It has been another successful year of sport at Upper Hutt College, with continued growth in both participation and achievement.

We continue to see more and more students embracing sport, whether in a competitive setting or simply for the enjoyment of hanging out with their mates.

Our goal remains to have every student involved in some form of sport or physical activity during their time here at school. While we are not quite there yet, we are steadily moving closer to this ideal, and we firmly believe that there is something for everyone at Upper Hutt College. We encourage all our students to step up and give it a go.

2024 has seen the introduction of several new initiatives that have been incredibly well-received. One standout programme was Youthtown’s "Her Move" initiative, which ran over four terms and saw groups of girls participating in activities such as kayaking, boxing, and yoga. This initiative has played a key role in increasing female participation in sport, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.

Another highlight has been the rising popularity of Ki-O-Rahi, a traditional Māori sport. We are thrilled to see its growth, particularly among our students, and it’s exciting to note that our junior boys' team finished as runners-up in the Wellington regional competition this year. The future of Ki-O-Rahi at Upper Hutt College is looking very bright!

Throughout 2024, we have also had the privilege of sending four teams away to winter tournaments across the country, and more junior teams attended regional championships than ever before. Our sporting calendar continues to expand, and it’s fantastic to see more of our students getting the opportunity to represent the school at a regional and national level.

One of the most memorable moments of the year was the success of our exchanges with Kuranui College and Heretaunga College, where we successfully defended our titles once again. It was a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, and we are proud of our ongoing success in these exchanges.

We also made history in 2024 with the inaugural 'School of Origin' Rugby Shield match between Upper Hutt College and Heretaunga College. It was an exciting, competitive game, in front of a huge crowd and we are proud to have our name etched into the Shield as the first-ever winners. This event marked a significant milestone and we hope it will become an annual tradition.

We have also seen a number of individual students excel at the highest levels in their respective sports. Notable achievements include Samara Bidgen and Henry Pritchard-Glen representing New Zealand internationally in floorball, Leonidis Martin winning the North Island Golden Gloves Boxing Championship and placing as a runner-up at the New Zealand Championships, and Corde’ Solomona claiming gold at the New Zealand Boxing Championships. These achievements, along with many others, highlight the incredible talent and dedication of our students, and we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our teachers, coaches, managers, volunteers, and supporters who dedicate their time and energy to making sport happen for our students. On behalf of the school and the students, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge Shelley and Mitch for the outstanding work they do to ensure our students are receiving high-quality sporting experiences here at Upper Hutt College. Their passion and commitment to our sports programmes are invaluable, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them on board.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about what the future holds for sport at Upper Hutt College. With continued growth, more opportunities for our students, and the possibility of even greater achievements, I am confident that we will continue to make our mark on the school sport landscape.

Thank you all for your continued support, and here’s to an even more successful year 2025. Be Worthy!

Chris Campbell
Director of Sport