered in the North Harbour Monday Competition. We had four Boys teams and three Girls teams. It was pleasing to see so many Boys teams during the first term of school and the boys all enjoyed playing with their friends while gaining some excellent results both individually and overall in the process. The Girls A team consisting of Lucy Arthur, Lucy Travers, Sakura Fukui and Alice Beale won their grade. The other Girls teams (B and social) came in the top three in their grades. The TGS Ultimate community have been training hard. Ex-TGS students Ben Simpkins and Bo Klijn have come on board this year to help run the Tuesday after school sessions. Term 1 saw the cancellation of the New Zealand National Tournament due to Covid. However, the outdoor Auckland Championships still ran at Bruce Pulman Fields. Our Girls Premier team competed making the finals and coming in at second place. Our Girls Development team entered the B Division and competed strongly for a team who had a majority of new players to the sport. However, the girls team did take out the prestigious Girls Spirit award. Our boys team entered the B Division and won without losing a game. Term 2 allowed for the Auckland Indoor Champs to go ahead. We sent two boys teams and two girls teams to this event. Once again our top girls team made the final and went down to Epsom Girls grammar school. The Mixed premier team gained a creditable sixth place. Charlie Tallon of Year 9 was also named the tournament MVP. Congratulations to Emily McNamara and Briar Carter for making the NZ Development Girls Squad 2022. ULTIMATE FRISBEE
88 89 Although it has been a rocky year with Covid cancelling NZSS Beach and Indoor Nationals, volleyball at Takapuna Grammar School continued to thrive. The indoor season saw both our Premier Girls team and Senior Boys team qualify for the first division at Auckland Championships. The girls’ side again secured their spot in the coveted Premier League and gained an overall placing of thirteenth at Auckland Championships. This was a great performance from the girls who were wonderfully led by co-captains Georgie Shanahan and Hannah Corbett. The Senior Boys also did very well at Auckland Championships, led by Harbour representative and captain Maaki Muir with additional Harbour representatives Jasper Nowaczek and Jacob Birks also on the team. Overall, both teams performed very well and were successful. VWith so much talent, new resources and opportunities, our development and potential as a school has increased highly. Special thanks go to Mr Van Stipriaan and Coach, Tristan Hegglun. VOLLEYBALL
90 91 WATERPOLO This year the TGS Water Polo programme had two senior teams, and three junior teams. Senior Girls Team A number of junior girls joined the senior players in the team. It was a young team and the senior players were very supportive of the junior players. They were led by the wonderful Jas who had her work cut out for her as coach. The team faced some heavy losses but they pulled themselves up and we saw huge improvements over the season, with them often paying bigger and more experienced teams. The team showed promise and if the juniors keep playing there is potential for the prem team to be more competitive going forward. Special mention must be given to Jay who was amazing as the team goalie and hopefully will be back next year. We say goodbye to Isla, Gaby and Issy and sadly our coach Jas. A huge thanks to them all for their time and patience with the team. Senior Boys Team The highlight of course was the tournament in Rotorua which everyone really enjoyed. Despite a slow start the team finished strongly, beating both old foes Northcote and then Orewa. This year we say goodbye to our Year 13 boys, Sam Porter and Rohan Sherlock. We also thank and sadly farewell Nick who has been our coach for a number of years. Junior Girls Team 2022 saw the beginning of our Junior Girls Water Polo programme. The girls had a fantastic year, building on skills and confidence from Term 2 to Term 4. They all had a great attitude and willingness to learn. We look forward to another great year in 2023, welcoming more girls into TGS waterpolo and wishing our Year 10 girls all the best with Seniors. Junior Boys Team During Term 1, the teams were mixed and played in one day tournaments across Auckland. From Term 2 onwards, the teams were split into a boys team, girls team and a mixed development squad. The junior boys played in the B grade in the North Harbour league at Millennium. As a newly formed team they had to work hard to build their fitness quickly and start working as a team. Friday night games were exciting to watch and there have been some close scores, extremely physical games and exciting wins. Thank you to Nick for his long service to coaching at TGS. Special thanks to Kane and Mark, for taking over the coaching position. We are very lucky to have such experienced parents to coach the boys. They bring a great energy to training and even jump in the pool from time to time to put the team through their paces. The TGS water polo community is inclusive and we welcome anyone interested in the sport to register for 2023. TGS Development Squad Our TGS Water Polo development squad had a great season in 2022. Made up of the core members of Freya, Innora, Lucien, Alex, Alexandra, Gabe, Ruby, Anika and guided by coach Nick they have grown and developed into a skilled and dominant team in the Glenfield league, winning all but three games this season. Special mention goes to Freya, our dominant goal scorer who has mastered the art of throwing a strike into the back of the net. She is always well set up to get opportunities to score by the team’s great set play and impressive defensive work. A big thank you to Pippa, Jackie and their players for always coming through with extra numbers to support the team and ensuring we have a team to play on game day.
90 91
92 93 AMNESTY CLUB TGS Amnesty Group has been in full blast protecting services, advocating for human rights and fundraising for good causes. Throughout the year the team of 40 keen students has been meeting fortnightly to discuss human rights issues and solutions affecting many across the world. Leaders Lucy Tolcher and Hyerim Park led the freedom challenge theme followed from the Amnesty website. One of the club’s key topics around the criminal age of responsibility resulted in a successful bake sale being held in August. Badges were handed out, deep conversations around human treatment were held and petitions were signed. Over $190 was raised towards this important cause and the new leaders coming into 2023 are being handed a good bunch who care and want to make a difference for the better in our world. - Eshana Choudhary CODING CLUB The TGS Coding Club is made up of a group of passionate coders who meet every Friday at lunchtime to enhance their computing skills. Not only do they practise their coding skills, but they also support every team member and the skillful seniors are delighted to guide the beginners and develop their thinking. Together the students form a warm community open to anyone interested in coding and programming, no matter how many skills you have. This year, several students had the opportunity to compete in NZOI - the NZIC programming competition. Some students were in top places on the leaderboard with their critical thinking skills and well-developed programming skills. CHESS Takapuna Grammar’s Chess club operates every Thursday lunchtime with students ranging from beginners to competitive, all participating in competing against others at similar levels. TGS has two chess teams which competed in the NZCF (New Zealand Chess Federation) North Shore Interschools Qualifier in August. Both teams performed exceptionally well. Our A team came second, one point behind gold, and received silver medals. Our B team placed sixth in the competition, first in all other B teams from schools on the North Shore. Originally only gold medallists competed in the National Finals, but because of A team’s outstanding performance they were offered a wild card to compete in the National Finals in Christchurch. B Team: (Left to Right) ChenChen Wang, Nathan Fernandes, Gavin Wu, Scott Beaumont, Nikolas Tsulaia Second Chess Team(left to right): ChenChen Wang, Nathan Fernandes, Gavin Wu, Scott Beaumont, Nikolas Tsulaia. Chess Premier Team: (Left to right) Sam Moffitt, Daniel Wang (captain), Qixuan Liang, Hayden Steele, Stephen Wang CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
92 93 The Junior Debating Competition was a great success in 2022. Held in the English department building on Friday lunchtimes across Terms 1 to 3, Mrs Barbara Jenkins worked alongside senior mentors and adjudicators to create a well-rounded programme for the over 43 Junior students involved. Made up of thirteen teams, 29 mentors and seven rounds of intensive debating, six teams made it through to the semi-finals in order to compete at the highest level of Junior debating. The senior mentors were supportive and encouraging, helping members of each team to work their hardest and achieve exceptional results. The overall best speaker award went to Queenie Qiu, who was also a member of the winning team: The Un-De-Feet-Ables. Other winning teammates were Qixuan Liang and April Liang. The junior debaters all showed dedication and passion whilst arguing their moots and are an exciting bunch to head into more advanced, debating at TGS next year. The Senior Debating Competition of 2022 was most successful. The Premier Advanced team competed in the Auckland Schools Debating Competition. All debates were on Zoom, making it an extra challenge but the team - Angel Jacobson, Karin Kozuka, Phoebe Rennie and Ankia Van Zyl managed this brilliantly.. They were up against teams across many Auckland schools and they won four out of their seven debates. This was a great result but unfortunately, this Auckland Schools Debating Premier Team: Karin Kozuka, Angel Jacobson, Phoebe Rennie and Ankia Van Zyl did not get them a place in the Octofinals. Nevertheless, they performed with expertise and wisdom in all of their debates and having debated together for three years, their teamwork was a credit to them. Adjudicators commented on their empathy for the controversial and challenging topics they were presented with. As well as the higher senior level team, Year 11 students, Bill An, Mila White, Tom Talbot and Lewis Campbell competed in the Senior Open section of the Auckland Schools’ Debating Competition. Debating together as a team for the first time, they won most of their debates on Zoom against schools from all across Auckland. They demonstrated teamwork, commitment and collective wisdom, showing promise for future debate competitions. DEBATING
94 95 CRAFT CIRCLE CLUB It seems a little incongruous - in the high-tech atmosphere of Te Mahi, surrounded by 3D printers, laser cutters and all sorts of esoteric equipment, a group of young women is keeping some ancient handcrafts alive. This year has seen lots of girls learn to crochet, taught by Anna. Modern crochet seems to have developed in Europe during the 17th and 18th Centuries, leading to the development of everything from fine lace making to creating colourful blankets. Isla is our resident expert for embroidery and knitting. Both have been popular; scarves and interesting needlework have been created. Videos from YouTube have been very useful, but there is no teaching tool quite as effective and companionable as sitting with a patient helper working next to you. Knitting dates back to the 5th Century, while embroidery is an even older craft. They may look simple and easy, but our members will tell you that it can be really difficult at the start and takes lots of practice to become proficient. The ancient craft of Origami is also popular and we have Sylvia Qi teaching us. Hopefully this will become another skill that we can offer to new members next year. Our weekly lunchtime meetings provide a comfortable, social backdrop to the creativity we are all developing. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is an extremely popular programme at our school. It’s a global opportunity for high school students to not only connect with their community, but stretch their limits and leave their comfort zones. It is a threelevel system, where you can achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold, by completing a set number of hours in the categories of Physical Exercise, Creativity, and Volunteering. In addition, you also must go on an ‘Adventurous Journey.’ This could be a multi-day tramp or kayak trip -- as well as so many more options! This is often the favourite part of the programme for many people, as it gives you the chance to meet and connect with so many new people, as often you will do the trips with people from outside of your school. “Often the hikes are really challenging, but having a bunch of people with you who are experiencing the pain together makes it much more bearable, and it’s always fun to look back on once you arrive at camp!” The trips can be anywhere from Bay of Islands all the way down to the Abel Tasman, and often vary in skill level. Overall, the Duke of Edinburgh programme is an amazing way to build a skillset for being active in the rural and remote parts of the great outdoors, as well as connecting and making great friendships with people from all over Auckland as well as within TGS. DUKE OF EDINBURGH
94 95 The Journalism Club is working towards the publication of a literature and arts-focused journal – a regular collection of TGS students’ exemplary creative work. We plan to eventually move to more regular publication, to produce a journal that collects submitted poetry and art, and also publishes the top entries from the TGS Short Story Competition. JOURNALISM CLUB Te Rōpu Kapa Haka o te kura o Takapuna Grammar have students from many different cultures who all come together to learn waiata, haka, poi, mau rākau and Māori games. As a rōpu we have performed at different events such as the school Matariki celebrations, the pōwhiri for International students and new staff as well as the Matariki show at Bayswater Primary School. We enjoy coming together to celebrate Māori performing arts, whakawhanaungatanga and being immersed in te ao Māori. We welcome anyone to come and join our kapa haka whānau. KAPA HAKA Volunteer In Service To Auckland -VISTA- is a student-led club that encourages students to care about the communities around them by increasing volunteer participation. Led by Jenna Kim and Haeun Lim, VISTA members have been showing their contribution to De Paul House by meeting the need for the necessities. They have arranged volunteering activities within the student body; that allow students to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty or discrimination place in one’s lifetime. The biggest projects that this club actively participates in are the Bake Sales that take place in Terms 1 to 3, which are fundraising activities seeking to support the De Paul House. In the 2021-2022 school year alone, our club was able to rally together and raise over $700. Aside from this, our club also provides service during local community events that range from beach clean-ups to marathons. VISTA CLUB
96 97 KOREAN CLUB Whether you’re interested in K-pop and K-drama or wanting to learn how to speak Korean and learn Korean cultures, this is the club for you! Established in 2021, the Korean club has been encouraging students to broaden their communicative scope and be actively engaged in exchanging cultural experiences and information. The club hopes to enable the community to expand its international perspectives in doing so. Korean club provides activities that help the students primarily to learn the Korean language, as well as Korean pop culture, ranging from cuisine to history and art. PASIFIKA CLUB The Pasifika Leadership Group was founded this year to enhance and strengthen Pasifika culture, identity and awareness within Takapuna Grammar School. The group was tasked with planning and delivering a number of Pasifika language week activities, including food stalls, ula lole (lolly necklace) and ei katu (Cook Island headpiece) workshops and language week videos. Alongside these activities, guest speakers were arranged to come in and talk to our students about their journey of embracing their Pasifika heritage and how it contributed to the success they have found in their various careers. These speakers included; Alex Fala (CEO of Syft Technologies), Dr Corina Grey (Director of the Board of Vaka Tautua and Public Health Physician) and Pouli Keneti Faulalo (worked in sustainable development for the United Nations). The Pasifika Leadership Group hopes to continue the exposure and embracing of Pasifika culture within TGS heading into 2023.
96 97 This year, the Peer Ethics Team or PET made its debut. A group of like minded individuals came together to leave a true legacy. This year, the PET established themselves as a Peer Team, producing and conceptualising ethical dilemmas, ways to teach ethics and to change the mindsets of students around bathroom behaviour. Mirs Pottinger greatly encouraged the PET to achieve their mission with Rocco Conaghan working alongside Mrs Pottinger before the team had formed. Every single member has put massive efforts into the team. and the PET are eager for what is to come in the future. The Peer Drug and Alcohol Team is a team made up of Year 12 and 13 students. This year we focused our learning on vaping, drugs and alcohol and dangerous driving. We held theory lessons for all the Year 10 health classes, which involved presentations, hands-on work, and acting out scenarios. As well as promoting to others we had a workshop about the dangerous driving campaign with SADD and we are now working to put our support and promotion into the school. The students worked in groups and contributed ideas, giving everyone equal opportunities and educating our peers about the dangers of unsafe substances. PEER ETHICS TEAM PEER DRUG AND ALCOHOL TEAM The 2022 Readathon, a Peer Service Team initiative which was lead by prefect Ankia van Zyl, was a reading all-nighter held in the Devonport Library, from which all funds raised went towards purchasing books for the TGS Special-Ed Department in memory of Finn Linton, a TGS Special-Ed student who passed away this year. It has now been some time after this incredible event and the books have been bought and gifted to the SpecialEd Department. Ankia hand-picked each book for the breathtaking stories, laughs, and beautiful messages the team hope they will convey. We hope Finn can be remembered by the wonder held in these books. A special thank you to everyone who made the Readathon possible; to the students who participated, the adults who supervised including June the lovely librarian and Ms Pallister, who took some stunning photos, as well as to the sponsors of the event, Paradox Books and The Devonport Library Associates. PEER SERVICES TEAM
98 99 The Takapuna Grammar School Peer Support Programme provides new entrant Year 9 students with a structured introduction to school under the guidance of senior Year 13 students who are trained as leaders. The Peer Support programme is designed to help students achieve success at school by developing their relationship skills, their self-esteem and a sense of belonging. An amazing group of 109 Year 13 leaders welcomed our new Year 9 students to the school and helped foster a positive and caring experience with the support of our school counsellors, Johan Kirstein and Emma Eaglen. The sessions were studentled with an emphasis on The Five ways to Wellbeing and Hauora-Te Whare Tapa Wha in a way that was fun and immersive. PEER SUPPORT TEAM CULTURE NIGHT Culture Night 2022 was a blast, thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. From our performers, to the dedication of the Cultural Committee, to the support of the tech crew, no stone was left unturned in creating an event that would do the melting pot of cultures here at TGS justice. MC’d by Cultural Committee members, Mira Menon, Lily Mann Benn and Oliver Ng, each act showcased the amazing talents our students have to offer. Many groups who had performed at the Culture Day in Term 3 were able to return to the stage, such as the upbeat Kpop and dazzling Korean Fan dancers, as well as new performances such as a Japanese Glow Stick dance and piano sections from Matthew Spooner and Gavin Wu. Between the performances, the audience was also treated to a free meal of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine, and reaped the rewards of the generous raffle donors. The night culminated in a singalong to ‘You’re the one that I want’ from Grease, with performers and audience members alike taking to the stage for a memorable end to a memorable night.
98 99 TGS Philosophy Club is a student-led club that meets every Monday lunchtime to discuss various ideas and aspects of philosophy. The club is made up of students from all across the school, who mostly have two things in common — a love of ambiguous and thoughtprovoking questions, and the inability to spell Nietzsche’s name correctly. Throughout the year, the club has enjoyed presentations and discussions ranging from metaphysics and aestheticism to Jean-Paul Sartre and nihilism, often in the company of some good home baking. The Politics and Civic Club had an exciting first year. PACC created a unique space to discuss what politics and civics are, and what they mean to us as students. During our weekly lunchtime meetings, we’ve explored New Zealand’s political system and debated relevant topics in a judgement free environment, with a focus on being able to see each other’s perspectives. PACC was also a chance to meet more students, and bond with those they already knew. TGS PHILOSOPHY CLUB POLITICS AND CIVIC CLUB
100 101 SPRING CABARET Cabaret is a yearly tradition for Performing Arts students at TGS, and this year the Performing Arts Council led by Riley Booth, was delighted to coordinate the Spring Cabaret - designed to ‘put a spring in your step.’ Held at the Rose Centre, the night was full of entertaining performances from dancers, singers, musicians, and numerous rock bands. The MC, Lachlan Jardine, kept the audience engaged all evening with a mix of puns and fun facts about the performers. Cabaret is a wonderful opportunity for students from all year levels to showcase what they’ve been working on in class or in their own time. It’s also a great way to share the talent and culture of our Performing Arts department with all the parents, students, and members of the community who came along to watch and enjoy. SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CLUB The Science and Engineering Club is a true gem in the Science Department and is one of the largest and still growing clubs at the school. The club had another action-packed year, filled with science experiments and engineering challenges, such as building paper bridges, rocket launching, alumunium foil boatbuilding and an egg-drop off the library balcony. This year, two Senior and two Junior teams from the club represented the school at the annual Epro8 Challenge. The club is extremely proud of the junior team, TGS Volts, who qualified for the semi-final round of the competition. At the end of the year, the club farewelled the founding Year 13 leaders, Phyllis Lan, Michaella Kim and Ankia Van Zyl, and welcomed Yolanda Chai, Mila White, Emily McNamara, Taisia Grigoryan and Thilothma Weerappuli Arachige as the 2023 leaders. Thank you to Ms Van Zyl, the Teacher in Charge of the Science and Engineering Club, who has really made the club a reality.