Sports News

We acknowledge our fantastic guest speaker, double Olympic Rowing Medallist Kerri Williams, and the hard work of many Dio staff (not just the Sports Department!) who contributed to ensuring this event was successful. Thank you to our outgoing Head of Sports, Alex Peoples, for your incredible contribution this year and well-deserved recipient of Team of Year (GU18 4+ - rowing), Sports Leadership and Leavers Cup Awards.

Congratulations to Molly Roberts, recipient of the Fair Play Award, Becky Dudson, recipient of the Patterson Trophy for Senior All-Rounder, and 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee and Sportswoman of the Year Kate Findlay for her outstanding achievements in Touch.

Finally, congratulations to the 2024 Head of Sport, Lilli Parres. We look forward to working with you next year. 

Equestrian

Our dressage team ‘Touch of Turquoise’ and a draft team with Michael Park School competed at the St Peter's Interschools September Dressage event on September 17th.

Congratulations to Madison Tierney, who won both of her level one and two classes; Zoe Garland, who placed 1st and 6th in her level one classes; Jasmine Berejoni, who placed 2nd and 3rd in her level zero classes, and Isla McGregor-Sarty who placed 7th and 18th in her level one classes.

Cycling

Our road cycling athletes attended the New Zealand Secondary School Championships in Palmerston North from September 23-25.

Our Junior Time Trial Team of Gabriella Schuitemaker, Caitlin Wright, Catriona Fairweather, Brooke Devaney and Elyse Barnett finished 7th, a phenomenal effort after experiencing a fall and losing more than a minute, as well as a team member for the latter part of the race.

Road race results

• U15: Gabriella Schuitemaker 8th, Brooke Devaney 14th
• U16: Catriona Fairweather 14th, Caitlin Wright 16th
• U20: Lucy McMorran 23rd

Points Race results

• U15: Gabriella Schuitemaker 8th, Elyse Barnett and Brooke Devaney 14th equal
• U16: Catriona Fairweather 14th equal, Caitlin Wright 17th
• U20: Lucy McMorran 19th equal

Snowsports

Well done to Year 10 student Milli Van Straalen and Year 11 student Natalie Carter on representing Dio in snowboarding slalom at the Secondary Schools Snowsports Carnival event held at Snow Planet in Auckland on 20 September.

Netball

Congratulations to members of our Premier Netball team who were invited to Magic in the Making sessions as a player development opportunity and exposure to the pathway process.

• Amy Thomas
• Aylee Gane
• Becky Dudson
• Jessie Parker
• Safia McLeod
• Tiana Lord

Outstanding Individual Results

Golf

Year 9 student Stella Kim represented Waikato at the 2023 Junior Girls Interprovincial Tournament in Rotorua from 2 to 6 October. As the first Junior Waikato Girls team in some years, with feedback from Waikato Golf that the girls played exceptionally and represented the region with pride. 

Karate

Year 12 student Lilli Parres competed in the Karate New Zealand Nationals in Auckland on 16 and 17 September.  Lilli achieved a gold medal in the age 16-17 open grade and U19 secondary school grade. 

Hockey

Year 13 student Holly Landon was called into the Wairarapa Team that competed in the National Hockey Championships in Hamilton from 10 to 16 September. The team finished 3rd in the 2nd Tier of the Championships, earning Holly a bronze medal. 

Badminton

Year 9 student Josie Lee represented Waikato at the New Zealand U15 National Championships in Hamilton on 7 and 8 October 7, achieving 2nd place in mixed doubles. 

Swimming

Year 12 student Sophie Hay represented New Zealand at the 2023 Tri-Series in Napier through the last week of September. 

Surf Life Saving

Year 9 student Tessa Scott represented Waihi Beach Surf Life Saving Club at the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships in Auckland from September 29 to 1 October. Tessa achieved a gold medal in the 50m swim with fins and bronze in the 100m swim with obstacles and 100m manikin carry with fins. 

Dio Students Representing in Sport

Hockey

Several Dio girls represented Waikato at the Northern Region U16 Hockey Tournament in Auckland on September 23-26.

Waikato Pango: Samantha Taylor, Zoe Ter Beek, Lucy Hadley, Makayla Hollands, Addison Carruthers.

Waikato Mangu: Sophia Taylor, Gabriella Hall, Lily Simmons.

Congratulations to Makayla, who was also recognised for her sportsmanship during the tournament. 

Lacrosse

Capping off a busy holiday of sport, Year 9 student Makayla Hollands and Year 10 student Kiera Lloyd represented Waikato in Melbourne at the 2023 Lacrosse Australia Girls Tournament from 27 September to 3 October. The team finished 8th overall, with Kiera picking up MVP for one of the games. 

Waterpolo

Year 10 students Isabelle Blackmore and Kate Sinclair and Year 11 student Maclaine Stuart represented Waikatoat in the 2023 Auckland Waterpolo U16 League, where they placed second, and Division 2 U16 National Championships, where they finished 7th. Both events took place in Auckland in September.