Athletics
Track and Field Excellence
Athletics is a strong and successful sport at Te Paepae o Aotea, with our students regularly progressing to compete at national level.
Our annual whole-school Athletics Day is held in Term 1 and is one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar. Prior to the main event, preliminary competitions are held during lunchtimes for our competitive athletes. These include events such as the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, High Jump, and Triple Jump. Students have the opportunity to challenge school records and qualify to represent Te Paepae o Aotea at the Taranaki Secondary Schools Sports Association (TSSSA) Athletics Day.
The TSSSA Athletics Championships are a major event for talented track and field athletes. Students who perform well at this level may then qualify for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, where they compete against the country’s best young athletes.
Our compulsory whole-school Athletics Day caters for all students. Competitive athletes can participate in traditional athletics events such as Discus, Shot Put, 100m, 200m, Long Jump, and Hurdles. For students who enjoy a more recreational approach, a variety of fun activities are available, including gumboot throwing, Nerf and frisbee events, relays, and team games.
As always, one of the most anticipated highlights of the day is the relay competitions. The inter-Awa relays generate plenty of excitement and friendly rivalry, while the student-versus-teacher relay is a crowd favourite.
Students proudly dress in their Awa colours and earn points towards the Ki te Hoe award, presented to the overall winning Awa at the end of the year.
Te Paepae o Aotea is also fortunate to have a dedicated staff member who runs an after-school athletics programme for students wishing to further develop their track and field skills. Under this guidance, one of our students was selected for the New Zealand Track and Field Team in 2025, demonstrating the opportunities available for athletes to achieve at the highest levels.
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