Schools and clubs work together for the future of rowing at Timaru Girls' High School.

Since our last report on rowing, we have had Ella and Margaret compete at the South Island Secondary School regatta at Lake Ruataniwha, Ella competing at the Maadi Cup at Lake Karaprio and our junior girls who have been part of our 'Learn to Row' programme have also had a weekend camp.

Both Margaret and Ella had some great results at the SISS Regatta with Margaret earning herself a 'B' final and Ella just missing out by a few seconds to qualify. Ella went on to Maadi Cup and was up against some strong rowers from across the country. Although Ella didn't make any finals she racked up plenty of experience which will benefit her for next season.

• Please see Margarets own written report on her season further down.

At the start of this season when it looked like we wouldn't have much rowing this year, we had a group of keen junior students along with their very supportive parents come together to form the Timaru Girls' High School 'Learn to Row' programme. Under the guidance of Brian Smith from Timaru Boys' High School the girls spent 4 Sundays on the water at Lake Opuha finishing with a rowing camp a few weekends ago at Lake Tekapo. The girls and their parents stayed together in the Murrays Shearers Quarters (Thanks Emily and Will Murray for your generosity). What a great weekend they all had together spending hours on the water along with some fun activities off the water. A massive thanks to Brian Smith who has been instrumental in coaching the girls and giving them confidence on the water. Lot's goes on behind the scenes and there are some special people who have driven this successful pilot programme, and they are Rangi and Marissa Tairua and their son Luke who has helped coach the girls alongside Brian. Rangi is a man with a heap of enthusiasm for rowing and has spent countless hours with the support of Marissa getting things up and running for the girls. To the girl's parents who have been so wonderful in their support of the girls we also thank you for everything you have done over the last four months.

With Ella training and being coached by Dean Milne at Craighead this year (thank you so much Dean), Margaret training and being coached in Brisbane and our Junior girls in the 'Learn to Row' programme our rowing season has definitely had a different look to it but one we are confident in that has allowed all of our students to row this year at Timaru Girls'.

The 2025 season is looking exciting with a committee up and running and planning for the 2025/26 rowing season.

ROWING: Margaret Peters report on her season

For the 2024/25 rowing season, I spent much of the club season rowing with the Surfers Paradise Rowing Club. There, I spent many mornings exploring the Nerang river and canals. I was lucky enough to be able to race in the Queensland Champs up at Wyaralong Dam in Beaudesert, where I placed 5th overall in the under 19 double sculls.

Once back in New Zealand, I spent many evenings down at the Timaru Rowing Club on Saltwater Creek.

In my only school race this season, I placed 5th in the B-final at the South Island Schools Championships which I think was pretty good considering the circumstances.

Although my rowing career with Timaru Girls has been minimal, I have enjoyed what I have been able to do. I'd like to say a huge thank you to Ms. McMurray and Chris Peters for allowing me to row this season. It has been a huge effort to get me in a boat and down to the start line, but I have enjoyed all of the training and regattas. Thank you so much for making this possible.

I wish good luck to all of the new rowers coming through. I hope you can have as much fun as I have had over the years.

Thank you so much!