Palmerstonian 2017

Leg 3 (98km Canoe Paddle) – written by Finlay McRae Leg 5 (24km Road Run) – written by Patrick Takurua

New Zealand’s wet summer meant that, as the lads got The rain persisted as we packed our bags for the last time in
into their canoes, the Whanganui River had a healthy flow. the Wharenui of Aorangi Marae. Day five of the Crest to Crest
Following decent efforts on the mountain run and bike, this would see us boys complete the final leg of the challenge
leg would make or break any aspirations we had of beating - a 24km run from Feilding to PNBHS (via Awahuri). The run
the record. started off at a steady pace, before a quick stop at Awahuri
after 10km of the leg to replenish our fuel tanks. By the
Being a tandem activity, the canoeing necessitated the Newbury straights, Mr van Stipriaan had the lads pumping
allocation of powerful rowers to become the “engines” and with a stirring chant, håis deep, booming voice encouraging
the more astute rowers would become the boats’ rudders. the group in an exceptional manner. We then broke into a
This balance took a while to achieve, but learning was done rousing rendition of the School Song, Gaudeamus Igitur and
quickly to avoid losing too much time. The first section of the Motto Song, as we quite aptly exclaimed “Nihil Boni Sine
river was covered in a time of 3 hours and 48 minutes. This Labore!” on our last push for the city. Before long, Newbury
time reflected our strength on the river and we felt that we blurred into Rangitikei Line as we passed JFK Drive and
could use our advantage in this area to cut back our total Tremaine Ave, that blurred into Featherston Street, and lo, we
time significantly. set our eyes on the Memorial Gallery gate of Boys’High. Jolly
Mr Doolan keenly greeted us at the gate and directed us to
Packaged like sardines in the John Coull Hut, our sleep our destination as we ran past the Year 9 students lined on
on Tuesday night allowed little fatigue to subside before the front lawns, to the School Crest mounted on the Admin
we set off again the next morning. The stagnancy and Block building. Four years ago I stood on the front lawns of
mind-numbing tedium of the river was enough to invoke the school as I watched a group of large men, larger than
dangerously deep thought, such as wonderment at why fear or failure, capable of conquest and success, being led
we thought 10,000 strokes was our idea of a fulfilling day. by a bulging-muscled Head Prefect to that very Crest. From
However, our heavy units persisted well, rousing the group seeing that moment, I formulated my one aspiration and
to strive for a sub-10-hour time. The final sweeping curve goal since arriving at PNBHS, to complete the Crest to Crest
of the river was approached with caution, but this was Challenge. Being a part of the tradition, the challenge and
abandoned when we made a mad rush for the boat ramp. the legacy that is Crest to Crest hit me in a wave of euphoric
This effort was rewarded with a record breaking time of 9 pride as I, along with 18 other Year 13’s, ran through those
hours and 49 minutes. The mental struggle was over and a gates. A challenge for sure, mentally and physically, but an
blend of exhaustion and satisfaction was prevalent. As for opportunity like never before. An experience that I’ll certainly
the record, it was well and truly game on! never forget.

TIME: 9 hrs 49 mins Most importantly, on behalf of the lads, I must acknowledge
and thank all of the staff that make this possible. To Mr Durie
Leg 4 (170km Road Bike) – written by Samuel Bentham and Mr King: thank you for your exceptional support of us
boys throughout the week, from kai time to driving our gear
On the 16th of February, a Thursday morning, we woke up along the entire way. To Mr Barwick, Mr Finch, Mr Brokenshire
early to prepare ourselves for the 170km road cycle from and Mr van Stipriaan: your guts and grind to complete the
Ohakune to Feilding. After an early start, we ate breakfast, whole week with us boys is unbelievable and a huge credit
packed and were ready to go. We left the lodge at 7:45am, to your commitment in making the Crest to Crest Challenge
cycling through Ohakune and it’s cool, crisp morning air, what it is. I find myself quite proud of the boys, so my
with a stunning view to the mountain. Our ride was relatively congratulations go out to all the Crest boys for conjuring
uneventful for the majority of the day, apart from Patrick a spectacular effort to achieve a remarkable feat. Crest to
getting a flat tire a few kilometres out of Waiouru, which was Crest is most certainly a week that will never be forgotten.
swiftly fixed and we were on our way again. We then stopped It’s because of this that I encourage boys in the coming years
in Waiouru for a quick break, before leaving and not stopping to apply for a position on Crest. It’s a fantastic opportunity
again until lunch in Mangaweka. Coming into Mangaweka, that provides a huge physical and mental challenge, and
we had to wrestle a rather large hill which definitely tested really does show that nothing is achieved without hard work.
some of the lads, but we all managed to push through it
and make it to the top. After our lunch break, we set off to TIME: 2hrs 8 mins
get thrown straight into another arduous hill climb, but we
pushed through it to be rewarded with a swift downhill OVERALL TIME: 22 hrs 59 mins (NEW RECORD)
afterwards. As we were making our way to Hunterville we
had a slight crash, nothing major luckily. The crash only left On behalf of the Crest to Crest team, I would like to
a few boys with some wee scrapes and bruises, nothing acknowledge AutoKraft Ltd for their support of our team
they couldn’t handle. We stopped briefly in Hunterville for with the donation of UHF Radios. They were a valuable
a drink and a chat before leaving for our next stop, Bulls. safety tool for our team over the week and your generosity
Travelling from Hunterville to Bulls seemed to go quickly, is much appreciated.
yet it was the longest stint on the bike, travelling down long
straights that went on and on and on. After our final stop
in Bulls, we set off on the last stretch of a 170km journey to
Feilding. This last leg was mostly into the wind, making it
hard for those who were already quite tired from the week’s
previous disciplines. Nevertheless, they put their head down
and got into the grind and, before we knew it, we had made
it to our accommodation for that night, the Aorangi Marae.
The boys were quick to eat and drink, refuelling their aching
bodies in preparation for our last day on the 2017 Crest to
Crest Challenge.

TIME: 5 hrs 57 mins

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 99

100 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

DEBATING

SENIOR DEBATING

Teacher in Charge: Dr G. O’Connor
Team: Denzel Chung (Captain), Aidan Berkahn,
Ronan Carroll
This year’s team, Denzel Chung (Captain), Aidan Berkahn and
Ronan Carroll, performed very well in 2017. All three speakers
had established themselves as speakers last year and
consolidated their positions this year. Denzel Chung, as first
speaker, was very adept at setting up debates with forensic
analyses of the terms of the debate from the proposition.
He was excellent at cohering a team split and advancing a
credible case for the team. Aidan Berkahn, as second speaker,
regularly showed formidable skills of pointing out fallacies
in opposing team cases, thus switching the winning of
the debate to our side. He was able to weave in and out

of rebuttal and lodge the next phase of the team’s case as
established by Denzel. As third speaker, Ronan Carroll was
always able to announce that there were three main points
of clash and bring them to the attention of the audience
before showing that we were the better team. It takes a lot
of skill to draw together for the audience the main features
of argument and then to unpack those ideas and show why
your side deserved the win. Ronan regularly showed these
unpacking skills.

The Senior A team developed the skills of analysis and
synthesis, showing how a case can proceed from the motion
and then knitting together a case with plausible examples
for each of the three speakers. Teams win debates because
they can not only establish and develop a case, but also
rebut the opposing team line. Our team became very good
exponents of rebuttal.

The debates and results as listed below show the
commendable number of wins this debating season.

SUPER 8 CULTURAL FESTIVAL, ROTORUA, 26-27 MAY
2017

Motion: That we are exploiting our natural resources by
exporting them

Position: Affirming, against Rotorua Boys’ High School

Result: Win

This was an interesting motion with a potentially massive
scope. Significant time and effort had to be spent preparing
against an opponent we knew to be unpredictable, and with
home advantage as well. As it was, we performed admirably
against a confident and charismatic team to come away
with a win.

Semi-final motion: That we should legalise the use of
performance-enhancing drugs in professional sport

Position: Negating, against Tauranga Boys’ College

Result: Win

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 101

Thrown into a semi-final moments after the first debate of ‘quality over quantity’ (increasing the standard of living
in Rotorua concluded, we found ourselves needing to of refugees before increasing the quota), our argument
think quickly on our feet if we were to have any hope of managed to win out in the end.
progressing further. Thrown a curveball by some creative
tactics on Tauranga’s part, our teamwork, honed by close NEW PLYMOUTH BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL CULTURAL
to two years with the same squad, helped us secure a spot EXCHANGE, PALMERSTON NORTH, 30 AUGUST 2017
in the final.
Motion: That we should introduce a universal basic income
Final motion: That we should legalise human cloning
Position: Negating, against New Plymouth Boys’High School
Position: Affirming, against Hamilton Boys’ High School
Result: Win
Result: Loss
This was the inaugural debate of what we hope to be a
Up against the polished, experienced defending champions, regular event. New Plymouth Boys’ High School were the
we knew we would need to step it up another level to take worthy, high-quality opponents we were expecting. With
them on, especially faced with such a challenging side of such a challenging and left-field topic, we decided to focus
the motion as this. Harnessing the depth of our experience on how such a concept would create a fundamental shift in
and a little bit of ingenuity was not enough to overcome the incentive to work that has arguably been the cornerstone
an extremely strong opponent or the significant unknowns of the modern world for millennia. Our argument eventually
surrounding a technology like human cloning. Despite created enough doubts in the affirming side’s proposed
this, it was a close and hard-fought debate deserving of a model for us to prevail.
tournament final.

WELLINGTON COLLEGE EXCHANGE, WELLINGTON, 25
JULY 2017

Motion: That religious education should be made
compulsory in all secondary schools

Position: Negating, against Wellington College

Result: Loss

This was another debate against a traditionally strong
opponent, whose polish and skill met our high expectations.
Two high-quality teams and a controversial, divisive topic
was bound to create a spectacular clash, and this certainly
did not disappoint. Our focus on the potential for abuse
of a R.E. system and the increasing tolerance of millennials
narrowly lost out to Wellington’s firm assertions that it could
be the foundation of a more inclusive, multicultural society.

POLSON BANNER EXCHANGE, PALMERSTON NORTH,
1 AUGUST 2017

Motion: That we should increase the refugee quota

Position: Negating, against Napier Boys’ High School

Result: Win

A long-standing, fiercely-fought rivalry produced this debate,
which Massey University guest adjudicator, Geoff Watson,
called “a model debate”. Focusing primarily on the maxim

JUNIOR DEBATING moot was affirmed by our team, which consisted of Thomas
Sun as first speaker, Matthew Cao as second speaker and
Teacher in Charge: Miss A. Whibley myself as third speaker. While this debate resulted in a loss
for our team, we gained some much needed experience for
JUNIOR A our future debates.
Coach: Miss J. Mann
Manager: Miss A. Whibley Our second debate was the annual Wellington College
Team: Paul Lee, Thomas Sun, Ollie Gillespie, Matthew Exchange hosted by Wellington Boys’ High School. Our
Cao, Ray Su team consisted of Paul Lee as first speaker, Matthew Cao
Overall, this year has been somewhat successful for the as second speaker and myself as third speaker. We were
Junior A Debating team. Our first debate was hosted at affirming the moot that“This house believes that Professional
Rotorua Boys’ High School as part of the Super 8 Exchange, Sportspeople should be expected to act as role models”.
against their Junior A team. The moot was “This house While our team put forward many good arguments, the
believes that social media is the downfall of society”. This opposing team’s case was much stronger and they ultimately
won this debate.

Our third debate took place at PNBHS as part of the annual
Polson Banner Exchange against Napier Boys’ High School.

102 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

DEBATING JUNIOR
Back Row: Boston James, Shaheer Hussain, Ray Su, Paul Lee
3rd Row: Martin Vibart, Flynn Underwood, Ollie Gillespie, Tom Varney, Piripi Pinfold-Whanga, Fletcher Daubney, Blake
Storrier, Miss K. Tutavaha (Teacher)
2nd Row: Mrs A. Baines (Teacher), Ms J. Mann (Teacher), Thomas Sun, Rob Hindmarsh, William Hince, Callum Whitley, Ms
A. Whibley (Teacher)
Front Row: Miss P. Marks (Teacher), Benjamin Cen, Vikash Patel, Krit Sitkrongvong, Oli Toomey-Jakobs, Alex Cole, Mrs C.
Belton (Teacher)
Absent: Matthew Cao, Fahim Masud

Our team consisted of Paul Lee as first speaker, Ray Su as believes that politicians personal lives should not be subject
second speaker and myself as third speaker. We affirmed to public scrutiny”. This debate was by far our closest of
the moot that “This house believes that the New Zealand the year, with both teams putting out strong arguments
Government should apply a sugar tax”. This debate was well and even stronger rebuttals. In the end, our team won this
thought out by our team and had a much stronger model, heated debate.
resulting in our first win for the Junior A Debating team.

Our last debate took place at PNBHS against New Plymouth Overall, it was a great year for the Junior A team. While
Boys’ High School. Our team consisted of Paul Lee as first having a rough start, we still managed to secure two wins
speaker, Matthew Cao as second speaker and myself as and some much needed experience for next year. After this
third speaker. Our team affirmed the moot that “This house years’ experience as a junior debater, I am looking forward
to becoming a senior debater.

By Ollie Gillespie

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 103

JUNIOR – JOHN PRESTAGE lucky to have William Wood and Andrew Karatea act as Senior
DEBATING COMPETITION Mentors throughout the season.

Teacher in Charge: Miss A. Whibley The boys really had their work cut out for them as they
prepared for both John Prestage debates, as well as intercity
Six teams of Year 9 and 10 students took part in the John competitions. The pressure was certainly on, and the team
Prestage Debating competition this year. This competition held together to perform well all round. Although we had
involves our boys debating against PNGHS, St Peter’s College, the advantage of having debated together last year, the boys
Rangitikei College, Whanganui High School, Feilding, were pushed to sharpen and further develop their skills.
Nga Tawa, Whanganui Collegiate, Cullinane College and They were especially challenged to become more confident
Whanganui Girls’ High School. We certainly felt the loss of in their respective speaking roles. The guidance of Senior
the talented Year 10 students who have moved on to the Mentors Andrew Karatea and William Wood was certainly
senior school and, subsequently, experienced this year’s instrumental in giving the boys a more competitive edge
competition as one of regrouping and rebuilding, with a with their debating technique.
small core group ofYear 10 students taking the lead with their
experience from last year. Our teams debated the following Team Kowhai won their first two debates, but unfortunately
moots during Terms One, Two and Three: “Auckland should suffered a narrow loss to WHS during their third debate.
be the capital city of New Zealand”,“Regular sports should be Though we will not be continuing on to semi-finals, the
compulsory for secondary school students” and “Politicians’ boys can still have the satisfaction of looking back at how
personal and business lives should not be subject to public far they have come in the past two years. I hope to see this
scrutiny”. Speeches were 4-5 minutes long and the leaders’ group of articulate and tenacious young gents continue on
reply were 2-3 minutes. with senior debating next year.

We are grateful for the guidance of Dr G. O’Connor, Mr D. JUNIOR MIRO
Duffy and Dr G. Watson (Massey University). Senior mentors
work with individual teams. The time they give to coaching, Teacher in Charge: Mrs C. Belton
adjudication training and adjudication is much appreciated,
as is the commitment of staff members who lead each team: Team: Ben Cen, Alex Cole, Shaheer Hussain, Blake
Mrs A. Baines, Ms P. Marks and Ms J. Mann, Miss K. Tutavaha, Storrier
Mrs C. Belton and Miss A. Whibley.
Team Miro had a positive start to the year, winning both their
JUNIOR KAURI first and second rounds of the John Prestage competition in
Terms 1 and 2, respectively. Term 3 saw the team tackling a
Teacher in Charge: Ms P. Marks more challenging moot, which ultimately put an end to their
winning streak as they conceded the win to the opposition.
Team: Rob Hindmarsh, Oli Toomey-Jaykobs, Flynn
Underwood, Tom Varney Negating the moot in Term 1, team members travelled to
Palmerston North Girls’High and successfully delivered their
Mentors: John Cole, Aidan Berkahn argument, earning themselves their first win for the season
and boosting their confidence in preparation for round two.
The team began the year with little collective experience
but plenty of ideas. They worked to understand debating Palmerston North Boys’ High School was the host for round
concepts and strategies, and to work with the advice of two and it also saw team Miro affirming the moot. Slightly
senior mentors. In the first debate, they faced Whanganui nervous with affirming a difficult moot, team members
Collegiate, where they won convincingly. Flynn Underwood were dubious leading up to the debate. However, a weak
was jointly named as Best Speaker, along with a member of performance from the opposing Rangitikei College team
the Collegiate team. In the second debate, the boys faced worked in Miro’s favour, and they were awarded the win by
Nga Tawa, and lost the debate as they were unable to offer a large margin.
sufficient strong rebuttal. The team’s third debate, against
Freyberg High School, is to be held early in Term 4. For the third and final round, the team travelled to
Whanganui Collegiate to negate the last moot of the John
With four players in the team, the boys took turns actively Prestage competition. The moot posed as a challenging
debating, but they all researched and contributed ideas to one for both affirming and negating teams to debate, and
the overall approach and arguments used in each debate. as a result, both teams were neck to neck. Ultimately, the
negating team was awarded the win.
Special thanks go to John and Aidan for giving up their
lunchtimes to mentor the team, and provide support All four members of the Miro debating team grew from
during debates held at school. strength to strength throughout the course of the year,
working collectively and diligently on their points, speeches
JUNIOR KOWHAI and delivery techniques. Overall, a positive first year of
debating for all involved.
Teacher in Charge: Ms J. Mann
JUNIOR POHUTUKAWA
Team: Ollie Gillespie, Paul Lee, Piripi Pinfold-Whanga,
Ray Su Teacher in Charge: Miss A. Whibley

Senior Mentors: Andrew Karatea, William Wood Callum, William and I have been a part of John Prestage
Debating since the beginning of Term One. Since then, our
It has been another debating season of stimulating moots, experiences have taught us how to think critically and argue
intense speeches, and hot rebuttal. This year saw Team Lynx a moot that we might not necessarily agree with. Our first
from 2016 reincarnated as Team Kowhai for 2017, and I was moot was“That Auckland should become the capital city of
pleased to work with Ollie Gillespie, Paul Lee, and Ray Su New Zealand”, and our team was on the negating side. After
again. Debater Piripi Pinfold-Whanga joined us to make a thorough planning and countless meetings, we journeyed
fourth to the already strong trio. In addition, we were very to Rangitikei College, where our first ever debate together

104 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

was held. It was a long debate, accompanied by a spillage school students.”The debate was well fought and very close,
of water onto our papers. After presenting our speeches, but we were unable to successfully rebut the opposing
however, we turned out to be triumphant, with Callum even team’s points and lost, thus putting us out of the running
snatching best speaker. Our second debate was against for a spot in the finals. A big thank you for all the mahi that
Whanganui High School and, this time, we were affirming Mrs Baines, Ronan Carroll, Changhee Cho and Aidan Berkahn
with the moot being “That regular sports should be made did to help us.
compulsory in secondary schools”. Unfortunately, we didn’t
win the debate but William was awarded best speaker. JUNIOR TOTARA
Overall, debating has been a fantastic experience for all of us,
as it has taught us both thinking and communication skills, Teacher in Charge: Miss K. Tutavaha
along with time management skills. We really appreciate all
the help from Miss Whibley and Denzel Chung, our mentors, My debating team consisting of Vikash Patel, Fletcher
as well as the other teams and the adjudicators. Daubney, Krit Sitkrongvong and I. We are currently in our
third term of debating this year at PNBHS. We have had
Written by William Hince, Fahim Masud and Callum Whitley two debates this year that we have worked extremely hard
on. Unfortunately, we have gotten off to a rough start and
JUNIOR RIMU have come out on the losing end both times. Although we
have had misfortune, we have gotten back up and worked
Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. Baines harder than ever before for our next debate. Each person
in the group have found their place in the team, including
Our first debate saw us compete against Whanganui Girls’ myself, and we are looking forward to our future together.
College. The moot was that “Auckland should be the capital We all really enjoy these debates and half of that is thanks to
of NZ.”Our team; consisting ofThomas Sun, Matthew Cao and our debating teacher Miss Tutavaha who has helped us to
Martin Vibart, were affirming this topic. With strong points become more confident in our speeches and how we deliver
and powerful rebuttal, we pulled away with a significant them this year. We have all improved dramatically from the
win. Our second debate had us facing off against St Peter’s start of the year and we will only get better as time passes.
College. They made persuasive points affirming the moot
“That regular sports should be compulsory for secondary By Boston James, 9MQ, Debate Team Captain.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD

Teacher in Charge: Mr R. Jochem shadows for the adventurous journey now put the expenses
for any level of the Award at over $350. This could see less
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award is a self-initiated, non- involvement in the future.
competitive programme of individual challenge through
which our students can make constructive use of their It has been a pleasure to read the tramp reports and hear
leisure time. It is internationally recognised and students about the adventures our young men have been on. It is
who complete the Gold Award are presented with their especially pleasing to hear back from students who have left
certificate at Government House in Wellington. PNBHS, but have carried on and finished their Gold Awards
this year.
2017 had less numbers of students register for the Award
than normal. We were informed that the registration fees for Awards presented this year (as at September 2017):
students would increase from July 1 this year. Unfortunately,
this means students need to pay $100 plus to even begin BRONZE: Ajay Bansal, Daniel Sheard
the Award. The bushcraft training and costs of appropriate
SILVER: Joel Grant

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

Teacher in Charge: Mrs J. Neale, assisted by Mrs A. continued effort to reduce and recycle paper products. This
Nixon. year earned the school some 53 trees or shrubs of which 90%
have been planted in a restoration project at Mt Stewart, near
Members: Harrison Ward (Leader), Thiliner Ariyaratne,
Jordan Shortt, Dominic Oliver, Matt Deacon

Members of the Environmental Group have been involved
in a range of activities this year, such as the propagation
of Kowhai and Manuka seedlings at school, planting trees
from the ‘Paper for Trees’ Recycling Programme at Mt
Stewart, becoming more aware of environmental issues by
watching educational environmental films and attending the
Environmental Festival during October in Palmerston North.

One of the main projects we have been doing at school is to
learn to grow our own native plants from seed. This year, we
have sown and potted Kakabeak, Manuka and Kowhai. Once
they are large enough, we gift them to community groups
for planting or plant them ourselves in suitable habitats that
need restoration.

We have continued to be involved in the Paper Recycling
Programme at school and wish to thank all the boys for their

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 105

Feilding. This is a large project and will need many years to
fully restore, but we have made a good start.

Mrs Neale would like to take this opportunity to say thank
you to all participants this year. If any students would like to
join the Environmental Group and contribute any ideas to
the group, feel free to contact Mrs Neale in C6. Meetings are
once a week (lunchtime) and there are trips on weekends
throughout the year, as suggested by the members.

106 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

HILLARY OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE

Teacher in Charge: Mr P. King frequently and
kayaks getting
DAY 1 stuck amongst
low hanging
On the 12 February branches. Much
2017, the sixty young was learnt about
men heading away to communication
the Hillary Outdoor and cooperation,
Education Centre (HEOC) as the boys found
arrived at school eager out that in a two-
and ready to go. After person kayak, one
saying our farewells and man cannot do all of the work. Near the end, many had to dig
cramming countless deep and push through, as it was a very long and tiring day.
bags into the bus, we That night, in preparation for the overnight expedition, the
set off on what would be boys learnt about the three T’s of camping: tenting, toileting
a week of fun, teamwork, and tcooking (that didn’t make too much sense to me either).
leadership and self-
discovery. DAY 4

After the bus trip up to Wednesday was
the HEOC in Tongariro the first day of
National Park, the bus the overnight
was unloaded and expedition.
everyone was split into Each of the six
the groups that they groups had
would be working with planned a unique
for the week. Each of the six groups were taken to their destination.
chalets, where they would sleep for much of the week. While Everyone had
they didn’t look like much, these bunkrooms would become gear and food,
a welcome sight by the end of the week. worked out who
was carrying what, and then packed their packs, or in
DAY 2 some cases, kayaks. Group one and group four went up
Mount Ruapehu (on chairlifts for the most part) and spent
On the first full day of the afternoon learning about mountain safety. Group two
the course, the boys climbed Mount Tongariro and camped in a crater above
woke with anticipation. the Blue Lake. Group three intended to head out to their
After breakfast, each campsite between the Tama lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe,
group were introduced but unfortunately had to abandon these plans as one of
to their instructor who their group members got sick. Group five were kayaking on
talked to them about Lake Taupo and group six climbed Mount Ngauruhoe, then
what the week was to camped in the ‘Valley of Hats’, called so due to the large
entail. For the rest of the quantities of hats and caps that have been blown off people’s
day, groups participated heads and down into the valley.
in various team building
and problem solving That night, groups discovered that when you are tired and
activities in the local hungry, food that would be frowned upon usually, becomes
area. For some groups appealing. The challenge of preparing dinner was something
this meant the morning new and it was only made more difficult by the environment.
was spent on the high
ropes course and DAY 5
completing a challenge
set out by their The second day of the expedition is arguably more difficult
instructor, followed as, for some, very little sleep had been had. The effects of
by an afternoon of this were only made worse as serving sizes of breakfast were
navigating off-track through bush with a wade up a river. substantially less than what teenage boys are used to. On this
This first day pushed comfort zones for some, which meant day, everyone had to get out of wherever they had gotten
that groups had to focus on working together to get the themselves into. My group got a quarter of the way back
less confident people through. That evening, one of the when we got a text saying that the van we had intended to
instructors gave a presentation on neuroplasticity, different use was no longer there. This was quite demoralising as we
mindsets and how it’s important not be afraid of challenging had to turn around and change our route.
yourself. To quote,“When saying‘I can’t climb that mountain,’
think again and say, ‘I can’t climb that mountain…. yet.’” For all the groups, this overnight expedition was probably
the biggest challenge to be faced all week. To many, it was a
DAY 3 shock to the system that put them well out of their comfort
zones. Upon returning, everyone could properly reflect on
On the second day, groups took part in off-site activities, such the challenges that they had come together and conquered
as white water rafting, kayaking on Lake Taupo or a full day with their peers. Putting it simply, it was a“character building
walk. These activities were quite eventful, with boys capsizing experience.”

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 107

DAY 6

The final day was spent on site, as everyone packed up their
stuff and cleaned out the cabins. The activities of the week
concluded with a competitive team vs team challenge. This
required everyone to cooperate within their groups and
apply some of the skills that were learnt throughout the
week to complete a series of problem solving challenges
to score points. After this, and some last-minute paperwork,
the staff at HEOC were presented with a Palmerstonian and
we performed the school haka for them.

A huge thanks to all the staff and instructors of the HEOC
who gave us this amazing opportunity. Another thank you
to the PNBHS staff, Mr King, Mr Johnson and Mr Leighton,
who gave up their time to coordinate this trip.

By Christopher Dewhurst

HUNTERVILLE SHEMOZZLE

Teacher in Charge: Mr G. Atkin opportunity to visit Otiwhiti Station in 2018. Thanks to Ben
Wood for his organisation and coordination of the Palmy
Team: Ben Wood (Captain), Angus Brodie, Jordan King, Boys’ team.
Hayden Bell, Sam Brodie, Cody Borlase, Regan Fleming,
James McKinnon, Tom Hansen, Max Deighton, Connor
Managh, Jack Sturmey, Dion Poynton, Harry Newman,
Luca James, Jack Allomes, Macca Williams, Zane Munn.

On 28 October, a Palmerston North Boys’ High School team
competed in the Secondary Schools Teen Ag Challenge
section of the Hunterville Shemozzle. The Shemozzle is a
physical challenge for shepherds and their dogs and involves
getting wet and dirty, eating some interesting treats, while
competing against the clock. The teen challenge course
follows the same route, but without the requirement to
compete with a dog. The team placed first in the Teen Ag
competition and, as well as the coveted shield, received an

ILLUMINATE CHRISTIAN GROUP

Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. Papworth who returned to Brazil earlier in the year. Thanks to Brett,
who has now moved to another area of ministry within his
This small but focused group has continued to meet on church, for your continued encouragement to Nik and Levi
Wednesday lunchtimes in Mrs Papworth’s room for friendship for carrying on with the group in the latter part of the year.
and fun. It has been great to see how the young men The group is a melting pot that welcomes pupils of different
have become good friends and have flourished under the ages and experiences, with a lively climate of banter and
leadership of Brett Harvey and Nik Dowers from Life Church. FIFA challenges. We hope to repeat fundraising efforts next
Also, it has been great to welcome back Levi Penno, an Old year to support areas of need within the community and
Boy of the school. to continue contacts made over the last look forward to continuing support from school leadership.
few years. Discussions were enjoyed and fun times had, Thanks again to Mrs Papworth for managing us and allowing
sharing pizza lunches (thanks Mrs Papworth for your shout) us to have access to the couches in A2 for chat and lunch.
and live skype sessions with ex-pupils and life-long friends

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JIMMY CARTER QUIZ

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Richards for the first time since 2009. A good knowledge of the
2017 America’s Cup came in handy for the team, and that
Team: Shaheer Hussain (Year 9), JamieThompson (Year proved the difference between us and the other schools
10), Andrew Karatea (Year 11), Josh Hooper (Year 12), of the region. The team bonded well and worked together,
Jack Beggs (Year 13). representing the school very well indeed. Hopefully next
year the team will be able to retain the hard-fought title.
The team for the Jimmy Carter Quiz performed very well
again this year and finished first overall in the quiz rankings

KAPA HAKA

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Strickland

SUPER 8 ‘He Toa Taumata Rau’ was the entrance based on a vision
for Māori men to make a change in society and to change
28 Haratua 2017 negative statistics of Māori males in terms of not achieving
Kei ngā kōrou hūhuka in education and being influenced by drugs and alcohol,
Kei ngā ripowai tapu o te motu family neglect and suicide.
Kei ngā waka tīwai e tetere nei.
Wairua mauri ora. ‘E Kata Nei Te Pō’ is an item dedicated to ‘the man’ himself,
Mr Dawson Tahana Tamatea, who for years helped many
Ki ngā mate kua hei ake ki te mātoru o te pō. Rere atu koutou students in Te Reo Māori and Kapahaka here at Palmerston
ki te waitapu o ō matua tīpuna. Haere, haere, whakangaro North Boys’ High School.
atu rā. Rātou ki a rātou, tātou ki tātou, mauri tū, mauri ora.
The haka ‘Hōmai Te Marau’ challenges the Government to
Māori Performing Arts is one of many forms of transmitting introduce the‘Rau Patu’the Māori land wars here in Aotearoa
knowledge. It is a tool which we use to immerse our to the school curriculum and to acknowledge its history.
students into kaupapa Māori. The Super 8 kapahaka is a great
example of how we transmit knowledge in a way in which The exit item was thanking Rotorua Boys’ High School for
our students can understand. The kapa committed three their hospitality and for all the effort behind the scenes to
months to this kaupapa, meaning a lot of their lunchtimes ensure this event ran smoothly.
were taken up. If you wanted to observe what excellent
leadership looked like, D6 classroom was the place to go. Thank you to Mr John Kendal for supporting the kapa. To the
Our senior students of the kapahaka were great examples students who worked tirelessly, thank you for your time and
of how to be the best you can be. Like the proverb ‘Ko te effort you put into the kaupapa. It is you who have inspired
paetawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata, whakmaua kia people. You are our future and present leaders. You all are
tina’, endure until your distant goals are near. Once near, men of outstanding character.
seize them and hold them close. Rotorua Boys’High School
had the honour of hosting the 18th annual Super 8 Cultural Super 8 kapahaka placings: 1st - Rotorua Boys’ High
Competition and, every year, the quality of performance gets School (Senior group); 2nd - Hamilton Boys’High School; 3rd
higher and higher. Super 8 kapahaka has a few rules of its - Rotorua Boys’High School (Junior group); 4th - Palmerston
own. Only the eight Boys’High Schools within this franchise North Boys’ High School; 5th - Hastings Boys’ High School;
can participate, only 16 performers can take stage, and only
five items can be performed.

Our choral item, called ‘Te Marae Tapu o Aotearoa’, was an
acknowledgement to great leaders of Te Arawa Mita Mohi
and Te Napi Waaka who passed away in 2016 and, early this
year, Te Napi’s daughter, Waimarie Jolene Waaka. They were
great contributors in the revival of the Māori language,
kapahaka, mau rākau and Māori entertainment nationwide.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 109

6th - Napier Boys’High School; 7th - Tauranga Boys’College; Mai i te upane o Tararua ki Ngongotaha, nei te ngā

8th - New Plymouth Boys’ High School whakamiha ka rere ki Te Arawa mo o koutou manaaki nei i

te tēnei kaupapa nui whakaharahara.

TE PIRINGA along with weekend noho (stayovers), was the commitment
the students made. With the help of their tutors, the
Members: Cody Garton, Michael Papanui, Sayj Emery- group’s potential gradually started to rise and be heard.
Kingi, Mikaere Tipene, Kaea Taylor, Cail Terry, Tiwha Unfortunately, not all was bright for Te Piringa when the
Rukuwai, Neitana Blissett, Zavier Bowe loss of a past group member was announced. Akeila Araroa-
Waerea was remembered as one of the great leaders of the
Haruru ana te whenua group. Her talents in singing and performing kapahaka were
Ngaru ana te moana undoubtedly flawless. She was the kaitataki wahine (female
Ko Te Piringa e ngunguru nei! lead) of the group and is sorely missed by all. A song was
Te Piringa means ‘the binding’ of the following schools: then composed for the group to sing in memory of her. ‘E te
Freyberg High School, Mana Tamariki, Palmerston North Girls’ tamahine a Hine Rehia, tukua mai e hine tō reo peke rangi kia
High School and Palmerston North Boys’ High School. It is a rangona ai e te mano tini. Moe mai rā, oti atu.’ The students had
competitive group who have done extremely well nationally to be focused, on point and have a lot of energy to impress
in the past. They are renowned for singing and song writing, the audience. A lot of commitment and energy had been
thanks to their tutors and composers. invested into the group by their tutors. It took five grinding
To win, you have to practice. Monday afternoon practices, months to perfect all seven items in preparation for Te
Paetaiohi Regional Kapahaka Competition.

Te Piringa kapahaka won overall at the Manawatū/
Horowhenua Regional Kapahaka Competition. Out of the
four non-aggregate trophies, Te Piringa won three, and out
of the five aggregate trophies, they won four.

Placings:
1st - Te Piringa (PNBHS/PNGHS/Mana Tamariki/Freyberg
High School)
2nd - Hato Pāora

Both Te Piringa and Hato Pāora will represent the Manawatū/
Horowhenua regions at the Secondary Schools Kapahaka
Nationals here in Palmerston North in 2018.

PAERANGATAHI schools in the Manawatu/Horowhenua meant a good start
to the performances commencing right on the dot. The day
“Ka pū te ruha was filled with performances by all schools. For the majority
Ka hao te rangatahi.” of the Palmerston North Boys’ High School Kapahaka, it was
a real eye opener to see other schools getting up and having
It was a successful day at Palmerston North Girls’ High a go. The time allocated for performing on stage was fifteen
School, who had the privilege of hosting the Paerangatahi minutes, giving every group enough time to perform four to
Festival for 2017. This was a non-competitive event where five items. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thank you
students were exposed to kapahaka, promoting its values to Palmerston North Girls’High School for hosting this event.
and benefits. It was also a chance for all the schools in the
Manawatū/Horowhenua region to come together and “Tini whetu ki te rangi
celebrate kaupapa Māori. A quick formal welcoming to all the Ko Rangitāne ki te whenua.”

110 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

TE WHARE TU¯ TAUA O AOTEAROA -
MAU RA¯ KAU

Tau mai ko te mauri o Tū
Ko te mauri ohooho
Ko te mauri o Rangi
Ko te mauri o Pāpā
Ko te mauri o Io te aho tapu e
Tau mai ko te mauri ki ēnei tauira
Ki tēnei huihuinga
Kia tū, kia oho, kia mataara
Hui e, Taiki e!

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aoteaora was founded by Dr Pita Sharples
in the 1980’s due to the renaissance of the Māori language,
tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rakau back to
Maoridom as an innovative programme in physical fitness,
Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership

skills, self- discipline, respect and all uses of the Taiaha. There
were four wānanga scheduled this year where the students
travelled around the central region to learn the art of Taiaha.
There were opportunities to establish relationships with
other students, to challenge the individual to his potential,
going on hikoi to sacred pā and exposing youth to the

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 111

traditions of the Māori culture. Being marae based is always a Ngāti Toa Rangatira welcomed people from all regions of
great environment to learn and experience Māori traditions. Aotearoa to the annual mau rākau grading. Takapuwahia
Marae showed what manaakitanga and aroha were all about.
A small contingent from Palmerston North Boys’High School
were part of the 91 people who participated. There are eight
levels in this curriculum. Poutahi (Level 1) – Pouwaru (Level
8). The boys were put to the test and, after three hours of
intense grading, Xavier Bowe, Chase Maniapoto and Mason
Gerrard gained Poutahi. 8 months of intense training had
paid off. Congratulations boys on your commitment and
efforts to excel in the learnings and teachings within the
Whare of Tū. E ngā Tama Toa o Te Papaioea, Kei a koutou te
tūāpapa. Ngā paoa o Tuairangi, ko ngā karo o Tūainuku, tiaho
i roto mārama i roto. Takahia te ara whānui hei Toa Kirikawa i
te ao. Nei taku manu kōrero e hōkai atu ana ki te iwi o Ngāti
Toa Rangatira i huakina te tatau o te aroha, o te manaaki. E
korekore rawa te puna aroha e pakoko.

MATARIKI Te Whetu Tarake I Te Rangi Award - Kaea Taylor
• Person of outstanding character
On Thursday 15 June, we celebrated Matariki with our • Participates in Cultural, Sports and Academic
whānau and our boys. We had an amazing array of
performances which reflected the diverse talents and Tāne Te Wānanga Awards
passions of our students. It was fantastic to see so many of
our boys being nominated for awards by our staff, coaches Michael Papanui, Isaiah Tuputupu, Tasi Vaha’i, Kaea Taylor, Cail
and our Senior Masters. We also acknowledged a large Terry, Leejean Engu, Cameron Pomana, Dontae Stanshall,
number of boys who consistently reflect the values of our Harlen Chase-Raharuhi, Carson Hepi, Carson Taare, Potiki
school through their daily actions and commitment to Watling, Luke August, Tamati Ruawai, Zody Takarua, John
school life. This year, we introduced three special awards Cole, Camryn Caffell, Zayden Meyers-Giesen, Reuben
which reflect the following criteria: Davis, Xzavia Mason, La-Quahn Matakatea, Logan Pomana,
Zac Engu, Piripi Pinfold-Whanga, Tiwha Rukuwai, Tevita
Te Rau O Tītapu Award - Miracle Malu Fonongaloa.
• Leadership
• Puts others needs ahead of their own As we continue to challenge, develop and enhance what we
• Someone with chiefly qualities do in kaupapa Māori here at PNBHS, we must acknowledge
the expertise, passion and commitment of Pā Josh Strickland,
Te Ara Poutama Award - Tiwha Rukuwai who exemplifies how Māori enjoy and achieve educational
• Learning and improving success as Māori.
• Determined
• Motivated “Hai Whakapakari Ngā Tamatāne Kia Purapura
• Engaged Tuawhiti”

SIR PETER BLAKE TRUST NEW ZEALAND LEADERSHIP WEEK

Leadership Director: Mr P. King regional schools from the central region.

PNBHS has The extraordinary adventurer
participated in the Sir Mike Allsop was first up and
Peter Blake Trust New he set the tone for a fantastic,
Zealand Leadership thought provoking week. Mike
Week since it was had a dream as a young man
inaugurated at a to become a pilot and this has
ceremony at this remained central to his life. Now
school in 2008. The an aircraft Captain with Air New
theme for the Sir Peter Zealand, his central message to
Blake Trust Leadership the young men was to “dream, have a plan and never give
Week 2017 was “Believe You Can” and was conducted from up”. He recounted the journey (and escapades) of his life
3-7 July 2017. The school provided a week of guest speaker so far which has taken him to achieve the most remarkable
presentations with some follow on sessions. In a new student achievements in life: from surviving a plane crash in the
driven initiative, we also conducted a Leadership Forum for middle of the Pacific Ocean, to deciding to climb Everest

112 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

the old fashioned way with one Sherpa; and to deciding to Rhodesia and being inspired
take on the challenge of running seven marathons on seven by the story of the character
continents in seven days! His story left many jaws hanging of Horatius Cocles refusing to
and his advice about not being afraid to fail resonated with surrender to injustice thereby
many in the hall. Mr Allsop met with a group of Senior saving the city of Rome.
Mentors and Barrowclough students to continue the He outlined that character
inspiration in the Speirs Centre following assembly. is a stamping tool and is
the self-chosen stamp we
On Tuesday, we were privileged put on our self-chosen
to have presentations by personality. Ultimately, we
Professor Gary Wilson, Director are responsible for who we
of the New Zealand Antarctic are and through the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage
Research Institute. Professor and self-control, reinforced through the values taught at
Wilson is a 2016 Sir Peter Blake PNBHS, we all have the duty to shape our own good personal
Trust Emerging Leader award character – to create our own stamp.
recipient. He was accompanied
by Mr Jacob Anderson from the The emphasis then shifted to a regional forum hosted by
Sir Peter Blake Trust. Professor PNBHS in the Speirs Centre. Following the yLead Conference
Wilson introduced the school to in 2016, one of the initiatives the 2017 Prefect cohort
a new word, Agnotology, which decided to put to the Senior Leadership in the school was
he defined as the deliberate use of misinformation not to to possibly host a regional forum on leadership for Super 8
act on something we know. He outlined his research into and other regional brother and sister schools. Through the
climate change in Antarctica to profess that carbon emissions idea, forcefully pleaded for by Head Prefect Patrick Takurua
were altering the earth’s climate and research revealed that and off-sided Hamzah Arafeh, this initiative came to fruition.
a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions is required to stabilise the The book “Leaders and Misleaders”, written by Mr van
current crisis. He urged his audience not to hide behind the Heerden and published in 2010, had been on my reading
fact that they can’t make a difference and provided a number list and, when completed, it struck me just how relevant the
of examples of how each and every one of us can make a thoughts and ideas presented in the book were to current
good decision whereby we can save 2% weekly. He urged world events. A quick positive and affirmative phone call
all present to act on every little epiphany you have based on to Mr van Heerden set things in place for the focus of the
fact, not fiction, and believes that hard work and knowledge forum to be “Change and our Response to Change.” At the
hold the key to success in a climate challenged world. end of Term 2, ‘Registrations of Interest’ were sought from
regional schools and 350 students from 13 regional schools
Jacob Anderson then gave an attended (100 from PNBHS). Young ladies outnumbered
overview of the work of the Sir (185:165) young men at the forum and the schools attending
Peter Blake Trust in Antarctica and included Awatapu College, Feilding Agricultural High School,
provided experiential advice for Longburn Adventist College, Manawatu College, Nga Tawa
young men seeking a challenge College, Napier Girls’ High School, New Plymouth Girls’ and
in science through ‘Blake Boys’ High Schools, Palmerston North Girls’ and Boys’ High
Expeditions to the Antarctic’. He Schools, Rathkeale College, Tararua College, and Wanganui
opined that leadership occurs in Collegiate.
many ways, but it is a skill you can
work on and develop over time. The need for young people to grow their natural leadership
Both Professor Wilson and Mr. potential is seen as greater than ever. Technology, the
Anderson then made themselves environment, geopolitical crises, economic woes, social
available to about 200 young men to discuss matters science, upheaval and the global leadership crisis all call for a new
life, global warming university, and Blake Trust opportunities generation of leaders. The students of today are seen as the
further in the Speirs Centre, and these discussions carried on future change agents to shape the world of tomorrow. How
right through to interval with some students. well they rise to the task is seen as being dependent on their
personal development, and so we enlisted the services of
Our great friend Rowie an acclaimed leadership expert, author, and columnist (Mr
McEvoy joined us once Andre van Heerden) to explore and challenge the students
again to spend time with to consider the importance of their individual personal
ourYear 9 and 10 students development and leadership capability to make positive
on Tuesday afternoon change a reality. Mr van Heerden certainly gave them some
to provide her unique
brand of motivation for
our young men. Her
messages revolved around CAN – yes you can do it and
she told her wonderful life story of being bullied at school
and then going on to become a wonderfully successful
businesswoman in a world that had been forever telling
her that she could not succeed. She used courage, action
and never give up as her action words for the young men to
remember. Once again, she inspired nearly 800 young men
to go out and succeed in life.

On Wednesday, we welcomed to the school Mr Andre van
Heerden, author of“Leaders and Misleaders”. Mr van Heerden
spoke to the school on character, integrity and leadership,
sharing his own story as a 13-year-old boy growing up in

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 113

advanced-level philosophical and historically-based food for On Friday, we were joined by
thought. He provided the students with a personal workbook Old Boy Dr Hamish Wright (1999-
to go back and challenge the status quo and shape change 2003). It is always valuable to hear
in their school and peer environment. It was refreshing to stories from recent Old Boys and
be reminded of the importance of character in an age of Dr Wright provided an excellent
image when we are constantly bombarded by the new summary of his life since finishing
norms of reality television, the short term images presented school, with particular emphasis
on social media and left listening to constant analysis by on his work in the challenging
academic experts on the pressures on young people today, environment of Antarctica. The
about from whence these pressures emanated and what theme that really came to the
can we do about it. Simply put, Mr van Heerden addressed fore from his presentation was
“Change” and then questioned our “Response to Change” the challenge for our young men to explore the world.
in a workshop and forum scenario, allowing students to He highlighted the many opportunities that the school
use workbooks to answer the many questions posed in the provides, but that you need to set goals and actually take
material. Students from the schools were mixed into groups those opportunities. He also encouraged young men to be
of ten to discuss central questions, after first being exposed dedicated to their goals and remain adaptable, highlighting
to a series of individual reflective questions. Ultimately, all the chance he took after missing out a number of times to
students were challenged to seek opportunities to flourish realise his goal of getting to Antarctica. He also highlighted
in a quickly changing world by being the change agents and the need to be a principled person (a man of good character
representing the change they want to see. who knows his values and lives by them) and lead by your
own good actions. He believes everyone has the ability
One student was heard to remark to Mr van Heerden that he to lead if they are principled, others will follow them. He
had changed her worldview and a teacher was so moved by also gave his personal plea for all young men to look after
his presentation that she was moved to tears. Mr van Heerden the most vulnerable in society and to have a wide base of
was quizzed and questioned on his presentation by a throng understanding (well-read worldview).
of students in all the breaks. Some left with heads spinning,
and all left thinking they need to do more reading than the The school term ended on a huge positive with
standard offerings on social media in the 21st Century. messages of never giving up, dreaming, being
courageous, setting goals and having a plan, caring
for others and the environment, and being the change
we want to see in the rapidly changing world around
us. Once again, young men realise that to be an
educated man of outstanding character they need to
be in the arena, taking on challenges, with self-belief,
grit, determination and resilience, being kind to others
and finding ways to serve others positively. Sir Peter
Blake would be smiling somewhere on his legacy as
the America’s Cup returned to New Zealand in 2017!
Nihil Boni Sine Labore.

The school dressed in optional red socks in memory of Sir Peter Blake.
114 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

MANAWATU SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR

Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. Fletcher
Over the weekend of 17th – 20th August 2017, PNBHS
students entered their Science projects into the Manawatu
Science and Technology Fair. The students had to summarise
their project onto a board, talk with research scientists
about their project and answer questions. Jacob Aull, Jonas
Holman and a group of Lachlan Walcraft, Rohan Sharma and
Davis Farrar-Ferguson all gained Fonterra High Distinction
Awards. Special prizes were also picked up in the following
categories: Massey University IFS Highly Commended
Statistics Prize – Emmanuel Joseph Shaji, John Robinson
and Alan Kirk; New Zealand Institute of Chemistry First Place
Prize – Jonas Holman; Jacob Aull won the National Collective
– Te Tahuri Whenua Prize, Ministry for Pacific Peoples Vaka
Science Excellence Award First Place Science Section and
Highly Commended in the Pasifika Theme Projects. A big
thank you to Ms Taylor for all her behind the scenes work
she does with the students, helping them with their projects.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 115

MUSIC

CONCERT BAND
Back Row: Joe Inman, Jacob Surrey, Changhee Cho, Junius Ong, Ciaran Carroll, Antariksh Nag, Oliver Lodge, Jaden
Stewart, Jacob Neave
4th Row: Connor O’Leary, Jarrod Kirk, Liang Wu, Tomas Lieffering, Jack Nesdale, Kevin Xu, Cameron Giddens, Nathan
Hayward, Alex Gaimster, Trent Hooper
3rd Row: Oshadha Samarakoon, David Kakrada, Campbell Jackson, Kalash Desai, Jason Liu, Ronan Carroll, Callum
Walcroft, Lachlan Walcroft, Shaun Jeffery, Chase Field
2nd Row: Keun Hee Lee, Anthony Summers, Campbell Tongs, Joseph Medyckyj-Scott, Logan Schwartfeger, Jake Burgess-
Hight, Connor Hurnard, Connor Beck, Daniel Hodgetts, Angus Beck, Ciaran Egan, Denzel Chung
Front Row: William Leong, William Hunter, Benji Pritchard, Richard Cheng, Matthew Cao, Campbell Rowatt, Ajay Bansal,
Jeremy Lloyd, Matthew Cooper, Mr P. Dredge (Teacher)

CONCERT BAND a wakeup call in the year’s first competition in Hastings at
the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands.
Teacher in Charge: Mr P. Dredge
An underprepared Concert Band headed for Lindisfarne on
2017 saw the PNBHS Concert Band continue to grow in Sunday 7th May and predictably, but still disappointingly,
numbers. The instigation of the Classroom Band Programme only managed a bronze award. Thankfully, after some soul
in the Junior School in 2015 has meant that the number of searching and more practice, the Concert Band redeemed
students playing traditional concert band instruments has themselves with a gold award at the Feilding Festival of
risen dramatically. However, numbers alone do not make a Bands on the 25th of June.
good concert band. Indeed, the Concert Band were given

116 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Aside from these competitions, the Concert Band also thanks go to Daniel Hodgetts and Joseph Medyckyj-Scott
performed at the 70’s-themed School Concert and for for their leadership skills and assistance with Concert Band
official school engagements like ANZAC Day. The Concert administrative tasks.
Band student‘leader’this year was, in fact, two students. My

OK CHORALE immediately working towards our goal for this year: Big Sing
Finals. This is something the OK Chorale has not achieved in
Director: Mr G. Young three years. It’s really interesting and inspiring to see a group
of young people so passionate and dedicated to being the
After some tough competition and rigorous auditions, the best they can be, and upon noticing this, it was also obvious
2017 OK Chorale squad was selected, comprising initially we had something special this year.
17 strong voices. With roughly half of last year’s squad
leaving, our sound was remarkably different, giving us With sights set on the Big Sing Finals, the OK Chorale hit
the opportunity to start afresh and develop a new sound. the ground running, building up repertoire and further
With a new squad, new sound and a new year we set to it, developing our sound as a group. We ended up sticking

OK CHORALE
Back Row: Digby Werthmuller, Michael Ioane, Sam Oakden
2nd Row: Tasi Vaha’i, Patrick Takurua, Callum Crawley, Christopher Dewhurst, Nico Lieffering, Kyle Dahl, Mr G. Young
(Teacher)
Front Row: Josiah Nevell, Robin Park, Pajoe Mapuilesua, Daniel Hodgetts, Miracle Malu, Angus Grant, Keun Hee Lee

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 117

with old repertoire for the competition itself, but dug back a the year had in store. What an inspiring thing to see these
few years for some truly touching pieces. We only had a few boys become a family! We sang at a few ‘gigs’, mainly to
months to learn and perfect our songs, but we worked hard elderly and the likes, but one of the highlights would have
and fast, in and out of our rehearsals and we kept up well. On to be the small roadshow that the OK Chorale, Stage Band
19 May, we had the privilege of having a two-day workshop and a few small groups did at three of Palmy’s Intermediate
with Doctor Andrew Withington, who has PhD in Philosophy Schools. This was a great day filled with laughs and some
of Music. He fine-tuned and perfected our sound, giving us inspiring messages shared.
the final preparation we needed for Big Sing.
2017’s OK Chorale squad has been outstanding to work with
The day came and the boys performed exceptionally well, and incredible to perform beside, and I could not be more
winning Highly Commended, Best Acapella Choir, and Best contented with what we have achieved this year. I would
Performance Overall, giving us consideration for Big Sing especially like to thank and honour all of the work that our
Finals. We couldn’t have been happier or more proud of our director, Mr Young, has put into this group. Not only has he
result. Now all we had to do was wait. trained us and humoured us, but he has mentored us. I speak
for everyone who is, and has been in the OK Chorale, when I
With expectations high, the day came and we were all say we would not be the same outstanding group without
incredibly disappointed when our name didn’t appear on an outstanding director. Thank you so much, Mr Young. I feel
the list of finalists. Although we did make reserves for the sad to be leaving the group that I have spent so many years
Big Sing, that was not our goal and the boys were gutted. in, but am confident that our boys will do us proud.
Through this, the boys were brought together and we moved
on with our heads high to take on the numerous ‘gigs’ that By Josiah Nevell

STAGE BAND the new members bring in for the Band. Progress was slow
in the initial months of practice in Term 1 due to the Senior
Director: Mr Neville Lauridsen Production of‘Footloose’, which several of the members were
involved in - some singing/acting and others in the band.
After auditions, the Stage Band recruited eight new talented After the fatigue from the Production had worn off and the
players this year. Having changes in half of the Saxophones/ boys had fully recovered, sights were set on practices for the
Rhythm sections and a completely new trumpet section, Tauranga Jazz Festival on Easter Weekend.
the Band took its time to familiarise to its new sound and
style. It’s always interesting to see what kind of dynamics

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STAGE BAND
Back Row: Ciaran Egan, Jacob Massicks, Ronan Carroll, Digby Werthmuller, Ciaran Carroll
2nd Row: Ms Dearlove, Logan Schwartfeger, Josh Viljoen, Jake Burgess-Hight, Patrick Takurua, Daniel Hodgetts,
Mr N. Lauridsen
Front Row: Ajay Bansal, Benji Pritchard, Denzel Chung, Joe Inman, Keun Hee Lee, Joseph Medyckyj-Scott, Matthew Cao

A couple of weeks before the Festival, the Band had an going away with the ‘Best Manawatu Big Band’, but also
intense workshop in the Highland Home camp in Pohangina the ‘Best Overall Band’ and Keun Hee Lee earning the ‘Best
Valley. We underwent many hours of practice and sectionals, Trombone’ award.
with time for the members to get to know eachother and
participate in team bonding activities. These times really This was a great boost of confidence for the Band as the
brought the boys together and saw drastic improvements NZSM ‘Jazz Project’ in Wellington quickly approached
in musicianship, morality and playing together as a band. within a week of the last competition. The Band performed
The Relay for Life performance was a great experience for exceptionally well, making a good impression on the judges,
everyone, as for many it was the first time performing as the with only fine tuning criticism to give after our performance.
Stage Band. The Tauranga Jazz Festival was soon looming Our competition set was: ‘Just When I’m Thinkin’ About You’,
in and excitement had been building up. The Band had ‘Danny Boy’, ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’ (sung by Digby
not attended in nine years, so hopes were high in making Werthmuller) and‘Sweet Home Chicago’. Keun Hee Lee had
a strong impression in the competition. Unfortunately, a won the ‘Best Trombone’ award from the festival.
cyclone which was nearing the Bay of Plenty at the time,
caused the cancellation of the trip over concerns of safety. The Band participated in the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands
and Feilding Festival of Bands, receiving Gold and Silver
Despite disappointments of not going to Tauranga, the awards. Keun Hee Lee had received ‘Best Junior Soloist’
Band remained practising hard for the next competition, award from Hawke’s Bay and Digby Werthmuller received
the Manawatu Jazz Festival on Queen’s Birthday Weekend. ‘Best Soloist’ from the Feilding Festival of Bands.
This was a very successful day for the Stage Band, not only

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 119

With the annual competitions all done and dusted, the to fit‘gigs’in our busy schedules. A day was then set to record
Band had some time to relax from the intense few weeks. at the Stomach on 16 September and it was a great time. This
Throughout the year we only had a couple of playouts as was a first was for all members and was a learning experience.
Neville (Director) and the boys found it difficult to find time We even finished a couple of hours earlier than scheduled.
To wrap the year up, the Stage Band will host a ‘Dine and
Dance’ again for our annual concert in early November and
finish with School Prizegiving.

It has been another great year for the PNBHS Stage Band
and I am proud of how far the Band has managed to come.
Having half of the Band as young and new members, I am
surprised at the level of skill the Juniors possess. The Stage
Band is looking very promising in the future and I wish them
the best. I would like to thank Mr Lauridsen for everything
he has given to the Band and to each of the members he
has shared his expertise with.

By Keun Hee Lee

120 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

S.O.A.P. CHOIR
Back Row: Richard Cheng, Thomas Hudson, Dan van der Spuy, Taine George, William Ward, Oshadha Samarakoon, Simon
Baldwin, Jacob Dredge, Logan McKinnon, Grayson Lodge
5th Row: David Kakrada, Caleb Rayner, Oliver Lodge, Trent Hooper, Luke Scott, Jake Richter, Hayden Storrier, Antariksh
Nag, Changhee Cho, Joshua Nixon, Tom Varney
4th Row: Josiah Nevell, Charchris Boonsermsiri, Jarod Govers, John Cole, Sebastien Cave, Nick James, Hayden Day,
Carson Taare, Andrew Karatea, Lewis Halewood, Liang Wu, Keun Hee Lee
3rd Row: Tomas Lieffering, Aidan Berkahn, Cyrus Rudd, Lachlan Walcroft, Finn Davidson, Tasi Vaha’i, Oliver Inman, Jude
Wightman, Keegan Leask, Jason Liu, Jarrod Kirk
2nd Row: Miracle Malu, Cameron Paewai, Arjun Mani, Bradley Forsyth, Blake Storrier, Aki Wickes-Matakaiongo, Callum
Mayston, Liam Rodgers, Matthew Allen, Zain Collins, Pajoe Mapuilesua
Front Row: Mr G. Young (Teacher), Joseph Medyckyj-Scott, Jacob Massicks, Digby Werthmuller, Kyle Dahl, Callum
Crawley, Logan Schwartfeger, Nico Lieffering, Christopher Dewhurst, Daniel Hodgetts, Robin Park, Mr P. Dredge
(Teacher)

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NGĀ MANU KŌRERO SPEECH COMPETITION

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Kendal The Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competitions are intended to
Tēnā koutou e rau rangatira ma e te tumuaki o te kura me encourage the development of skills and confidence of Māori
ngā mema o te poari kaitiaki me koutou o te hau kāinga, ngā secondary school students in spoken English and Māori.
mihi nūnui kia koutou katoa. Hai whakapakari ngā tamatāne
kia purapura tuawhiti. The contests are in four categories; Pei Te Hurinui Jones,
Ko te reo Māori te kākahu o te whakaaro te huarahi ki te ao Korimako, Te Rāwhiti Ihaka and Sir Turi Carroll. These
tūroa. competitions are held at three levels – school, regional and
Māori language is the cloak of thought and the pathway to national. In recent years, we have managed to lift the profile
this natural world. and importance of this speech competition to become a
pinnacle kaupapa Māori event of the school’s calendar. A
Kaea Taylor – Korimako/Senior English 2017 huge amount of time and effort is required to be successful
The National Secondary Speech Competitions are now in at regional and national levels.
their 52nd year, with the National finals being hosted by
Ngā Manu Kōrero 2017 in Taranaki at TSB Stadium, Mason This year, the Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional Speech Competition
Drive, New Plymouth. was held at the Palmerston North Convention Centre. We
As the search for meaningful and purpose-driven work were represented by Kaea Taylor in the Korimako - Senior
increases, technology transforms our lives, and our social and English section and Piripi Pinfold-Whanga in the Sir Tui Carroll
environmental challenges become ever more visible, there - Junior English section.
has never been a better and more critical time to ensure that
our young men are given every opportunity to be Māori, Piripi presented his six-minute prepared speech on the topic:
enjoying and achieving educational success as Māori. ‘My Essential Guide to Achievement’. In his speech, Piripi
spoke about keeping it simple, setting goals, having ambition
and maintaining a growth mindset. The judges awarded him
second place and commented that Piripi was“able to capture
the audience through strong and commanding language.”
The future certainly looks bright for Piripi in the realm of
public speaking. This was an amazing accomplishment for
someone competing in this prestigious competition for the
first time.

Kaea Taylor presented an outstanding impromptu speech
which included creative ideas and a bit of poetry slam.
Then, in the afternoon, he presented his prepared speech
“Education Opens Many Doors”. Comments made by
the judges included “Great controversial discussion and
challenging of government actions and school curricula”.
Kaea’s commitment to succeeding in this competition
certainly paid off and he was awarded first place in both
sections, therefore, winning the Korimako trophy.

Kaea then went onto compete in the National Ngā Manu
Kōrero Speech Competition which was held in Term 3. Over
the two days of competition, 60 students presented across
the four sections. Once again, he delivered his prepared
speech, “Education Opens Many Doors”.

The judges noted that his speech was “Delivered with power and
passion”, and added: “A very smooth presentation.”

Kaea gained ninth placing overall and can be extremely
proud of his achievement and the way he represented
PNBHS. – Ko te kai rapu, ko ia te kite, ko ia kahore nei i rapu,
te kitea. He who seeks finds; He who does not seek finds not.

PASIFIKA

Teacher in Charge: Miss S. Eastmure about people and how to be resilient. Like last year, our club
established the Pasifika Choir as a way of getting to know
Assistant Teachers: Miss K. Tutavaha, Mr S. Lambert one another and encouraging our juniors to feel welcomed
and be a part of our club.
Pasifika Student Leaders: Isaac Fonua (Tonga), Jone
Veiogo (Fiji), Michael Ioane (Samoa), Leejean Engu Our first performance of the year was at Takaro Primary
(Cook Islands), Miracle Malu (Samoa) School’s Multicultural Celebration Day. A selected few from
our club attended this enjoyable day. The feast that was
Our Pasifika Club continues to thrive and build its identity put on by Takaro Primary parents was delicious. Our seniors
within our school and in the community. It has been were seen as famous superstars in the young children’s eyes.
wonderful to see our senior students continue to learn
skills in leadership roles for our club. The outcome is always At the Big Sing Regionals, our Choir received a Merit
positive for the chosen leaders, as they gain confidence, learn Commended Award, as well as the Ministry of Youth

122 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

PASIFIKA GROUP
Back Row: Stanley Tawhiti, Seth Te Hore-Gardiner, Lotu Lavilavi, Sione Kauvaka, Chance Malu, Soane Fakahau, Nathan
Emeck
4th Row: Lisale Talamaivao, Lawrence Leung Wai, Jonathan Neemia, Brandon Young, Darius Mafile’o, Isaiah Tuputupu,
Fontaine Kiri, James Neemia
3rd Row: Joseph Mafi, Tasi Vaha’i, Isaac Fonua, Leejean Engu, Jone Radike, Michael Ioane, Cameron Floyd-Naylor, Feleti
Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Nasi Manu
2nd Row: Ms K. Tutavaha (Teacher), ‘Ofa Kilisimasi, Aki Wickes-Matakaiongo, Pulotu Toumohuni, Dion Tafa, Taine Ata,
Samisoni Tonu, Jayme Tupai, Vincent Patelesio, Zac Engu, Ryan Pale, Miss S. Eastmure (Teacher)
Front Row: Raymond Tuputupu, Mitchell Floyd-Naylor, Pau Sekona, Pajoe Mapuilesua, Usaia Fonongaloa, Miracle Malu,
Jone Veiogo, Jacob Aull, Kokoro Frost, Ky-Mani Pekepo-Timoti

Development ‘Spirit of the Festival’ Youth Ambassadors Quiz: 3rd (Michael Ioane, Miracle Malu, Kokoro Frost,
Award. This was great motivation for all our students. Taine Ata and Aki Wickes-Matakaiongo); Science: 2nd
The Matariki-Fiafia Night held in June was also another (Jacob Aull); Speeches: 3rd (Samoan Speech: Pajoe
highlight of the year. This was a great way to acknowledge Mapuilesua); Debate: 3rd (Michael Ioane, Fontaine Kiri and
students in both academic and co-curricular involvements. James Neemia); Talent: 1st (Duet – Michael Ioane and Isaac
It especially recognises the hard workers who often are not Fonua), 1st in Contemporary Dance (Hip-Hop Dance Crew
acknowledged because they are humble and like to hide ‘The Unknown’- Isaac Fonua, Jone Radike, PhineasYoung, Pau
behind the scenes. This was an enjoyable night for all our Sekona and Stanley Tawhiti); Visual Arts: 1st (Isaac Fonua),
families to see and celebrate the achievements of their sons. 2nd (Nathan Emeck); Cultural Performance: 3rd
This also validated our overall message of achieving success
as Pasifika students. OVERALL PLACING: THIRD

The Pasifika Fusion Festival was another successful event A big thanks to all our staff, parents and supporters for
for our Pasifika Club. Our students have exceeded their own helping us achieve well at this year’s festival. Many of the
expectations, and have achieved many positive results. For lunchtimes and late-night preparations leading up to this
the first time, Pasifika at PNBHS gained an overall placing in event blessed our Pasifika Club with many positive results.
the top three.
Our Pasifika cohort continues to grow in numbers. Our
student leaders have expressed the ongoing family feel
in our group and their ambitions to keep aiming high and
achieving well in school and future careers. This shows the
passion and commitment of our boys willing to represent

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 123

their school, families and communities.
I hope that our Pasifika students continue to achieve well in
all pathways they choose to pursue in future. All the best to
the Year 13’s leaving us – we appreciate all the contributions
you have put into our group in the past years that you
have been a part of PNBHS. For our younger chiefs coming
through, be prepared to continue the hard work and efforts
in the years to come.
Malo ‘aupito, Fa’afetai tele, Vinaka vaka levu, Meitaki Maata,
Fakaue lahi, Fakafetai lasi,

124 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

SENIOR PRODUCTION

FOOTLOOSE Cara O’Neill Award for Excellence in Choreographed
Movement: Anna Dombroski
Director: Mr C. Burton
Sandra Wheeler Musicians’ Award: Ciaran Egan
Mr Chris Burton comments on the Senior Production:
Barbara Shorter Award for Outstanding Contribution
Footloose was perhaps the most successful PNBHS/PNGHS to the Senior Production: Myah Miranda, Geneva
Senior Production yet. A simply amazing group of 95 young Christensen, Jojo Medyckyj-Scott
adults excelled in their theatre technologies operation,
musicianship and singing, dancing and acting. As well, Chris Burton Award for Excellence in Performance
they were superb in their offstage co-operation, support Drama (Female): Katie Atkins as Rusty, Anya Darby as Ariel
and leadership. (Gold), Amy McLaren as Vi (Gold)

With occupancy at a record 99% (we reinstated the front Chris Burton Award for Excellence in Performance
row to meet demand for the last two performances), it was Drama (Male): Chris Dewhurst as Willard (Gold), Josiah
certainly appreciated by the community. Thanks must go Nevell as Ren (Gold), Kyle Dahl as Shaw (Gold)
to the team of adults who made this opportunity possible,
especially the following: Mr Paul Dredge whose onstage PRODUCTION PERSONNEL:
band was outstanding in its musicianship and overall
contribution to the team, Mrs Kirsten Clark who drew Director: Mr Chris Burton
superb harmonies and solos from the cast, Ms Cara Hesselin
and Ms Alex Hughes for creating the dynamic and action- Musical Director: Mr Paul Dredge
filled choreography, Mr Brett Greer, Ms Jenn Mann and Ms
Pam Marks for addressing a host of production tasks; Mrs Vocal Director: Mrs Kirsten Clark
Sally Darby and Mrs Carol Kellett who dressed our cast so
effectively, Mrs Angie Baines and Ms Kelly Pfeffer-Marshall Dance Director: Mrs Cara Hesselin, Ms Alex Hughes
for supervising the GHS makeup team, Ms Nikki Weston for (Assistant), Ms Ruby Jamieson (Auditions)
supervising props and supporting company members, Ms
Sue Taylor the backstage‘Company Mum’for everything, Nev Stage Co-Managers: Toby Linton, Hannah Blyde
Lauridsen (nlproductions) for his skilful sound engineering
and Rhys Doherty (ignz) for eye-catching lighting design Head Mech: Daniel Alvey
and installation. As well, we are indebted to volunteers Rich
Marshall for producing an outstanding programme and Jon Co-Producers: Mr Brett Greer, Ms Jennifer Mann, Ms Pam
Clarke and Brendan Lodge for their photography expertise. Marks

Sadly, Cara stepped down from 10 years as Dance Director Costume Directors: Mrs Sally Darby, Mrs Carol Kellett
after Footloose. As one of the cast, she choreographed our assisted by Mrs Kirsten Clark
NZ Premiere of The Wedding Singer in 2008 and has never
looked back. Her energy, enthusiasm and expertise lifted Direction Assistants: Mrs Sophia Parker (Helen O’Grady
our standards and took us into new territory. She has shown Drama Academy), Mrs Kirsten Clark, Mrs Cara Hesselin, Mr
strong interest in direction too and been a core member of Mark Kilsby
our team whilst completing her tertiary studies, teaching
at Danceworks, getting married and working for Horizons. Assistant Head Mech: Hayden Osborne
She is a multi-talented young woman and a superb person
to work with. She has brought through some outstanding Lighting Operator: Ben Funke, Jacob Molyneux (Assistant)
dancers, not least her cousin Alex Hughes who, after two
years as Cara’s assistant, now succeeds her. We wish Cara the Props: Ms Nikki Weston, Caitlin Hartnett-Poelman, Anna Bell
very best and know we’ll see her around. I’d also like to thank Chung, James Satherley, Zainab Bibi
Dean McKerras for the great support he and Danceworks
have provided Cara and all his dancers who work with us. Microphones: Lachlan Eavestaff (HOD), Xinning Gong

As always we farewell our leavers and thank them for the Stage Crew: Connor Hurnard, Scott McCready, Zanoor
huge contribution they have made, not just to this show but Penny (management trainee), Trent Hooper
to the legacy they leave behind for others to gain from and
build on at both our schools. Two of them, Amy McLaren (Vi Followspot Operators: Callum Prichard (management
Moore) and her onstage hubby, Kyle Dahl (Rev Shaw Moore), trainee), Nicholas Howell
comment below.
Sound Reader: Sam Kennard
Everyone in the company can take credit for contributing to
the success of our award winners: Special Effects Projections: Ben Funke, Mr Rhys Doherty,
Mr Chris Burton
Alex Hughes Award for Most Promising Chorus Dancer:
Oliver Inman Special Effects Operator: Ollie Grant

Liz O’Connor Award for Most Promising Musician: Makeup and Hairstyling: Mrs Angie Baines, Ms Kelly
Riley Booth Pfeffer-Marshall, Mrs Jess Lowry Hair: Sophie Brokenshire
(HOD), Emma Woodfield, Hannah Sowman, Grace Young,
Monaghan Award for Excellence inTheatreTechnology: Sophie Griffiths, Teiyana Patterson
Toby Linton
Backstage Security: Ms Sue Taylor, PNGHS and PNBHS staff

Refreshments and Programme Sales: Mrs Barbara
Shorter, Mrs Debs Marshall, PNBHS PTA

Front of House: Mr Brett Greer

Exterior Security: PNBHS Staff

Ushers: PNGHS and PNBHS Prefects

Lighting Design: Mr Rhys Doherty (ignz), Mr Chris Burton

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 125

Sound Design and Operation: Mr Neville Lauridsen immersed in the Production atmosphere by joining the crew.
(nlproductions)
Among other things, it was an honour to act amongst
Set Design: Mr Chris Burton such talented students. Working with Anya, Kyle, Josiah
and Lisabet so closely meant that many of their strengths
Props Construction: Ms Nikki Weston, Props team, Mr were identified. Stage chemistry occurred naturally as a
Chris Burton result of this. Senior principals were wonderful at leading
the company. In fact, there were a myriad of impassioned
Set Construction: ACROW, Mr Chris Burton, crew individuals in the whole company, which allowed me to be at
ease in my role. They removed a substantial amount of stress
Set Painting: Mr Chris Burton, Mrs Kirsten Clark, crew from the Production and provided an admirable foundation
and an energetic atmosphere.
Billboard Erection: PNBHS Grounds staff
Finally, I believe the amount of high calibre work that all
Photography: Mr Brendan Lodge, Mr Dom King, Mr Jon members put in is what made the show so cohesive and
Clarke alive. The Senior Production has created a family between
people who may never have talked without it. It has joined
Poster Graphic: Ms Kate Costello like-minded individuals for a team goal and given many of us
valuable skills to take into higher education and production
Poster Layout and Programme Design: Mr Rich Marshall involvement. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to
(Computercare) thank audience members, the management team and the
rest of the company. To anyone considering joining the team,
Bookings: PNBHS Finance Office staff, Mr Brett Greer, I welcome you and I hope you enjoy your time among the
Patronbase company.

Sponsorship and Advertising: Mr Brett Greer, Ms Jenn Kyle Dahl (Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose) reflects
Mann, Mrs Pam Marks on his involvement in the Senior Production:

Matinee Arrangements: Mr Brett Greer The PNBHS/PNGHS Senior Productions have been the
highlights of my schooling life. I have played two lead roles
Publicity and administration of website and Facebook in two productions during my time at PNBHS, my first being
pages: Mr Chris Burton ‘Potsie Webber’ in Happy Days and ‘Reverend Shaw Moore’
in this year’s Footloose. These two roles have both been very
Amy McLaren (Vi in Footloose) reflects on the Senior challenging, but have made me grow so much as an actor
Production: and a performer.

I have spent a total of three years with the PNBHS/PNGHS My first production had me playing a teenage boy in the
Senior Production Company and each one has been uniquely 1950’s. I really had to step up as an actor and a singer in this
enriching and fulfilling. Support from the management team, role, as it was my first time singing solo for an audience. It
which included five different vocal and musical directors over was also my first time playing a major role in some form of
three years, was constant and unparalleled. I cannot express a production. This year, playing the Reverend meant that
in words how grateful I am for having access to such a range I had an even bigger role to step into. I had to really step
of expertise. Each year was different, with new and old faces, up in my acting by portraying a 40-year-old man who has
with whom there was never a dull moment. been married for 20 years, which was very difficult to do. It
definitely made it easier performing with my good friend,
Footloose was a thoroughly rewarding show which Amy McLaren, who played my wife in the show, Vi Moore.
encompassed both spirit and happiness, while also touching Being close friends with Amy, and having the chemistry we
on a few darker aspects of performance. My character, Vi, had have, helped us to portray a middle-aged married couple.
to deal with unstable family life as well as confronting her
son’s death and the arrival of new citizens to her close-knit One of the main things I have loved about the Senior
town. It was vital that I put myself in her situation in order to Productions has been the social side. Almost all my current
convey my own interpretation of the character. friends I have, I met through the Senior Productions which
is awesome. You become very close with the cast and create
Acknowledging the crew (costume and props departments long-lasting friendships that you appreciate. If you are
and our three producers) is extremely necessary. Behind the interested in performing in any form, I highly suggest you
scenes were days of painting and sourcing props, sifting audition for the next Senior Production because they have
through costumes, putting up lights, as well as many other definitely been the best times at high school.
crucial tasks. Without these hours of devotion, the Production
would not have been nearly as successful as it was. Crew
involvement is one of the most important aspects of a show
and I strongly encourage any member of either school to get

126 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Photographs by Jon Clarke PNGHS

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 127

SILVER CREST NZIFST FOOD TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE

Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. Fletcher development laboratories in the Riddet Complex. This was
a fantastic opportunity as we got to work with first year
Food Technology is Whey Cool Massey University students and we learnt a wide range of
skills and a lot about food safety. Once the drink was made, a
A notice was put into the morning notices during the middle different group of PNBHS sportsmen were brave enough to
of Term 1 to see if any students were interested in developing try it and give feedback to the team. From here, we had to
a new food product. Lachlan Walcroft, Rohan Sharma and write a report, design the packaging and label for our drink,
Davis Farrar-Ferguson accepted the challenge. We were and a scientific poster. Judging occurred on Wednesday 27
paired up with a Food Technology expert from Fonterra’s September, where the young men received a commended
beverage department, Mr Sam Harper, an Old Boy of the award from NZIFST for their efforts and were also presented
school. Mr Harper gave the team a brief to make a sports with Silver CREST Certificates and Badges. Thanks to Dr Lee
drink with added protein for recovery and reduced sugar. Huffman at Plant and Food for sponsoring the team. For
The team completed background and market research, students thinking about taking Food Technology at Massey
and surveyed a group of PNBHS sportsmen about what University, Chemistry, Physics and Calculus are the subjects
they would like. The next step was product development. to take.
Professor Steve Flint, Team Leader of Food Bioscience at
Massey University, kindly gave us permission to use the food

128 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

TAMA TU TAMA ORA

Teachers in Charge: Mr P. King, Mr P. Hann of the team. I’m sure
we make a much
GROUP ONE - 11 - 23 JUNE: better crown now
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED than the crown our
group made at the
The Makahika start of the learning
Outdoor Pursuits experience.
camp is an idealistic There was still a hint
commune, where the of capitalism in our
means of production socialist society, the
are seized by the incentives. Nothing gets someone determined like a piping
state and distributed hot platter of ‘Aunty Sally’s cooking, a hat trick of Mr Hann’s
amongst the working Hearty Handshakes or some banter with Mr King. I personally
class in order to create was most driven when I had my first taste of Mr Hann’s Hearty
a functioning, fair Handshakes. I remember my first Hearty Handshake. We had
society. The leaders are not elected and the working class been tramping for hours. I was in charge and we came to an
must do as they say in order for the society to function. This intersection, with a choice to go down the river or select the
creates an ideal environment to turn rocks into gems. After easier dry path away from the river. I picked right, choosing
all, that’s why we were there. Just like real rocks, we were to go down the river. Sir gave me the heartiest of handshakes
turned into gems through intense heat and pressure that because I was the first leader in four years not to make the
was sustained over a long period of time. This pressure was mistake of taking the dry way. This led me on a mission to
created through consequences for our actions, learning get a Hat Trick of Hat Tricks of Mr Hann’s Hearty Handshakes,
through hard work and incentive. and I did it. I pushed myself constantly to do it and now I
am on my way to becoming a gem.
The most Tama Tu Tama Ora has been a life changing experience for
challenging and me. I have learnt so much about leadership and camaraderie
most important and my life will be forever better for it. It has opened so many
portion of the doors for me. I can now be a pilot, because I will be able to
process of lead the air crew. I could be a doctor, directing surgery. I
becoming a gem could even be an Officer in the Military, all because Tama Tu
was receiving Tama Ora has shown me how to lead. I would recommend
consequences Tama Tu to anyone who wants to challenge themselves
for our actions. and complete an extraordinary experience. In the long run,
During Tama Tu Tama Tu Tama Ora could be the difference between living
Tama Ora, we an ordinary or an extraordinary life. Having completed it, I
always received an equal reaction to every action. If there feel confident I have the tools to lead the latter.
was no consequence, Mr Hann and Mr King would be sure By Fergus Congdon 10DC
to provide one. An example of this is the religion: Rockology.
Rockology is a religion based on consequences and actions, GROUP TWO 6 – 18 AUGUST:
mainly negative ones. One night, Mr Hann and Mr King were STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
not happy with all the yelling and talking that the boys were Tama Tu Tama Ora takes place at Makahika Outdoor Pursuits
doing in their tents, after they were specifically told to be Centre over the course of thirteen days and is most certainly
quiet. This led to a group punishment where we lugged, a worthwhile experience. There is not one thing I can point
dragged or rolled heavy rocks to‘Rocky Intersection’; a sacred to when I say that, as someone who has actually been on the
intersection of roads that we placed our rocks on, only to camp, it is worthwhile. It is more of an all-round greatness
begrudgingly carry them down again on the last day. To that the camp radiates. By the end of the first day, you know
us, at the time, it seemed irrational, sadistic and borderline exactly what it’s about and what it will entail and I can’t
tortuous. With the magic of hindsight, I noticed that as time
went on we became more and more disciplined as a result,
and the way we acted, through heat and pressure, morphed
into the likeness of a glistening gem: hard and refined.

Tama Tu was not all rocks and gems, however. Gems don’t
look good on their own. You’ve never seen a crown with
just one gem, have you? We had to learn how to deal with
the people around and to lead and coordinate them. This
is when we learned to zoomorph our personality traits so
that we understand them better. There were four birds that
represented personality traits: the owl - a lone wolf, but clinical
and patient; the peacock - loud and loves being around
other people; the dove - also loves being around people
and wants the team to get along; and last but not least the
hawk - a hunter and a lone wolf who tackles problems head
on. Personally, I am a ‘Howl’ - a mixture of the hawk and the
owl. I think before I act and I tend to go by my own compass
(literally). This better understanding of the way people act
made working together a lot easier because, as leaders,
we were able to cater to the strengths and weaknesses

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 129

decide whether that is a supplies and had to set up a shelter using some rope and
good thing or not. Before tarpaulin, which was what one slept in for the night. We also
the train grows wings had to complete a‘homework’sheet, which asked us a bunch
and literally flies off track of self-reflective questions.
- what happened during
Tama Tu Tama Ora? Day Eight was intended for ‘Makahika Challenges’, but such
was the weather that some challenges were insurmountable.
On Day One, we were Many did get to attempt the high beam challenge as a few
driven by bus to the rays of sun attempted to warm the valley.
beginning of a track
somewhere near Day Nine was a day preparing for the big 72hr challenge.
Levin where we The planning entailed figuring out the route we would
were given our take for the next three days, filling out intention sheets and
knives and where packing. My team, with many capable leaders, struggled to
I had the most find cohesion in the planning phase, which would later be
incredible start to revealed in the consequences the environment provided
a two-week camp, when you fail to plan and manage your time effectively
in history, by (well documented in the ‘Seven P’s’ lesson). It would also
forgetting my hat! be revealed through our journals that, what some call
I then forgot to “nothing happened”, could also be described as that valuable
pick up a pebble commodity called‘time’, where if well spent could have also
from the path, which was another thing we were asked to do have been filled with solitude to think, read, converse and
there. There we would learn our first lesson in Rockology as I communicate, play cards or sleep.
and one other, after stopping atop the first hill for morning
tea, had to carry a significantly larger rock than a mere pebble Days 10-12 were the
in our packs all the way to the bush camp. Fun. That was the three days for the 72hr
day I learnt the principle of action and consequence. challenge, or as known
otherwise, the Triple
Days Two and Three were theoretical days where we learnt Peak Challenge. Three
bushcraft skills, such as useful knots, emergency shelters, peaks. Three days.
dealing with hypothermia and navigating with a map. We Three days of limited
also did the ritual of initiation into the Polar Bear Club, which supplies. Sleeping in
involved taking a dip into the icy cold river. tents. Loop track only.
The three peaks were
Days Four, Five and Six were spent doing tramps and putting the following: Makahika Hill, 632 (this poor guy is only known
into practice most, but not all, of what we had learnt in days by his map marker – he doesn’t have a name) and the Square
Two and Three. Also on Day Six, we moved across the river Knob. The silver lining? We only had to sleep in tents for two
to the lodge from where we mostly based ourselves for the nights and got the lodge on the twelfth. That was it.
rest of Tama Tu Tama Ora.
Day 13 and the final day. Each ‘section’ had a representative
Night Six was an example of Tama Tu Tama Ora’s nature for to present a speech about a certain part of Tama Tu Tama Ora
me and many others. Out in the bush, there is nothing to and thank people for their contributions to the whole event.
inflate ego, you are only who you are at your core. No two
faces can survive on one head. So when people in mine and So, for the overview. Firstly: this isn’t the grand picture and I’ve
‘Section One’ (we were divided into three sections) couldn’t only scratched the surface, deliberately. I haven’t listed all of
show a simple act of respect by going quietly to sleep, the values that people would learn from this, and there are
the morning would bring consequences. Our Day Seven a lot. It would change nothing as values mean nothing until
morning dawned, with sheets of rain accompanying us on put into action. They’re just words on a page. And even thus,
a journey of discovery up to ‘Rocky Intersection’ to grab our with this article, it means nothing. You cannot gain anything
rocks. Those who were responsible had to take theirs up the from it that will truly change anyone. It’s just words on a page.
hill, whilst those whose only part was cohabitating in the So if you care about gaining something from Tama Tu Tama
same location as the“Peahawks”when bad things happened, Ora, then the only way to do so is to go along and experience
simply had to bring their it for yourself. Or not. Then you can just float undistinguished
rock back down the hill as bubbles on the common stream alongside all the others
to the lodge – bliss! who will just ponder the “what if I had answered the call to
challenge myself and put myself out of my comfort zone?”,
Day Seven was also the which for me was the moment I submitted the form!
day of the 24hr Solo
Challenge (it may be Secondly: the programme works by putting you in the
longer), also known limelight and on the backstage of reality. There is nothing
as ‘ The Overnighter’. there to help you apart from the people in your group,
We had quite limited yourself and the staff. But even then, nothing is done for you.
As it goes in this universe, you have to make things happen
or nothing will happen. It works to undo the softness that
comes with societal life and, at the very least, it will tell you

130 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

about your own nature: because that’s the only thing left
out there to grow.

Finally, everyone, including parents, can learn from this
programme. Your child is a product of your tutoring and
actions after all. If you don’t change anything, you will keep
getting the same results. You will screw up and that’s okay.
We’re all human here. What is not okay, however, is not
learning anything from your mistakes, because then there
is no more silver lining, only a black, writhing cloud of storm.

Students: if you’re so grand and tough, no one can mess with
you. Go and prove that by going on Tama Tu Tama Ora. Show
that you’re not just all talk. If you’re so great, then why should
you have to talk yourself up? It should be obvious, shouldn’t
it? That’s my challenge to you. You can gain something from
Tama Tu Tama Ora that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

By Rob Hindmarsh 10MS

VEX ROBOTICS

VEX ROBOTICS
Back Row: Dan van der Spuy, Rohan Sharma, Leon Nie, Tom Hannan, Alistair Hardie, Samuel Goodman, Nicholas
Dewhurst
2nd Row: Martin Joseph, John Cole, Stanley Jackson, Joshua Gravit, Thomas Rosendale, Mr D. Liengme (Teacher)
Front Row: Benjamin Cen, Ethan Shingleton, Daniel Rivers, Tom Kirkwood, Jayden Flint, Oscar Wight, Fletcher Templeton
Absent: Dylan Evans, Angus Claasen, George Ambridge, Mukund Bhide

Teacher in Charge: Mr D. Liengme Titanium: Dylan Evans (9), Fletcher Templeton (9).

Teams: Vex Robotics has spread widely in New Zealand since it
started a few years ago, with more schools joining every year.
Palmy Iron: John Cole (11), Jayden Flint (11), Joshua Gravitt The activity requires teams to design, build and test robots to
(11), Stanley Jackson (13), Thomas Rosendale (11), Rohan complete certain tasks in a fixed time. The robots have to be
Sharma (11), Oscar Wight (10). programmed to be able to carry out tasks autonomously for
a short time and are then controlled by a driver for a further
Mercury:Tom Hannan (12), Alistair Hardie (12), Martin Joseph 1.5 minutes. The game is global, with all teams playing the
(12), Leon Nie (12). same game with the same restrictions to size and materials
that can be used. A new game is devised each year, starting
Palmy Steel: Austen Claasen (9), Nicholas Dewhurst (9),
Ethan Shingleton (9).

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 131

in May and culminating in the World Championships the Students busy designing and building robots
following April. It is a game played by two alliance partners
against another alliance of two teams. As alliance partners are tournament before. A good time was had by all and much
rotated throughout the course of the qualification rounds, it needed experience was gained.
is essential to help other robots as this will effectively help
you gain a higher position on the rankings. After Nationals, and before the introduction of the new game
in April, New Zealand Vex developed a beginner game with
Vex Robotics at PNBHS has grown into an activity catering some restrictions on the parts that can be used. This allows
primarily, but not exclusively, for those students who do not for the introduction of Year 9 students to Vex EDR. Some
participate in the traditional co-curricular activities. 2017 has students have come from schools that have participated in
seen a spike in the number of teams participating in our the Vex IQ competition, a junior form of Vex EDR. The teams
local scrimmages (competitions) against other teams in the have gone from strength to strength since the early stages
lower North Island. This has been primarily due to the influx of the year. The large number of Year 9 students that have
of several Year 9 students. During the last two years, we have continued through to the end of the year augers well for the
managed to maintain the number of students involved in development of Robotics in 2018.
Vex to between 15 and 20 students. The retention of many
students from 2016 was particularly pleasing. The students
range from Year 9 to Year 13, with the older students acting
as mentors for the younger ones. We could not have grown
without the wonderful assistance of the PTA, who have
allowed us to purchase additional equipment to improve
the quality of our robots.

PNBHS entered two robots in the National Robotics
Competition held at the Albany Campus of Massey University
in Auckland during the last weekend in February 2017. The
“Palmy Iron”robot was ranked in the top half of their Division
at the end of pool play. The nature of the pool play meant
that a few close losses resulted in this team needing to rely
on others to be selected for an alliance in order to progress
to the knockout stages. It was a massive learning experience
for our teams, especially those who had not been to a big

ROBOTICS NATIONALS
Back Row: Rohan Sharma, Thomas Rosendale, John Cole, Martin Joseph, Mr D. Liengme (Teacher)
Front Row: Tom Hannan, Alistair Hardie, Stanley Jackson, Leon Nie, Oscar Wight

132 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

WORLD VISION

Student Leader: Benji Pritchard
Throughout this year, the Palmerston North Boys’High World
Vision Committee has not only wanted to raise as much
money as possible to help Syrian Refugees, but to also
spread as much awareness as we can. The Syrian Refugee
issue is the biggest humanitarian crisis of our time, with there
now being more refugees in the world than ever before.
The money that we raised this year will go into building
child-friendly spaces. These spaces are safe and supportive
learning environments where kids have access to arts,
sports, education and counselling so they can recover from
the trauma of war, and to allow them to be kids again. We
have had a wide range of fundraising initiatives with a lot of
support from local organisations:
• ‘Sounds for Syria’ Concert
• ‘World Vision Art Exhibition’
• A fundraising stall selling goods donated by the

community, with the best cake judged by the Topp Twins
• A fundraising stall selling goods at the Palmerston North

Winter Festival
• ‘Our Generation United’ Leadership Conference
• The 40-Hour Famine
This year has been a huge success with us setting a new
record, fundraising in excess of $13,000. The efforts of this
year’s PNBHS World Vision Committee have been the greatest
that both the school and the Palmerston North community
have ever seen. After being inspired by watching the passion
for change grow within so many this year, I am confident
that next year’s committee will again surpass expectations.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 133

YEAR 13 MOUNTAIN TRIP

Teachers in Charge: Mr B. Kensington, Mr J. Siebert Mt Ruapehu, or a plan B walk as the weather forecast was not
on our side. We found out it was best for us to split into three
On the 13th of February, Monday morning at 7:30am, 198 groups again and do a different walk. This time, the options
young boys and 20 staff left from Palmerston North Boys’ were the Tama Lakes/Taranaki Falls walk, Whakapapaiti
High School to Mt Ruapehu National Park. As we got to the track and the Old Coach Road track. This time I got to do
mountain, the rain came at us sideways and there was a fog the Old Coach Road, which was really nice and mostly flat,
so thick that you couldn’t see three metres ahead of yourself. but the scenery was beautiful with these old bridges that
This set the mood for the day as we sat on the bus finding an American President had come across many years ago.
out which of the nine lodges we were in and which friends
were with us. The best part of that day was Mr King hiding in an old tunnel
and the boys walking through, feeling something tapping
I got allocated into the lodge called Puketoi, which was on their leg (Mr King’s walking stick) and then hearing their very
the hill with a few other lodges. Climbing this hill in the rain girlish shrieks. Mr Ross had plenty of good banter for us lads at
was not my idea of fun, but I found out I was with Mr Ross the front and, I hear, so did Mr Benn. On our final day, we left
and Mr Kensington, which I was pretty chuffed with. We got for Palmy, but we made sure we stopped for some good old
to our lodges and I was expecting them to be like the ones Kiwi classic Maccas in Taihape. It was swarmed with hungry
DOC have, but was I wrong! These lodges were great, with teenage boys and some of the lads managed to stop for
nice bathrooms and newly carpeted floors. The next day, half Subway. But these weren’t the best moments of camp. The
the boys were to do the Tongariro Crossing and half to climb best moments were sitting down at 8pm on a cold night after
Mt Ruapehu. Due to rain and high winds, however, we were a hard day’s tramp with the boys from your lodge, some you’d
split into three groups, with one group each walking the known for over four years and some you’d never even talked
Waihaha track, Whakapapaiti track and Old Coach Road track. to. Talking for hours, playing the board game ‘Risk’, or the
classics of Uno, Poker and Mafia, which Sam Lebourne was
We had to get up at 6:30am everyday which, for some boys, deadly good at, and if we were adventurous, Cards Against
was very new. I did the Whakapapaiti walk. It was a pretty Humanity. Also, talking to the teachers was really good. It
decent walk over streams (some people may have gotten just created such a good bond. Honestly, if you want some
knee deep) and we saw some great Kiwi bush, with the rain good banter then talk to Mr Ross or Mr Kensington.
holding off for most of the day. We also had the biggest test
of the week whilst on our walk, which was Mr King’s gate The camp didn’t go exactly to plan, but it turned out even
test. You had to pass to be able to go forward, past him and better. I’ve come out with new mates, better bond with my
with the other boys. I think Sam Jones was lucky enough to teachers and an experience I’ll never forget. On behalf of the
do it twice. 2017 Year 13’s, I’d like to thank every teacher, bus driver, Mr
Bovey, Year 13 Deans and parents who supported us and
When we got back, we had to prepare our dinner for the made the trip possible. I urge everyone to go on this trip if
lodge, which was hamburgers, yum! No regrets there. The they can, as they will never forget it!
most fun and physical pain took place at Waiouru Military
Camp on the Wednesday, which was a beautiful and really P.S. Puketoi is the best lodge!
hot day. We got to do the RFL Test (Army Required Fitness
Level Test), six team building experiences that involved By Harrison Ward
using our strength and mind, as well as the army confidence
course which tested a lot of us who have a fear of heights.
My favourite part was running through the confidence
course, where we had to go deep into a stream and then
into a mud run. There were two types of people that day;
those who slid through on their front and those who stood
up walking on the sides.

We then came home and had a good treat of ice cream for
dessert. Our muscles were aching the next day which, for the
teachers, was quite funny watching us try to move around
at 6:30am as we tried to make our ham and cheese toasties
(a staple of our diet on this camp, alongside raro). We waited
for the news if we were going to do the Tongariro Crossing or

134 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 135

Y LEAD CONFERENCE

Teacher in Charge: Mr P. King passion inside of you to follow through with your dreams and
aspirations. It seemed like we had only just begun, however,
“Rangatira” yLead Conference Report the first of our three days had so quickly come to a close.
We retreated to our rooms after an evening of awesome
The school has been attending the yLead Rangatira costumes and even better dancing, exhausted, but eager
Transformational Leadership Experience for six years under for what the next day would hold.
the direct sponsorship of Old Boy, Mr Bill Kermode, CEO of
the NEXT Foundation. In 2017, the following young men Day 2 - Friday 13th October – Thornton Ropiha. The
attended this conference: Richard Bell, Aidan Berkahn, Callum first activity for Day 2 was to learn about group meetings;
Crawley, Chris Dewhurst, Junius Ong, Thornton Ropiha, Sam how to efficiently run them, how to include everybody, and
Russell, Levi Sharratt, Nick Slegers, Digby Wertmuller and making them full of energy to make everyone pay attention.
Caleb Young. The team performed admirably and once With that knowledge, we went off into our mentor groups
again, Mr Matt Kershaw, CEO of yLead, was impressed for a meeting. During this meeting, we were revealed two
with the calibre of young men who he said were great secret missions that we had to complete by the end of the
ambassadors for the school and its Character Education and conference. These missions were: to perform and record our
Leadership Development Programme. A summary of their group doing random acts of kindness, and to host a closing
experience over three days at yLead follows. ceremony awards presentation. Our random acts of kindness
included: putting post-it notes on pillows which had fun
Day 1 - Thursday 12th October – Callum Crawley. Our pick-up lines on them, setting the tables with chocolates
first day at the yLead Rangatira Conference of 2017 began and flowers, and everyday acts to make people happy (for
with registration and the all-important name tag creation. example, compliments and taking their dishes). We then had
Right from the outset, it was obvious that the next three a speech from guest speaker, Rowie McEvoy, the founder of
days would be some of the most fun, hectic, exciting and MAX Fitness College. After an enthusiastic speech guiding
valuable times of our lives. us to follow our passion and other important messages,
we had to say goodbye to a truly great speaker. We were
To start with, we did not know what had hit us. As we walked then put in groups of three to practice public speaking on
into the hall, we were greeted by intoxicatingly upbeat, random topics, which lead to a few laughs but was also a
happy dance music. If there is one way to lift the spirits of good learning curve. After a lunch break to regain our lost
70-odd teenagers, it’s to let them loose and get them all energy, we went back in our groups to play three different
up and dancing. Even though it may not have seemed like games around the campus of Rotorua Boys’ High School.
it, that was the first of many lessons that we would learn These games were based around the ideas: Negotiation, Trust
over the three days; that positive energy is contagious, and and Honesty. With more memorable lessons learnt, we were
not only that, but highly motivating and useful, in a team sent to dinner. During dinner, we were told to get dressed
environment especially. into our formal outfit for a‘very memorable night’, which was
no word of a lie. With everyone, boys and girls, in our formal
After lunch, we were invited to choose our team mentors outfits, we paired up with another guy and a girl. Entering
who would guide us through the many group-based the hall, we were greeted by a candle-lit room. In our pairs
activities that we would be undertaking over the next couple of three, we had to take turns to answer questions regarding
of days. Every single one of them brought something unique values, family and friends, which we had to answer fully. This
to the table, and it was impossible to make a bad decision was a great experience, as it guided us to be more open to
on who to go with This was a testament to the quality of people, and appreciate people without knowing their full
the mentors that keep coming back year after year to give story. With values learnt from a lot of aspects of leadership,
back to what helped them along their path. we finished the day pumping for what the next held.

Following our group selection, we were taught that Day 3 – Saturday 14th October – Junius Ong. After
leadership starts from within. As an example of this, we the previous day, we felt empowered to make a positive
were lucky enough to have Rowie McEvoy speak to us difference in the world. We began the day with a talk from
about her life story and how she got to where she is now. guest speaker, Noa Woolloff, who was a former Head Boy at
More importantly, she taught us that if you want something Aotea College. While he was still at school, he found out that
bad enough, you are going to have to work damn hard he was going to become a father at the young age of 17,
for it, because all the people that say you can’t do it do so
for a reason, and that is to test whether you truly have the

136 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

the age of many of the people that attended the conference. The facilitators gave us time to use all of the tools that we had
His story demonstrated the effects of determination and learnt and put them into action by planning and writing all of
courage. He made a clothing company called Increase NZ, the positive things that are currently good about the school,
where “100% of the profits are used to send young parents and also all the possible changes we could implement to
to leadership courses and events to help support, inspire and further enhance it. All the pupils of each school coherently
celebrate their dedication to raising strong and incredible worked together.
families”. Noa’s story was very inspiring and we all were
amazed by his journey. Each group performed their task and were all memorable and
humorous. Following this, we bid farewell to all the amazing
We then went into our group to practice our final leaders we met, and thanked our awesome mentors. Overall,
performance one last time, before we performed in front yLead was a very memorable experience and we are very
of all the parents. Each group had a slightly different grateful that we had this opportunity.
performance, for example, a skit, dance, art design. As it was
our last meeting, it was the most focused and productive
one as the performance loomed ahead.

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB

YOUNG FARMERS CLUB
Back Row: Sam Lahmert, Ryan Codlin, Jordon King, Alex Argyle, Angus Brodie, Jesse Gunn, Isiah Edwards, Logan Law
4th Row: Sam Brodie, Luke Brown, Glenn Stringer, Michael Nicholls, Cody Borlase, Zane Munn, Toby Weston
3rd Row: Luca James, Clay Simpson-Smith, Jamie Penn, Harry Newman, Ethan Baldwin, George Meyer, Gus Lahmert, Mr
G. Atkin (Teacher in Charge)
2nd Row: Sebastian McMillan, Macca Williams, Ben Petersen, Leighton Edwards, Hayden Bell, Floyd Fenn, Jack Allomes,
James McKinnon
Front Row: Max Deighton, McKenzie Collis, Angus Grant, Jack Sturmey (Secretary), Ben Wood (President), Ben McAlley,
Levi Timms, Ben Havord

Teacher in Charge: Mr G. Atkin club activities. He was ably supported by the other senior
members of the club, in particular Jack Sturmey. Ben’s efforts
Club President: Ben Wood this year have undoubtedly set a very high standard for future
student leaders to aspire to.
The PNBHS Young Farmers’Club is for young men who have
an interest in agriculture and who wish to gain information At the conclusion of the Teen Ag Agri Sports competition day
about future training and career pathways in this key area of held at the end of Term 3, the PNBHS Young Farmers were
the New Zealand economy. The success or otherwise of the awarded the prize for the ‘Teen Ag Club of the Year’ for the
Young Farmers’Club comes down to the leadership exhibited Taranaki-Manawatu Region. Ben Woods’ superb leadership
by the senior members, and this year we were incredibly as PNBHS Club President was also recognised and he was
fortunate to have Ben Wood in the position of Club President. awarded with the prize for‘Teen Ag Chairperson of the Year’
Ben was very organised, passionate about farming, able to for the Taranaki-Manawatu Region.
use his initiative to create new opportunities and was very
good at building relationships with the wider community. A wide range of different events and opportunities were
Consequently, club membership nearly doubled from organised during the year. Some of the highlights included:
2016, with almost 50 young men attending meetings and

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 137

• Michael Nicholls, Jack Nesdale, Harry Newman and Angus • A large group attended the Get Ahead: Careers in
Brodie competed in the Wool Fadge teams race as part Agriculture Experience Day. An initiative of NZ Young
of the Rural Games. Farmers, Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb New Zealand,
this careers-focused day brought together a range of
• Dan Davidson, Harrison Ward, Luca James and McKenzie employers and agencies involved in the Primary Industries
Collis had the opportunity to take part in Agri Investment sector.
Week, a nationwide campaign to encourage young
people into the Primary Industries. • Several teams competed in the Hawera Agriculture
Competition, a great experience.

Angus Grant (left) with the certificate recognising the The PNBHS team proudly display the shield they won at
PNBHS Young Farmers as ‘Teen Ag Club of the Year’ for the the Land Based Training Agriculture Competition.
Taranaki-Manawatu Region and Ben Wood (right) with the
certificate and trophy he won as Teen Ag Chairperson of
the Year for the Taranaki-Manawatu Region. 

PNBHS Young Farmers Club members at the ‘Get Ahead: Mr Justin Bell of Bell Shearing teaching Ben McAlley the
Careers in Agriculture Experience Day’ in Term 1. intricacies of shearing a sheep.

Tree planting at the
Horizons Regional
Council Environmental
Workshop.

138 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

• A team of eight - Ben Wood (Captain), Clay Simpson- senior Science subjects, were invited to watch the
Smith, Jesse Gunn, Luke Perry, Ryan Codlin, Ben McAlley, dissection.
Harry Newman and Jack Sturmey – placed first in the • Junior members of the PNBHS Young Farmers’ Club had
Land Based Training Agriculture Competition held the opportunity to attend an environmental workshop
at Otiwhiti Station. facilitated by Catherine McManus and Anna Monk from
the Freshwater Team at Horizons Regional Council. A
• Old Boy Luke Roberts attended a Young Farmers’Club highlight of the day was the opportunity to be involved
meeting to share some information about his pathway in planting 750 native trees, alongside the PNGHS TeenAg
into a career in agriculture. Club.
• At the end of Term 3, club members attended a Teen Ag
• In May, the first ever Young Farmers’ newsletter was competition and sports day at Feilding High School.The
produced, highlighting the activities group members had highlight of this day was the annual Teen Ag Prizegiving.
been involved in. • In late October, a large number of young men from the
PNBHSYoung Farmers’Club competed in the Hunterville
• 37 members of the PNBHS Young Farmers’ Club headed Shemozzle.
to Otiwhiti Farming Cadet Training School, where Mr Thank you to the Year 13 students for their leadership of the
Charlie Duncan put on a fantastic experience day, giving group and to Megan Bates for her co-ordination of a number
the boys an opportunity to see some of the training and of the opportunities that our young men were able to take
career opportunities that are available to them. advantage of. A huge thank you to Adelaide Holdings (2004)
Ltd, Bell Shearing, A1 Movers, D. W. Contracting, Palmerston
• As part of the NZ Young Farmer of the Year, competitors North Farmlands and the PNBHS Good Buggers Club for their
are assessed on their ability to meet the requirements sponsorship of the group. This support made it possible for
of certain modules, including workplace First Aid. us to offer a wide range of opportunities for our young men.
Our young men assisted by being the ‘victims’ of a ‘freak Thank you to Mr Charlie Duncan and Otiwhiti Station for
accident’, with competitors judged on their response and hosting our club, to Mr Justin Bell for organising and running
First Aid knowledge. the shearing course, and Mr Alistair Lewis for his support
in transporting the boys to attend this. Thank you to Mr
• Ms Tess Appleby from Taratahi Agricultural Training Johnson and Mr Jochem for accompanying and supervising
Centre attended a meeting to inform our club members our young men so that they were able to participate in the
and other interested students about the opportunities activities that were on offer.
available at Taratahi.
There are a huge range of opportunities available in the
• Mr Justin Bell from Bell Shearing ran a course for senior agriculture sector in New Zealand, on both sides of the farm
students. Over the course of the day, the boys were gate, and we hope that the activities of the PNBHS Young
taught how to put together a handpiece, grind shearing Farmers’Club have exposed our young men to some of these.
gear, dag and crutch as well as shearing and wool
pressing.

• Mr Alistair Lewis from Land Based Training completed
a dissection of a calf. Mr Lewis is the tutor for the
Agriculture Gateway Programme and the young men
involved in that programme, as well as students studying

RENAISSANCE TOUR TO ITALY

Staff: Mr K. Benn, Mr H. Drake Much of the Science and Mathematics learnt at school
was developed during the Renaissance. Most critical of all,
Tour Members: Daniel Alvey, Jonathan Anderson, these disciplines functioned cooperatively with the Arts, not
Pierce Bliekendaal, Thomas Buckley, Jake Burgess- competitively. This was revealed to them in the old Human
Hight, Ronan Carroll, Ryan Codlin, Lukas Dreyer, Jack Anatomy Theatre of Bologna University, the Sistine Chapel,
Harvey, Kaleb Humpage-Pinto, Jarrod Kirk, Luciano standing outside Galileo’s house in Florence, or the perfectly
Lanham, Kendall Lei, Tomas Lieffering, Oliver Lodge, preserved medieval town of Siena. The questions asked
Finn Martin, Callum Mayston, Jack Milne, Joshua by the students as they observed the structural marvels of
Nixon, Benjamin Pritchard, Nicholas Punnett, Liam the Renaissance, as well as the scientific artefacts, were a
Quelch, Jack Scrimshaw, Patrick Takurua constant reassurance of the high level of engagement and
learning that was occurring. More encouraging was how
The third PNBHS Renaissance Tour to Italy with twenty- many students recognised the significance of family crests
four adventurous students with two adventure-seasoned like the Medicis, Pazzis and de la Rovery; extremely wealthy
teachers departed on 18 September. and powerful families and yet they used so much of their
wealth to create public buildings and infrastructure as gifts
The journey began in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the beautiful to the cities in which they invested.
12th Century stone city featuring in the popular series,
Game of Thrones. From there, the journey took the group The Renaissance Tour was not all about monuments. Besides
through Split, Venice, Verona, Milan, Genoa, Sardinia, Pisa, the wealth of knowledge and history, Italy and Croatia offered
the Cinque Terre, Florence, Siena, Bologna, Ischia, Pompeii, the students a unique experience to sample exquisite food
Herculaneum and Rome. The purpose of this adventure was and culture. It was wonderful to see our students sitting at
not to notch up a list of ‘I’ve been there’ photographs and restaurant tables and ordering boldly, sampling the local
t-shirt,s but rather a time of personal growth and reflection. food. And this, at times, with a McDonalds at hand! Further
Connections between the past and present are easily made to that end, they learnt to appreciate the wonderful lifestyle
in Italy. As the students travelled by train or ferry from city we have in New Zealand. This happened early on in the piece
to city, their discussions about the sites they had seen when catching a metro in Milan with full backpacks. They
became increasingly fascinating. Having the Renaissance turned to me and said the train was full. No it wasn’t. Just
Period as the central focus of the tour offered the ideal because all the seats are taken and there are some people
opportunity for students to connect with Classical Rome, standing, does not mean it’s full! We squashed on with ease
as well as the Medieval and Classical Periods, identifying the and, at the next stop, another fifty people found gaps to fill.
influence these cultures had upon the art and thinking of
the Renaissance Period and the present.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 139

RENAISSANCE MEN
Back Row: William Hunter, Wei Lim, Emmanuel Joseph Shaji, Jae Lee
2nd Row: Phillip Lee, John Robinson, Stanley Jackson, Ryan Adams, Mr K. Benn (Coach)
Front Row: Denzel Chung, Finlay McRae, Nelson Braddon-Parsons, Alan Kirk

We also had our moments away from the mad selfie- stepped into Dante’s ninth circle. The pace and scale of
obsessed crowds. Our hotel in Dubrovnik was a minute’s walk Milan overwhelmed them and they clung to the teachers
from the filming location of Game of Thrones. The particular for security. However, when we reached Rome three weeks
bay concerned is known in the TV series as ‘King’s Landing’. later, such was the level of their confidence that they surfed
That aside, walking ten minutes in the opposite direction the metro and criss-crossed the city with panache, meeting
placed the students in one of the most beautiful medieval up on Spanish Steps or at Trevi Fountain, as the whim took
stone cities of Europe which we enjoyed from a mountain them. And that was so good to see!
top, as well as from a kayak out in the bay: a wonderful water
safari during which the Rector demonstrated his cliff jumping This was a unique trip where, because of the nature of our
skills. Dubrovnik is the perfect place to start the journey travel, students had to be responsible and self-manage. We
because of the safety, the ease of access and, as with the were backpacking and travelling by train or ferry between
rest of Europe, hands on history. cities. My compliments go to these students who, while
enjoying themselves to an infectious level, engaging in
Our days were full, sometimes beginning at 5:00am and solid fun with tons of laughter, never once let themselves
ending near midnight. The students had their first taste of or the school down. Not a single travel arrangement was
overnight Ferry travel which was varied. Travelling by ferry compromised. Mr Hugh Drake and I thank each of those
was a novelty for the students, but they soon adjusted to young men for making the Renaissance Tour of 2017 one of
sleeping on board a ship and rolling with a surprise from the the most memorable events of our teaching careers.
galley. At times, our patience was tested by inefficiencies,
such as in La Spezia where we stayed in Europe’s worst hostel But what of after the trip, when the jet lag of the return
run by something out of a Stephen King story. However, that’s journey has long worn off and the students are sitting
part of travel. It has easy times and tough times and very examinations as I write this report? I often receive little
often, the tough times build the most lasting and positive snippets from colleagues about Renaissance Tour students
memories. who bring their experience into the classroom and relate it
to the lesson that is in progress. Students from previous trips
The Renaissance Tour caters for well-rounded students. are often in contact, letting me know they have returned to
Leonardo da Vinci, a key figure of the Renaissance, was a great Italy or travelling to new lands, putting into practice the skills
athlete as well artist, engineer etc. There is always a physical they learned on the Renaissance Tour. The Renaissance Tour
component to the Renaissance Tour. This time, we embarked is a life changing experience for all of us.
on a three-day cycling tour in Sardinia. It was challenging
but very rewarding, cycling along clifftops, next to beaches I would like to pay tribute to Mr Hugh Drake, my fellow staff
and even visiting the old Phoenician ruins of Tharos. Our member on the Tour. I could not have wished for a better
boys did themselves proud taking on this challenging task companion. His wisdom, calm disposition and good humour
and were well compensated with outstanding lunches and were more appreciated than he will ever know by myself and
dinners, a key part of Sardinian hospitality. the students. I look forward to travelling with him again in the
future. He is most definitely a first choice. Thank you, Hugh.
As a teacher, it was rewarding to witness the growth in
confidence of the students over four and a half weeks. When The next Renaissance Tour will take place in September/
we arrived in Milan, one of our students thought they had October 2020.

140 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 141

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SPORT

144 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Palmerston North Boys’ High School

Established 1902

3DOPHUVWRQ1RUWK%R\V·+LJK6FKRROZRXOGOLNHWR
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Wei Lim Callum McRae Alex Jenkins Max Edwards Benjamin Wall Dylan Simpson
Badminton Basketball Boxing Clay Target Cross Country Cycling

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Duathlon Football Golf Hockey Judo Karting

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Motor Cross Surf Lifesaving Rugby Union Smallbore
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Softball Squash Swimming Table Tennis Tae Kwon Do Triathlon

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Volleyball Water Polo Weight Lifting Wrestling
2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 145

SPORT

ATHLETICS

Teacher in Charge: Mr R. Doyle

SCHOOL ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Massey Community Track – Thursday 9 March 2017

The weather was fine with a southerly wind helping the
finishers in the home straight.

HIGHLIGHTS
One record was broken in the Intermediate 4 x 400m Relay by
Albion. Team members were Mark Seumanu, Jaeden Shaw,
Jack Pronk, Ethan Johanson (3mins 49.0secs).

Dominating performances in middle distance races by Alex
Hull (Seniors) who came 1st in 10,000m, 1st in 3,000m (9mins
12secs) and 1st in 1500m (4mins 17secs).

Benjamin Wall (Intermediate) came 2nd in Open 10,000m,
1st in 800m, 1st in 1500m. Piers Savage (Senior Sprints) 1st
in 60m (7.2secs), 100m (11.1secs), 200m (23.4secs).

ATHLETICS HIGH ACHIEVERS 2016-2017 In the Juniors, Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching 1st in 100m, 200m, 60m
New Zealand Secondary Schools, Auckland and long jump.
North Island Secondary Schools, Inglewood
Back Row: (L to R) Mr R Doyle (Coach), Reuben Brown, Athlete of the Meeting went to Harrison Porritt who
Jaeden Shaw, Harrison Porritt, Bradyn Popow, Mark produced a series of outstanding solo runs to win the 800m
Seumanu, Aidan Smith, Reif Dawson, Benjamin Wall. in 1min 58.4secs, the 200 steeples, 400m and High Jump. A
Reuben Brown - NISS 2nd Senior Long Jump - 6m34cm. fine day’s work from a versatile and capable athlete.
Jaeden Shaw - NZSS U16 Finalist 400m - 53.4sec; 1st 4x400
Relay. Harrison Porritt - NISS 1st Senior 800m - 1m55.04sec; Bradyn Popow displayed a fluent technique in winning the
1st Senior 1500m - 4m40.3sec (PB). Bradyn Popow - NISS Open Walk by a comfortable margin.
2nd Open Walk - 16m40sec; NZSS 3rd Open Walk -
17m55sec. Mark Seumanu - NZSS 2nd U16 High Jump; 1st Junior
U16 4x400 Relay; NISS 1st U16 High Jump - 1m85cm (PB). A promising group of juniors came through. These included
Aidan Smith - NZSS 2nd Senior Javelin - 56m61cm. Reif Angus Lyver, Tyler Teikamata 2nd in 100m, 2nd in 200m, 2nd
Dawson - NZSS Semi-finalist U16 200m - 24.5sec; 1st U16 in Shot. Nelson Doolan 3000m and 5000m, Liam Wall 1st in
4x400m Relay; NISS Semi-finalist U16 200m - 23.8sec (PB). 800m and 1500m and 2nd in 5000m. Aden Porritt 1st 80m
Benjamin Wall - NZSS 1st U16 3000m - 9m06.2sec; 2nd U16 Hurdles and 2nd in 800m.
1500m - 4m12.54sec; 1st U16 4x400 Relay; NISS 1st U16
800m - 1m59.07sec; 1st U16 1500m - 4m10sec (PB) Tama Nikora showed his versatility by winning the Pentathlon
Relay 1st U16 4x400 - 3m39.62sec. Team: Mark Seumanu, in a keen tussle with Curtis Heaphy and Sebastien Cave. Guy
Reif Dawson, Benjamin Wall, Jaeden Shaw Petersen displayed a good technique in winning the Javelin.

Intermediate
This is always a tough age group. This year was no different.

The 100m was won by Armani Tupai who produced a strong
finish to edge out William Treder and VJ Tauli. The same result
occurred in the 60m event.

Overall Athletics

Albion Gordon Kia Ora Murray Phoenix Vernon

Track 164352

Field 4 2 6 1 3 5

Relays 246153

Marching 5 4 2 1 5 2

Total 12 16 18 6 18 12

Final Club Points

Albion Gordon Kia Ora Murray Phoenix Vernon

Track 51 7 21 30 20 33

Field 28 35 23 73 30 24

Relays 76 57 46 80 49 62

Marching 22 22.5 23 27.5 22 23

Total 177 121.5 113 210.5 121 142

146 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

The 200m saw a late surge by Reif Dawson with VJ Tauli Piers Savage won the Senior 100m in 10.84secs (HT) 11secs,
in a tight finish and a good contest. VJ Tauli also won the a PB and a top performance.
Long Jump (5m 72cms). The 400m was another match Other placings in their respective grades were:
race between Mark Seumanu and Jaeden Shaw, with Mark
winning on this occasion. Both boys won other events, Mark Senior
the High Jump and Jaeden the 300m Hurdles. 800m - Bailey Wynd 3rd
110m Hurdles - Jack Power 1st, Harry Newman 2nd, Harison
Others to win their events were Darius Mafile’o (Shot); Hugo Rickards 3rd
Wakeling (Triple Jump); Tiwha Rukuwai (Discus); Murray Long Jump - Reuben Brown 1st (by 24cms), Matt O’Leary 3rd
Wilson (Javelin). Keenan Thomson won the Intermediate High Jump - Reuben Brown 1st
Pentathlon, with Angus Grant 2nd and Martin Campbell 3rd. Triple Jump - Alex Petrovich 1st, Taine Evans 3rd
Shot - Kolokihevaha Tavake 1st, Usaia Fonongaloa 3rd
Senior Discus - Jack Nesdale 1st 42.28cms (good effort),
Others to win the respective events were Ben O’Connor Kolokihevaha Tavake 3rd
(Javelin 46m 75cm); Reuben Brown (High Jump and Long Javelin - Ben O’Connor 1st
Jump, 2nd in 100m); Ethan Helu-Makasini (Triple Jump, 2nd 300m Open Hurdles - Jaeden Shaw 1st, Harry Newman
in Long Jump); Kolokihevaha Tavake (Shot). Jack Nesdale 2nd, Bailey Tyler 3rd
displayed good technique in winning the Discus. Matt 2000m Walk - Bradyn Popow 10mins 38.50secs [best time
O’Leary won the Pentathlon from James Stratton and Matt 2017]
Peel.
Intermediate
As usual, the Relays brought the sports alive, as all 100m - Armani Tupai 1st 11.70secs, William Treder 11.80secs,
clubs worked for maximum points. Notable runs in pleasing performances
the Relays were Jacob Riley, Harrison Porritt, Benjamin 200m - Reif Dawson 2nd 23.6secs P.B. (close finish)
Wall and Liam Wall. Albion U16 4x400m, Murray 400m - Mark Seumanu 2nd 53.10secs, Jaeden Shaw 3rd
Juniors 4x200m and Senior 4x400m and Gordon 54secs
intermediate 4x200m were impressive performers. 800m - Richard Bell 2nd
3000m - Luke Scott 3rd
The march past was a fitting finale to end a good day and 100m Hurdles - Bailey Tyler 1st, Josh Viljoen 2nd, Tom Kirk
all clubs performed with distinction, with Murray regaining 3rd
the Ross Brown baton. High Jump - Mark Seumanu 1st 1m 80cms - fine
performance
A big thank you to the officials and competitors for your Long Jump - VJ Tauli 2nd
sportsmanship and competitive spirit, which makes this Shot - Jack Pinder 2nd, Darius Mafile’o 3rd
event one of the highlights on the school’s sporting calendar.
Junior
MANAWATU SECONDARY SCHOOLS 100m - Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching 1st - comfortable margin -
ATHLETIC SPORTS good performance
200m - Tyler Teikamata 1st 25.3secs - gutsy effort
Manawatu CommunityTrack – Saturday 25 March 2017 400m - Jacob Riley 1st - a determined finish, Levi Neilson-
Treur 3rd
Conditions were variable from rain to wind to a sunny 800m - Aden Porritt 1st, Liam Wall 2nd
afternoon. A team of 80 adapted well to these conditions 1500m - Angus Wallace 2nd, Bradyn Popow 3rd
and achieved 27 wins, 18 seconds and 22 thirds. A 3000m - Nelson Doolan 2nd, Luke Brown 3rd
dominating set of results. 80 Hurdles - Curtis Heaphy 1st, Aden Porritt 2nd, Campbell
Woolley 3rd
HIGHLIGHTS High Hump - Rian Lyver 2nd, Campbell Woolley 3rd
Benjamin Wall was awarded the Albert Pootjes trophy for Long Jump - Tama Nikora 2nd, Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching 3rd
his two record-breaking performances in the Intermediate Triple Jump - Sebastien Cave 2nd, Cody Borlase 3rd
3000m in 9mins 07.3secs. He backed this up with a fine Shot - Lawrence Leung Wai 2nd
tactical 1500m run of 4mins 13.9secs. Discus - Ben Sefo 2nd, Lawrence Leung Wai 3rd
Alex Hull was impressive in the Open 3000m (9mins Javelin - Guy Petersen 1st 36.37cms - quality effort, Zane
07.9secs). Munn 3rd
Harrison Porritt achieved a good 400m (51.5secs), 800m Relays - All performed well and won by wide margins. The
(1min 58.6secs). Both fine solo runs. seniors were disqualified for a technical error on the second

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 147

change (rules are rules!) NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Junior: Tama Nikora, Curtis Heaphy, Sebastien Cave, Lafo ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Takiari-Ah Ching
Intermediate: VJ Tauli, Jaeden Shaw, Reif Dawson, Mark Waitakere, Auckland – 2-3 December 2016
Seumanu
Senior: Matt O’Leary, Harrison Porritt, Reuben Brown, Piers Weather conditions were blustery on the first day, but fine
Savage and warm for the last two days.
Those selected for North Island Championships in
Inglewood, 8-9 April were: A small team of six competed and gained the following
Junior: Aden Porritt, Liam Wall, Guy Petersen, Bradyn Popow results: two firsts, three seconds and one third.
Intermediate: VJ Tauli, Reif Dawson, Mark Seumanu,
Benjamin Wall, Jaeden Shaw Senior (Under 19½)
Senior: Piers Savage, Harrison Porritt, Reuben Brown, Jack Aidan Smith was 2nd in the Javelin, 2cms behind the winner
Nesdale, Alex Hull in very trying and windy conditions. His distance was 56m
Finally, a big thank you to our Manager Mr Calton, and Mr 61cms. Aidan was also selected for the NZ Secondary
McFarlane, for their work with the Junior Relay and to the Schools team, a top performance.
parents who attended. The boys appreciate your support
and help. Bradyn Popow finished a gutsy 3rd in the Open 3000m Walk,
a top effort as he competed with his arm in plaster. His time
NORTH ISLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS was 17mins 55secs.
ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Jack Nesdale was 11th in Discus (39m 22cms). A top effort
Inglewood 2017 from a first year in this grade.
In ideal warm conditions school athletes performed with
distinction, gaining five firsts and three seconds, along with Junior (Under 16)
a number of personal best performances. Benjamin Wall was in outstanding form winning the 3000m,
taking the lead at the top of the straight and holding on
Senior: for a comfortable win in 9mins 6.20secs. A fine tactical
Harrison Porritt - 1st in the 800m (1 min 55.04 secs.) and 1st performance and a new PNBHS record. The previous record
in the 1500m (4 mins.3 secs.) (PB). In both races he displayed was held by W. Harrison in 1992 (9mins 9.63secs.). He backed
good tactical judgement. this effort up in the 1500m with a well taken 2nd in 4mins
12.54secs, displaying good race judgement.
Reuben Brown - 2nd in the Long Jump (6m 34cm), being
surpassed on the last jump by 1cm. A fine competitive Mark Seumanu was 2nd in the High Jump (1m 80cms),
performance. displaying good technique. A top performance.

Piers Savage - 4th in the 100m (11.26 secs.) in a tight and Jaeden Shaw was a finalist in the 400m (53.4secs) (P.B.). A
close finish with 1/100 of a second separating 3rd, 4th and top effort.
5th. A fine performance. He was also in the 4 x 100m Relay
team which finished 2nd. VJ Tauli made the second round in the 100m in 11.7secs (P.B.),
a fine effort from a Year 9.
Alex Hull - 1500m (4 mins. 12 secs).
Reif Dawson made the second round of the 200m in 24.4secs
Jack Nesdale – 7th in Discus (41m .02cm). (P.B.) and in the 100m, ran 12.2secs, a good effort.

Bradyn Popow – 2nd in Open 3000m Walk (16 mins. 40 secs.). Relays
A tight and competitive race. A top performance. The 4 x 100 Relay team of VJ Tauli, Jaeden Shaw, Reif Dawson
and Mark Seumanu ran a personal best in recording 46.0secs
Intermediate: to finish 7th, displaying first class changes in a close run race.
Benjamin Wall – 1st in the 800m (1 min. 59.07 secs.) and 1st A top team performance averaging 11.5secs for each leg.
in the 1500m (4 mins. 10.0 secs.). A top double displaying
fine tactical judgement. This ‘double double’ by Benjamin Twenty minutes later the 4 x 400m team of Mark Seumanu,
and Harrison in middle distance races is a fine achievement. Reif Dawson, Benjamin Wall and Jaeden Shaw gave an
outstanding performance of tactical judgement and
Mark Seumanu was 1st equal in the High Jump (1m 85cm) determination to win the event in 3mins 39.62secs, a 55sec
(PB). A top result. 400m (53.3 sec.). average. A great way to finish the championship and a
well-deserved win.
Reif Dawson - 200m (23.8 secs.).
These results prove the school has the talent to match the
VJ Tauli – 8th in Long Jump (5m 72cm.). best if you are prepared to train on a regular basis.

Junior: Special thanks to Mr Tony Chettleburgh, our Manager and
Liam Wall - 1500m (4 mins. 46 secs.). driver, for his knowledge and support. He was a key factor in
the team having a smooth and enjoyable fixture. A special
Guy Peterson - 4th in Javelin (36m). thank you to Mr Dawson and Mr Smith for their help and
assistance during the championship.
Relays: were against provincial combinations. 4 x 100m
Intermediate – VJ Tauli, Mark Seumanu, Reif Dawson (45.89
sec.). Season’s best sixth, a good performance.

4 x 400m Open: run shortly after the 1500m finals. Benjamin
Wall, Mark Seumanu and Harrison Porritt came 5th (3 mins
32.5 secs.). A pleasing performance against provincial
combinations.

A top meeting, with valuable experience gained for the
future.

148 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 20167