Mercury Bay Area School eNewsletter

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati,
Ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati.
When we stand alone we are vulnerable,
but together we are unbreakable
- Nā Kīngi Tāwhiao

Kia ora rā e te whānau,

We hope everyone has been enjoying the recent sunnier weather, we can definitely do with the vitamin D!

As you are all probably aware, we have closed off the primary carpark to pedestrian traffic. This is due to the high level of traffic that is going in and out of that carpark for drop offs and pick ups. Despite the STAFF ONLY PARKING signage, whānau are still using this carpark for their own convenience. As you can imagine, this creates an unsafe environment for our students. We have spoken to students about using the paths in front of Rooms 22-24 and entering/exiting via the gate at the end of Room 24. Our students have been doing a great job remembering to do this. We ask that all parents support this both prior to and after school.

As the days have continued to have a chilly bite to them, the winter ills have also impacted the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Last week I shared a message from Shaz, our school nurse - highlighting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) symptoms and how easily it can spread through infectious droplets on surfaces or in the air. Please keep your child at home if they are unwell, have a runny nose, a cold or a cough.

Te Whakatupu Tāngata Ngākaupai - Growing Good People
This week Mrs Lidgard and some of our primary students made garlic bread buns and cooked up some brussels sprouts they harvested from the vege garden. The teachers thought the brussel sprouts were delicious, and the students gave mixed reviews:)

Te Whakatupu Tāngata Ākongapai - Growing Good Learners
A little sample of some of the learning happening across the primary:)

Te Whakatupu Kaiaratakipai - Growing Good Leaders
Whaea Montana’s class has been attending kapa haka with Te Puritanga o Hei on a weekly basis, all year. The student’s engagement and leadership has been developing as their confidence grows. As they prepare for Ko te Rangatahi o te Tara o te Ika Cultural Festival, a couple of our students are learning the art of wero (a challenge/test of the intentions of a visiting group), as part of the process of pōwhiri (welcoming of visitors) alongside tuakana from Te Puritanga o Hei. To perform wero is an honour and privilege, demonstrating self discipline and leadership. We are very proud of all of them:)

Attendance Matters!

Attendance, Absences and Truancy report 14th July - 14th August 2025

Upcoming PPTA Industrial Action

RONGOHIA TE HAU SURVEY

RONGOHIA TE HAU SURVEY

This is your last chance to complete the survey and tell us how you feel

about your child/rens school and teachers.

The information you give us is so valuable in shaping how we plan for

Mercury Bay Area Schools future.

Here is the link: Mercury Bay Area School Whānau Survey
We really appreciate you taking the time to give us your views!

Parent Candidates for upcoming Board Elections

We would like to introduce our parent candidates for this year's School Board Elections.
The date for the Election is the 10th September.

Blair Ludlam

Tēnā koutou,
I am pleased to submit my application for a position on the Board of Trustees at Mercury Bay Area School. With over 30 years in education, I bring a depth of experience and passion for creating positive, future-focused learning environments. I have taught Geography, led as Head of Faculty – Social Sciences, and overseen Gifted and Talented Education at Cambridge High School. My leadership has included staff appraisal, budgeting, curriculum development, and health and safety. I am known for being creative, driven, and deeply committed to student success. I’ve developed a unique educational approach centred on strong relationships—with students, whānau, staff, and the wider community. I stay connected to students well beyond the classroom, supporting their pathways and bringing them back to inspire and guide others.

I believe education is a collective effort. The best outcomes occur when learners, educators, families, iwi, and the community work in partnership. My leadership strengths include strategic planning, financial oversight, curriculum innovation, and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

I am also the founder of The Guest Speaker, an online platform designed to support student transition after school—an area I am particularly passionate about.

As a trustee, I would bring:
A deep understanding of educational systems and change leadership
A strategic mindset focused on equitable outcomes and student wellbeing
An approachable, collaborative style that values community voice

I would be proud to advocate for the Mercury Bay community, ensuring that our students feel safe, challenged, and inspired; that their parents’ aspirations are heard and honoured; and that our staff are supported, resourced, and upskilled to meet the evolving demands of education.

I am committed to bringing a positive, solutions-focused perspective to the challenges schools face and to being a voice the Whitianga community can rely on.

Ngā mihi nui,
Blair Ludlam

Caroline Duffield

I’m putting myself forward for the school board because I care deeply about the environment our children are growing up in especially my two daughters, aged 5 and 8, who are just beginning their school journeys. Like so many parents, I want to see them thrive in a school community that nurtures education, curiosity, confidence, kindness, and resilience.

As a parent, I’m actively involved in my girls’ learning and well-being, and I want to help shape a school environment where all families feel heard.

I’m also a strong advocate for open communication, practical solutions, and decisions that reflect the needs of our community.

I would be honoured to represent the voices of other parents and help ensure that our school is to be a place where children can grow into happy, capable, compassionate humans.

Thank you for considering me.

Caroline Duffield

Joel Barton

I am writing to express my strong interest in becoming a member of the Board of Trustees at Mercury Bay Area School. As a dedicated father of a Year 2 student, I am passionate about the development and well-being of all students at our school. I believe in providing a strong, supportive environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Having grown up with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to life and parenting, I bring a perspective that values structure, discipline, and accountability. I firmly believe that children need clear expectations, boundaries, and a sense of responsibility. This approach has served me well in raising my own child and has provided them with the tools to approach life with confidence and respect for themselves and others.

I am fully committed to the success of our school and the betterment of its community. As a member of the Board, I aim to bring a common-sense, practical approach to decision-making, ensuring that the values of respect, honesty, and hard work are upheld in every facet of school life. I am particularly interested in ensuring that the school provides a balanced educational experience, one that fosters academic excellence while also promoting positive character development.

Having worked in environments where teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of duty were paramount, I understand the importance of clear communication and collaboration. I am eager to work alongside other board members, the school leadership, staff, and the wider community to ensure that Mercury Bay Area School remains a place where children can flourish and where families feel valued and supported.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of our school.

Sincerely,
Joel Barton

David Pointon

I am seeking to make a meaningful contribution to the Board of MBAS. I bring a range of experiences and perspectives to share including as a current parent at MBAS, involved with local sporting groups as a parent coach and a local business owner and employer in Whitianga. I’ve had experience with Government education and child safety policies as owner of Australia’s largest private music education program (operating in 200 primary schools) and understand governance and committee processes having been a financial advisor on multi-billion dollar Government privatisations. I have enormous respect and gratitude for the MBAS teachers and wider support staff and look forward to supporting their efforts. In summary, I understand that within organisations like MBAS there are often many different (conflicting) perspectives and priorities and I will seek to be approachable, open minded and support logical and transparent decision making by the Board.

David Pointon

Tania Dixon

Kia ora koutou,
I’m a current Board member seeking re-election as a Parent Representative on the Mercury Bay Area School Board. During my time on the Board, I’ve worked to strengthen governance, communication, and accountability, and to build community trust — always keeping the best interests of our students, staff, and whānau at the heart of decision-making.

I’m a parent with strong ties to our kura. I’ve had three children attend Mercury Bay Area School — two of whom are still current students — and I’m committed to helping create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

I’ve worked across public, private, and iwi sectors for over 20 years and now run my own business supporting kaupapa Māori and community-focused organisations. My experience lies in strategic planning, facilitation, and relationship building — skills I bring to the Board table to support effective governance and positive outcomes for our school.

I’m passionate about student success in all its forms — whether that’s higher learning, practical skills, or personal growth — and committed to achieving equitable outcomes for all learners. As a Māori woman and community advocate, I bring a Te Tiriti-based lens to my role and support inclusive, culturally grounded decision-making that respects and uplifts all whānau.
I’m approachable, down to earth, and not afraid to engage in honest discussions and ask the hard questions when needed. I believe strong relationships between tamariki, whānau, staff, and leadership are essential to a thriving school. I’m willing to help wherever I can and contribute in practical, meaningful ways.

If re-elected, I’ll continue to focus on effective governance that puts learners first and ensures open, transparent communication with our community. I’d welcome the opportunity to continue representing you on the Board and contributing to the future of our school.

Mauri Ora!
Tania Dixon

Gary Hinds

Kia ora,
My name is Gary Hinds and I am standing for re-election to the Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees.

Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving our school and community as a trustee. I have learnt a great deal in this time and remain committed to continuous learning. There is still so much to achieve and I am motivated to keep contributing to the growth and success of Mercury Bay Area School.

As a parent, community member, and volunteer I work hard in supporting our youth and their potential. My daughter was a lifer at MBAS, finishing as Deputy Head Girl before going on to become a registered nurse. My son is currently in Year 12, thriving in the school environment and the many opportunities the school provides. I also have four grandchildren throughout the middle and primary school areas of school making the most of opportunities that come their
way within the school environment.

In my everyday life I am a farmer at Whenuakite and am actively involved in our community. I am the coach of the MBAS 1st XV rugby team, a Mercury Bay community pool trustee and a Hot Water Beach senior lifeguard and committee member. I also lead annual youth treks to Mt. Everest—an experience that continually reminds me of the importance of resilience, leadership, and self-belief; all qualities I aim to help foster in our students.

I’m standing for re-election because I believe every child has a right to an education best suited to them. I want to continue advocating for the support and development of all our students, both in and out of the classroom. I am passionate about promoting transparency across the board—for students, parents, and teachers—so that we can continue building a strong and united school community.

I’m committed to doing all I can to help our young people succeed and be a positive role model for them. With your support, I hope to continue this work for another term.

Thank you,
Gary Hinds

Paid Union Meeting for NZEI Members

MBAS Annual Charity Concert only a week away!

This year we are fortunate to have a performance from our Kapa haka group who will open the show. This group is led and run by some more of our awesome Kaiako - Whaea Jo Kaaho, Whaea Montana Taogaga, Whaea Constance Tanoa and Matua Marcus Oxenham. Gonna be a great night and we look forward to seeing you there! Tickets available from the front office at MBAS.

School Fun Run’s Crazy Colour Day - 20th August

SCHOOL COLOUR RUN WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST

Are you Fundraising?

Currently we’re still a long way from our goal, so we need everyone to pull together to help. The easiest way to help your child raise money is through online fundraising, where students raise an average of $120. Go to schoolfunrun.co.nz, create a student profile page and share your online fundraising link via SMS, Email and Social Media.

If you are currently fundraising, THANK YOU! We hope you will continue to share your link and fundraising for the school.

MBAS Photo Challenge

Upcoming Primary Art Exhibition

Royal New Zealand Ballet Dance Workshop

Royal New Zealand Ballet Dance Workshop Opportunity for Year 3–9 Students – Limited Spaces Available!

We’re thrilled to share that a special week of dance workshops is coming to Mercury Bay Area School on Monday, 15th September!

These fun and engaging workshops are open to all students in Years 3 to 9 – no dance experience required! Each session includes a warm-up, an introduction to basic ballet positions and travelling steps, and concludes with learning choreography from actual Royal New Zealand Ballet repertoire. It’s an exciting chance for students to explore movement and creativity through dance performed on professional stages!

MBAS will cover the costs however it is first in first served with limited spaces available.

To enrol, email Dave Mulholland at mulhollandd@mbas.ac.nz.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of dance and performance – we’d love to see you there!

Instrumental Music Lessons – Spaces Available!

We’re excited to announce that there are spaces available in our school’s instrumental music programme for 2025! Lessons are offered in vocals, keyboards, drums, guitar, and bass, with opportunities for students to grow their musical skills and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.

Lesson Availability:

All instruments except drums are for students in Year 4+

Students in Year 3+ can take Drums

We’re thrilled to welcome Kiefer Hernandez to our music team this year as our new piano and vocal tutor. Kiefer is a multi-instrumentalist with a wealth of international teaching and performance experience, bringing fresh energy and a passion for developing young musicians.

Our drum tutor, a former student of our school, is a talented and engaging teacher who students absolutely love learning with. His skill and connection with learners make drum lessons a real highlight of the week!

And on guitar and bass, we’re privileged to have local music legend Stewart Pedley. Stewart’s expertise, industry experience, and rapport with students make him an outstanding mentor for budding guitarists and bassists.

If your child is keen to pick up a new instrument or continue their musical journey, now is the perfect time to enrol.

To register or find out more, please contact the school office.

Let the music play!

Nāku noa,
Dave Mulholland

M1 - Maths

Making equal groups and developing language around multiplication.

For example 6 groups of 2 equals 12. Practising skip counting by 2’s to find 12.

This week I Ieft it to the tamariki to create equal groups and explain to the class their workings.

The challenge: how equal groups could you take from 30 one’s? This was fun!

M3 - Did You Ever? Poems

Did you ever?
Run in the MBAS Cross Country?
Heart, pumping
Legs, shaking
Crowd, cheering
I Love it.
Did you ever?
Come 8th place in MBAS Cross Country?
Legs groaning
Sand blowing into your face
Crowd yapping
Try it.

By Leia M3

Did you ever?
Did you ever run
in the MBASCross Country?
Heart, pumping
crowd, yapping
I like it!
Try it!

Evie M3

Did you ever?
Did you ever run in the MBAS cross country ?
Shells, poking
Crowd, cheering
legs, aching .
Try it!

by Tui M3

Did you ever?
Did you ever run in the MBAS cross country?
Legs gassing,
Crowd yapping,
Body, about to pass out.
Everyone's dieing
I love it

Lawson M3

M7 - Exhibition Pieces

In M7 we have been working on our art exhibition pieces. We have been studying Picasso and Cubism. This week we started our final pieces in clay. They are now in the kiln ready for the next process. We are so excited to showcase our art on the 26th and 27th of August.

M9 - Technology

We are working on this week’s technology challenge. Can we make our our pompon fly? We had to follow each step carefully. Twisting the bands was tricky!

Y7-13 Careers Day

On Tuesday MBAS hosted the TCDC organised Career Roadshow. This was an event for students to investigate future jobs, training, and career options. Bringing together employers, educators, and industry experts to help our rangatahi discover pathways for their future. Students engaged in many activities to see if they had the skills needed, some coming away with prizes.

L2 Hospitality

Level 2 students, Bella Van Vlerken, Phoebe McDougall, Evelyn Wilson and Stella Baldwin practicing their barista skills at open day. The hospitality department would like to thank Laetitia Wilson from Earth Store for the very generous donation of a large bag of coffee beans and crate of milk for the Level 2 students to practice their coffee making for Unit Standard 17285.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

We are super excited to announce that we will be offering students in Year 10 - 13 the opportunity to be a part of the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh Award starting next year here at MBAS.

There are three levels to the Award - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has four specific sections that participants need to complete activities in (plus a fifth one at Gold level). These activities take place outside of school time and get verified by coaches/members of the community then checked off at school by the Award Leader. We will support students and help them to navigate the sections and assist with the Adventurous Journey.

The total cost of completing an Award will differ depending on the activities and Adventurous Journey you select.
Registration Fee - Bronze $95, Silver $95, Gold $125. You can not complete Gold until Silver is completed.
If cost is a barrier to you, speak to your Award Leader (Mrs Reader) about our participant assistance fund which can help with registration fee and Adventurous Journey.

Registrations for this opportunity will be announced and available before the end of Term 3 and payment due in Term 4. We will begin the Award in March 2026.
More information can be accessed on the website https://dofehillary.org.nz or by emailing readerd@mbas.ac.nz.

House Points Update

TV Secondary School Rugby Finals

On Saturday Thames Valley Secondary School Rugby finals were held at Rhodes Park in Thames. Mercury Bay were well supported by family, friends and school staff who all travelled over to support both teams.

Our U15 Boys won the L Berry Cup against Paeroa 31 v 12 and The 1st XV defeated HPC 22 v 19.

This is the the 4th time we have won the Coulter Cup - 2010, 2014 (as Peninsula team) 2023 & 2025.

We are so proud of the great skills and sportsmanship on show particularly from our boys.

Well done Mercury Bay you have put our town on the map!

Thames Valley Secondary Schools Football Tournaments

Thames Valley Secondary Schools Boys Tournament
A massive congratulations to the Mercury Bay Area School Boys Football team who won the Thames Valley Secondary School Football Championship at Matamata.
Pool games:
MBAS 4 - Hauraki Plains College 0
MBAS 9 - Te Kauwhata 0
Semi Final:
MBAS 2 - Morrinsville College 0
Final:
MBAS 2 - Katikati College 0
In 160 minutes of football, MBAS allowed no goals in the back of the net. An amazing achievement!
A huge thanks to Madeline and Tracey for your support.

Thames Valley Secondary Schools Girls Tournament
Our girls performed exceptionally well in this tournament. We ranged from Year 9's to Year 13, and were playing together for the very first time against teams that play and practice weekly.
Pool Games:
MBAS 2 - Matamata 4
MBAS 1 - Thames 2
5th/6th Playoff:
MBAS 2 - Hauraki Plains College 3
A huge thanks to Dean Allen for his support.

Sports Results

Football
Mercury Bay Senior Boys (mixed) drew with Cambridge Hammers 0-0
Mercury Bay Junior Boys (mixed) beat HBHS Green 4-0

Basketball
JG 27 v Paeroa JG 34 - MVP Boh Boyd
JB 29 v Paeroa JB 26 - MVP Kobi Sullivan
SG 36 v Paeroa SG 62 - MVP Gia Swindlehurst
SB Devo 30 v Paeroa 63 - MVP Mathis Reece

Rugby Finals Day
U15 31 v Paeroa 12
1st XV22 v HPC 19

Sports Fixtures

Thank You!

Thank you
New World Whitianga
for donating to the Senior A netball team in their fundraisers to get to UNISS

Plane Build Weekly Log 13.08.2025

Plane Build Log 13th August 2025 - Wing Completion, Mid Fuselage Section, Landing Gear, Roll Bar. Open the photos below to see the full log.

Tertiary Tidbits

University Course Planning - Y13’s only

Tuesday 19th August - OTAGO - 9am-10am - Puahape

Thursday 4th September - VICTORIA - 9am-10am - Puahape

If you are intending/or have applied to either Otago or Victoria, please come see Alysha (Otago) and Dylan (Victoria) to help you with your Course Planning.

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/events/explore-your-study-and-career-options-in-sport-and-exercise/

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/events/discover-your-path-in-health-science/

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/events/webinar-improve-nutrition-and-health-outcomes-for-people/

https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/scholarships-and-awards

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/events/vetmap-2026-online-information-k%C5%8Drerotalanoa/

These websites can help with finding scholarships for Māori learners.

StudySpy (https://studyspy.ac.nz/search/scholarships) – Use the ethnicity filter to search for New Zealand and international scholarships.

Kia Ora Hauora (https://www.kiaorahauora.co.nz/scholarships/) – A database of health scholarships for Māori students (requires registration).

Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (https://www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/trainees/) – Scholarships for people aged 16 to 40 serious about building a career in the trades.

Wintec Performing Arts – 2026 Intake Auditions

Is your student passionate about music, theatre, or dance? Auditions for the Wintec School of Media Arts Performing Arts programmes (2026 intake) are coming up soon. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring performers to take their skills to the next level in a creative, supportive environment. For audition dates, requirements, and application details follow the QR code or use the contact number listed on the poster.

Careers Corner

Here is a quick link to each learning area, as well as guides for choosing NCEA subjects, what is NCEA and planning for life after school.

https://tahatu.govt.nz/school-and-ncea/explore-ncea-subjects

FREE Online Information Event (Open to all regions in NZ - About ITC & Full-Time Study)

Get the lowdown on all things ITC - courses, careers, Study From Home options and more – from our amazing team member, Ceri. More information is here:

https://www.itc.co.nz/campus-locations/freeevents/

Adastra Foundation Scholarships

Nurses Notes

Remember to make the most of FREE DENTAL CARE before you turn 18

Dental care is FREE at Lumino Whitianga but you must go before you turn 18
If you are not enrolled or have not had a dental appointment for over a year please see the team at Lumino Whitianga
Leaving school this year? Get your FREE DENTAL CHECK ASAP

IF YOU ARE TURNING 18 THIS YEAR GO AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
LOOK AFTER YOUR SMILE

Community Notices

MB Swim Club - New Enrolements

New Saturday Morning Group at the MB Library

This is a social space for the young and young at heart to work on their stitching personal projects in a social setting and help each other. The group will be monitored but not instructed. Parents/guardians can check in with the librarians if it is appropriate for their child to work independently.