Our students continued throughout Term Two to excel on the New Zealand and international stage in a range of sporting disciplines.

Shakayden Pang - Ice Hockey

Congratulations to Honours Cap recipient Year 12 student Shakayden Pang, who made his debut in the NZIHL (New Zealand Ice Hockey League) for the Botany Swarm in April.

Shakayden has been busy in his chosen sport recently with plenty of successes to his name, including, travelling to Mexico with the U18 NZ team, playing for the Auckland Adult Premier League, playing for the U18 Junior League, preparing for the U18 Auckland representative team, and playing for the U23 Auckland Mako team.

As the youngest member of the Botany Swarm team, Shakayden is also very lucky to be playing alongside an HBHS old boy, Michael Attwell (2009), who is the captain of the Botany Swarm for 2025. He is a great leader and mentor for up-and-coming talent, and the whole team have taken Shakayden under their wing.

Shakayden is looking at a bright future in ice hockey - we can't wait to see what the rest of the season will bring!

Jack Beggs - 8 Ball

Congratulations to Year 10 sharp shooter Jack Beggs who won the 2025 Clubs NZ National Junior 8 Ball Tournament in mid-April.

The Auckland tournament saw Jack play seven games against more than 50 other players (many older than him in the under-17 category) to secure his title. He has previously collected accolades in the Annual VNEA Junior World Pool Championships in the USA, and was named in an All Star team at the event in 2024. We look forward to seeing Jack's continued success!

Paora Cooper-Nicola - Softball

In a testament to his hard work, dedication and whānau support, Year 13 Paora Cooper-Nicola was selected for the New Zealand Junior Black Sox (U19s) to play in a test series against Australia in Palmerston North.

The rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is always fierce, but with 5 games against Australia over 3 days, Paora and his New Zealand teammates won 3-2 overall.

Paora's fielding at 3rd base was solid, nothing went past him. As a lead-off batter, Paora's job was to get on base. His highlight was hitting to the fence and using his speed rounding to 3rd base, then stealing home on a pass ball behind the catcher. He was awarded most stolen bases in the series, with six stolen bases, which is an amazing achievement against the highly-skilled Australian team. Tino pai rawa atu Paora!

Aidan Parrish - Volleyball

Congratulations to Aidan Parrish who has been selected for the U18 New Zealand Māori Volleyball team who will play in Canada in July.

Year 12 student Aidan has been playing volleyball since Year 7, and will travel to Alberta University in late July to participate in the 18U First National Indigenous Volleyball Series with the U18 Aotearoa Māori Poirewa team.

Aidan credits his friends, whānau and his fellow teammates from HBHS and throughout the Waikato community, as huge influences on his achievements. Mum Donna would also like to acknowledge "the community support received in Aidan's fundraising efforts, especially at the sausage sizzles!".

Ka mau te wehi Aidan! We look forward to seeing how you go on the international stage.

Raphael Deloy - Badminton

Our very own Raphael Deloy (and his doubles partner Lezhi Zhu) claimed the Men’s Doubles title at the 2025 VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships in June.

Raphael, our HBHS 2024 Sportsman of the Year, was selected into the NZ Junior Badminton team for the Oceania Junior Champs in Northern Marianas Islands.

Before the trip, Raphael competed at the Waitakere Open on the 13th of April, where he was the Men's Doubles Winner, and the U19 Bay of Plenty Championships on the 26th of April where he was awarded Men's Doubles Winner and Mixed Doubles Winner. Amazing work!

Lucas Qin - Badminton

Congratulations to Year 11 student Lucas Qin who has been selected to represent New Zealand at the U16 SHONAI Invitational 2025 in Tsuruoka, Japan in June.

Lucas, who is one of only two players to be selected from New Zealand to play in Japan, will be competing against top juniors from around the world. The tournament offers him a rare opportunity to compete internationally, develop his sporting potential, and represent New Zealand at the youth level.

After winning two gold medals at the Waikato U17 Open and one silver medal at the Waitakere U19 Open, Lucas's national ranking is now

Men’s Singles (Adult) #9

U17 Boys’ Singles #4

U17 Boys’ Doubles #2

Ka pai Lucas - we look forward to hearing about your success on the international circuit!