Tēnā koutou katoa, As the last bell of the year rings on what has been…
College Sports Awards – WSCW success
The 35th Annual Young Sportsperson of the Year (YSPOTY) awards were held at Eden Park on Thursday 27 November. It’s a special evening celebrating secondary school sporting talent across the Auckland region, recognising the hard work and dedication of the student in their pursuit of excellence. Western Springs College – Ngā Puna o Waiōrea were well represented in both finalists and winners this year.
Rehutai Appleyard received a World Championship Achievement Award for his participation in Waka Ama world championships. Sophia Bland was a finalist in the Girls’ Rock Climbing division and Jacob Schaffer won the Boys Archery Award. We are very proud of their exceptional achievements!
Jacob Schaffer – Archery Success
In October, champion Archer Jacob attended the Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch. He was successful in winning all three gold medals his bow class.
Jacob also secured two gold medals at the World Archery Oceania Cup in Fiji, where five countries competed—one in the Open Barebow WA720 round, and another in the Open Barebow mixed matchplay.
Jacob also won the Boys Archery Award at the College Sports Award in November
Erika Orbell – European Life Saving championships
Last term Erika travelled to Poland to compete in the European Life Saving championships, representing Finland in the under 18 junior championship. She was the only one representing Finland , up against some pretty slick teams from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland (and many more). They all had full team supplies, physios, coaches, complete uniforms and support crew. We were on our own! It was an experience for sure.
Erika competed in all 6 pool events, and 2 beach events. In the pool she made 3 B Finals and had some incredible personal best times.
In her preferred event, the 100m manikin tow with fins, she came 13th overall setting a new Finnish National Record of 1.08.24
She also set a new Finnish record in the 200m Super Lifesaver, she again made the B final and came 16th overall.
We then moved to the Baltic sea which was very flat (not quite the conditions we were used to here in NZ) and she competed in the surf swim and board race. In the swim she came 14th and made the finals in the board race, coming 14th overall.
Overall a great event and lead up to the next Lifesaving World Champs which are going to be in South Africa in November/December 2026.
Minna Reinikkala (Erika’s Mum)
Toby Dunn – Sailing
In September Toby placed 2nd in the New Zealand Youth Nationals.
He followed up this achievement with 2nd place in the ILCA6 class at the Auckland Secondary Schools Sailing competition in October.
Hawk Kaulima – Basketball selections
Hawk Kaulima has had a huge year 
with her basketball. As well as playing for Auckland and attending Nationals with the club, Hawk has been selected for the NZ Storm team heading to Las Vegas next year, and has been invited to the Basketball New Zealand U15 selection camp. This is the pathway toward the Oceania Champs in 2026.
Her whanau say she has really loved her basketball this year, and would like to say a huge thanks to Western Springs College – Ngā Puna O Waiōrea for everything that has been done to support her journey in these achievements.
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