At Orewa College, we challenge students to grow with confidence, pride and purpose through powerful shared experiences.
Our cultural and challenge based experiences encourage students to step beyond their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of identity. Through performance, service, and adventure, students are supported to grow as confident, connected, and capable young people.
Kapa haka
Cultural pride, commitment, and collective strength
Kapa haka at Orewa College provides students from Years 7 to 13 with the opportunity to grow in confidence, cultural understanding, and performance excellence.
Students focus on participating in and supporting cultural performances that strengthen identity and connection:
- School assemblies
- In-school pōwhiri and whakatau
- Across school performances including:
- Te Kōtahitanga
- Pasifika Fiafia
- Tū Maia
- Kaipara Festival
- 2023 Polyfest joint venture with Whangaparaoa College
Practices are held on Fridays during Cultural Block in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre, with additional practices in Term 2 before school, after school, and during lunchtime.
In Term 1, all students are welcome to attend practices to experience performing and whakawhanaungatanga. From Term 2, students make a commitment to the group, guided by the principles of Manaaki Orewa.
Teacher in charge: Haimona Koziarski, h.koziarski@orewacollege.nz
Pasifika
Celebrating identity, belonging, and shared cultural strength
The Pasifika group supports students to connect with culture, language, and community through performance and shared experiences.
Students liaise with Whangaparaoa College for cultural performances and take part in events that celebrate Pasifika identity and pride.
Regular fono are held, with Pasifika whānau also reminded by email before each fono.
The group meets each Friday during Block 1 (9.00am) in the Orewa College Arts and Events Centre. Any change of venue is communicated through Google Classroom.
Follow Orewa College's Pasifika Group on Instagram.
Teacher in charge: Jo Hayward, [email protected]
Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Personal challenge, service, and resilience beyond the classroom
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award challenges students to set goals, serve others, develop new skills, and test themselves through outdoor adventure. The programme is flexible and individually tailored, supporting young people to build confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of purpose.
Students can complete Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, progressively increasing commitment, challenge, and leadership. Each level includes Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Tramps, with Gold also including a Residential Project.
View the detailed guide on how to sign up to the Orewa College Award Unit.
Teacher in charge: Bruce Hawke, [email protected]
Spirit of Adventure
Leadership, resilience, and growth through challenge at sea
The Spirit of Adventure Trust empowers young people to reach their full potential through the challenge of the sea.
Students live and work together aboard a tall ship, developing teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, and resilience in a demanding and unfamiliar environment.
Two voyages are available:
- 5 Night Discovery Voyage for students aged 14 to 16
- 10 Day Development Voyage for students aged 16 to 18
The cost of a 5 Day Voyage is typically around $1,250 and the cost of a 10 Day Voyage is typically $2,500.
Visit the Spirit of Adventure Trust website for more information.
Teacher in charge: Guy Blanchard, [email protected]