North Zones was held on Thursday 3 November at Ngā Puna Wai. A small number of students made the criteria and they were a little nervous but excited to be going.

We were very lucky to find a spot in the shade of the main seating stand and this protected us from the sun for the day. There was no protection from the really blustery wind. The wind played a part in the day with many competitors and event organisers chasing hats around the sports complex. Zach and Annabel from Korimako, Baxter , Emiliana , Puawai , Riley , Karliah, Levi and Anika from Kāhu represented Papanui. Baxter and Riley both competed in three events throughout the day. 

Most events had around 20 competitors for each year level and our tamariki finishing in the mid pack of each event. All three of our girl sprinters moved through their heats and made the finals. Anika finished 5th in Shot put for year 6 and Baxter threw 6.69m to finish 3rd for year 5 boys. He will be moving onto to the central zones held on 30th November and we look forward to hearing how he gets on. 

With such long wait times for events and many schools taking big teams, it was amazing to watch the Papanui children patiently waiting with composure, kindness and importantly, mindfulness. They praised each of their teammates, congratulated each other, gave great feedback and supported each other. They also noticed the difference between their behaviour and the behaviours of others around them. Stunning group of children to represent our school and our community. 

• Thank you to Maree Hewitt and Lynne Levick and Lisa Stephens who supported our tamariki - PK