Ōtaki College offers opportunities in many different areas of endeavour. These include Performing and Visual Arts, Sporting and Outdoor Activities, Digital Media and many others. Scroll down to explore just a few examples of the activities our students are able to experience. A full list of our Sports teams and activities can be found on our Sports page.
Ōtaki College encourages student voice through our School Councils and Sub Councils. Students take an active role in running key events to raise funds for important causes. These events include the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, supporting the local foodbank, Relay for Life, Pink Shirt Day, Shave for a Cure, Orange Shine Day, Mental Health Awareness Week and National Schools Pride week.
At the beginning of the year the Ngā Kākākura (Heads of School) and Ngā Kaingārahu (Associate Heads of School) attend co-ordinated training days and events which help them embark on their leadership duties. Read More ...
Each year the College welcomes the Otaki Scholar from Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen, Scotland on the first leg of his tour around New Zealand.
All Heads of School are eligible to apply for our reciprocal Everiss Scholarship which involves a two week trip to Scotland in January. Read More
For many years the College has been part of the Tu Rangatira programme, which brings Māori students from Kapiti, Paraparaumu and Ōtaki Colleges together to grow and develop as young Māori leaders. Students involved in this programme have gained immeasurably from the opportunity to learn about themselves, developing team work and experiencing this with students from other colleges in a kaupapa Māori environment.
In recent times a number of senior students have been successful in gaining places on this leadership programme, attending courses at locations across the Pacific. Full details can be found on the Future Leaders Academy website.
Senior Drama students perform in an annual Production which is viewed by the local community and runs for two nights at the College.
This is held each year to showcase the musical and dramatic talents of our students. Entries are not restricted to students taking Music, Drama or Dance.
Each year ex-Ōtaki College student, Chris Parkin, funds a $2,500 scholarship for the student "who is most likely to achieve prominence in their chosen field of artistic endeavor".
Each year there is the opportunity for students to participate in a Year 7&8 band and a Year 9&10 band. These bands are tutored by local tutors and compete in regional and national competitions.
Local benefactors, Stuart and Mary Pritchard have in recent years, under the auspices of the XŌtaki Alumni Trust, funded a student to attend a Spirit of Adventure voyage. Read Logan Boyer's account of his experience.
For many years the Concrete Doctors have funded a Leadership Scholarship to the Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre in December. All students who have put their names forward to be on the following year's Heads of School team are eligible to apply.
The programme aims to encourage and nurture Māori students studying the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), so students may feel inspired to enter careers in these sectors ... Read More
Students at all levels are given the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national problem solving competitions ... Read More ...