The Westlake Girls High School Rowing squad competed last week at the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships, held on the pristine waters of Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel. The entire squad upheld the school’s values, competing with fierce determination while consistently demonstrating pride and integrity both on and off the water.

The Westlake crews achieved two significant podium placements: the Girls Under 18 Pair final was a gripping race, with Charlotte Mawston and Zara Bosch outsprinting a strong Epsom Girls crew in the final 500 metres to secure the silver medal. This performance marks them as two of the top schoolgirl rowers in the country. Not to be outdone, the Girls Under 17 Pair crew of Annabel Webber and Zara Bosch also rose to the occasion, executing a flawless first 500m and showing outstanding grit and composure to win the bronze medal.

Beyond the medal count, the depth of the Westlake squad shone through in the overall participation in finals, with 86% of the Westlake Girls Rowing squad racing in finals at the regatta. This achievement represents a significant leap forward for the programme, up from 65% of the squad last year. This level of consistency across the board is a testament to the dedication of every rower, top level coaching, and the strong culture of training and performance established within the squad.

Following their exceptional performances, several Westlake athletes have been invited to trial for New Zealand age group teams:

• Charlotte Mawston has been named as one of only 14 female triallists for the New Zealand Under 19 Rowing Team. 
• Zara Bosch and Lyla Carrancho have both been selected as triallists for the North Island Under 18 Rowing Team.

These selection trials are scheduled to take place during the upcoming school holidays, and the entire Westlake community wishes these athletes the very best as they pursue these outstanding representative opportunities.

A final thank you to the staff and parents who helped make this season a success. We could not do this without your commitment and generosity, it is greatly appreciated.

For any students keen to get involved in rowing, the Westlake Learn to Row programme will begin in Term 2. Keep an eye out for notices next term, or get in touch with Mr Stanley ([email protected])

The sailing programme at Westlake Girls High School continues to set the benchmark in Girls’ schools, with its teams racing crew securing the Girls title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Championship for an extraordinary fifth consecutive year.

Led by Jess Handley, the team delivered a polished and disciplined performance across the regatta. Bella Jenkins and Charlotte Handley took the helm of the school’s 420 boats, supported by a skilled and cohesive crew group of Danielle Robertson, Emily Turner, Gretel Satterthwaite, Julia Nguyen, and Kiera Dimock. Together, they demonstrated the depth of talent within the squad and the strength of their preparation.

Throughout the competition, Westlake Girls combined sharp boat handling with clear communication and smart tactical decisions. In a tightly contested fleet, their ability to remain composed under pressure and consistently execute clean races proved decisive. Avoiding costly mistakes and capitalising on key moments, they maintained control of the regatta to secure yet another title.

This latest success is a testament not only to the current team but also to the programme’s sustained culture of excellence. Jess Handley and Gretel Satterthwaite were both part of the 2022 team that began this remarkable winning streak under the helm of Danielle Wooldridge, highlighting valuable continuity and experience within the squad. Behind the scenes, manager Paula Satterthwaite has played a pivotal role in building and nurturing the programme and was recently recognised for her outstanding contribution to Girls sailing in the region.

The team is now in final preparation for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championship, set to take place in Whangārei from 14–18 April, where they will look to carry their winning form onto the national stage.

Congratulations to the Westlake Girls Sailing Team for retaining the New Zealand Secondary Schools Girls Keelboat Championship title for the third consecutive year.

A superb performance from the Westlake Girls #1 crew of Bella Jenkins, Jess Handley, Gretel Satterthwaite, Emily Turner and Danielle Robertson who sailed strongly in the Gold Fleet to be the top Girls school in the larger sailboats on 17 March.

WGHS #2 crew skippered by Charlotte Handley, with crew Julia Nguyen, Zara Latimer, Isla Kee and Oliver James, finished their regatta with a stunning win in their final Silver Fleet race to finish 2nd overall in the class. 

Congratulations to Year 11 Westlake Girls sailor, Charlotte Handley, who continued her winning double-handed form on the water at the New Zealand 420 Championship in Wellington.

Partnering with her 2025 World Feva champion partner, Zofia Wells,  the lightest pair on the water won the women’s 420 championship and finished the open-grade regatta in 4th place overall. This comes on the back of their successes in the Auckland 420 Champs and the Premier Oceanbridge Sail Auckland Regatta in February.

The national champions have now qualified for the 2026 World 420 Championship on the saltwater lake in Biscarrosse, a popular coastal French town, known as the ‘capital of hydra-aviation’. After the Worlds in France, Charlotte will head to Lithuania for the European 420 Championship in July.

The Auckland Secondary Schools Orienteering Championships provided a memorable finale to the season’s sprint series, beginning under a blanket of mist and fog before giving way to unexpectedly intense heat. The changing conditions created a true test of adaptability, endurance, and mental sharpness for all competitors, challenging even the most experienced athletes to stay focused and composed.

Representing Westlake Girls after qualifying from the North Harbour short sprint series were Lacey Gornall, Eva Scott, Brooke Day, and Cayleigh Blackburn who rose to the occasion with impressive maturity and determination. Competing against a strong field of around 50 students from across Auckland in the Year 9 – 13 Age Groups, the team demonstrated not only technical skill but also excellent sportsmanship and teamwork. Their collective results were a reflection of the dedication and effort they have invested throughout the entire sprint series.

A special mention must go to Lacey Gornall, the school’s top finisher, who delivered an outstanding performance to finish just shy of the podium. Her effort was all the more remarkable given she competed with a broken arm, an extraordinary display of grit and perseverance. Lacey’s courage and tenacity were truly deserving of recognition and admiration.

AKSS Results:

Year 9 Girls: Lacey Gornall – 4th + 4th = 5th overall

Year 10/Year 11 Girls: Eva Scott – 8th overall & Brooke Day – 13th overall

Year 12/Year 13 Girls: Cayleigh Blackburn – 11th overall

Medals

Girls 200m Junior Race

1 Maddie Anderson

Girls 300m  Junior Race

1 Maddie Anderson 42.67s

Girls Long Jump Junior

1 Maddie Anderson

Above Maddie Anderson-storming to victory in the Girls Junior 200m Final

Sadie Bishop and April Peita 100m Heats ( Sadie in lane 5 and April in lane 2)

Maddie was the best performing Athlete of the Auckland Champs winning an amazing 4 medals including Gold in the Long Jump, 200m, 300m and a bronze medal in the 4X400 metre relay.

Girls 4×400 Metre Relay Open

3 Westlake Girls’ High School ‘A’

Left to right, Maddie Anderson, Sadie Bishop Alice Whyte and Elizabeth Plaistowe

Maddie Anderson and Sadie Bishop in action in the 400m Relay

Sadie Bishop in action in the 400m relay

Girls 4×100 Metre Relay Intermediate

April Peita, Sadie Bishop, McKenzie Te Awa and Elizabeth Plaistowe with their silver medals. The race was so close with our team missing out with their 50.24 to 50.09 to Saint Kentigern’s College.

Girls High Jump Intermediate

3 Miya Riseborough 

Girls Triple Jump Intermediate

3 Miya Riseborough 

Girls Long Jump Intermediate

3 April Peita

Top Ten Placings

Girls 100- & 200m Intermediate race

4 Sadie Bishop

Girls 400m Intermediate race

7 Elizabeth Plaistowe

Girls 100m Senior Race

8 Erina Wheater 

Girls 1500m Run Senior

7 Emma Davies 

Girls 4×100 Metre Relay Senior

6 Westlake Girls’ High School ‘A’

Girls 4×100 Metre Relay Junior

9 Westlake Girls’ High School ‘A’

Girls High Jump Intermediate

5 McKenzie Te Awa 

6 April Peita

Girls Triple Jump Intermediate

8 Madeline Leece

It has been a high-octane term for the Westlake Girls’ Premier Water Polo team, balancing a demanding Auckland League schedule with a rigorous four-day North Island Secondary Schools (NISS) tournament. After finishing 8th in Division 1 locally, the team faced the region’s elite in a gruelling NISS campaign. A major highlight was our stellar first half against Carmel, where we trailed by only one goal at the break, followed by a dominant victory over St Kentigern’s on day 2. While the final 12th-place finish, following a hard-fought second match against St Kents and two tough losses to the lightning-fast swimmers of Aquinas, wasn’t the result we hunted for, the grit shown by this unique squad proved they can go toe-to-toe with great teams.

The team’s spirit has been anchored by the composure of goalkeeper Natasha Busch and the tireless leadership of captain Tannah Strombeck, who both played pivotal roles in keeping the standards and energy high through the toughest matches. This group features a remarkable range of experience, from a talented core of Year 9s to our sole Year 13. The rapid development of our younger players alongside our seniors has created a formidable foundation as we head into our final week of preparation. The lessons learned at North Islands have only added fuel to the fire, and the girls are determined to fine-tune their strategy and climb the national rankings to finish their season on a high.

Ngā mihi,

Bridget Layburn

After a convincing display of participation and energy on Athletics Day to secure the House Cup, Onewa carried that momentum into Cross Country, backing it up just three weeks later with a strong overall victory on School Cross Country Day. With all houses guaranteed points through the compulsory involvement of Year 9 students, the overall result ultimately came down to performance at the top end where Onewa’s dominance in the Senior Girls race proved decisive.

Blessed with the last of the summer warmth, students took to the near 3km course around the perimeter of Westlake Girls High School on Friday 20 March. The course was awash with house colours, as waves of runners set off to the cheers of supporters lining the route. The afternoon was filled with energy and excitement, with noise, colour, and determination creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.

Across the junior, intermediate, and senior races, competition was fierce. At the front of each field, leading runners set a demanding pace, pushing one another throughout. The standout performance of the day came in the Senior Girls race, where Emma Davies delivered an exceptional run to break the school record, stopping the clock at an impressive 11 minutes 53 seconds. Now in Year 12, Emma has built a remarkable cross-country record during her time at Westlake, having consistently featured on the podium and previously claiming both Junior and Intermediate titles.

A big thank you goes to the staff and student leaders who helped deliver such a successful day. From organising logistics to marshalling the course and encouraging runners, their efforts ensured the event ran smoothly and maintained its positive, high-energy atmosphere throughout.

2026 Cross Country House Points:

2026 Cross Country House Points was very close this year and eventually won by ONEWA with is seniors leading the way by taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd placing.

2026 Westlake Girls Cross Country Champions:

Junior Champion – Siara Rama – Akoranga

Intermediate Champion – Olive Robinson – Pupuke

Senior Champion – Emma Davies – Onewa

Following a dominant season in the Harbour and Auckland Leagues, our Premier Volleyball Team headed to Palmerston North for the NZ Secondary School Championships. The team hit the ground running, going undefeated in the opening pool play to secure a spot in the Top 16. The momentum continued with two thrilling five-set victories, propelling them into the Quarter Finals. In a high-stakes “North Shore battle” against the eventual champions, Rangitoto College, our players fought hard but narrowly missed out on the win. They bounced back brilliantly, defeating Nayland College to secure 7th place overall out of 98 teams. This marks our first Top 8 finish since 2019—a massive achievement! Congratulations to the team on an incredible season, and a huge thank you to coaches Kayla Allison-Carnie and George Koria for their expert guidance and support.

Stella Beale, Eryn Geck, and Stella Halligan travelled to Wellington (26–29 March) to compete in the North Island MTB Championships.

At Rivenrock MTB Park, Stella Beale and Eryn Geck raced the Downhill on a steep, technical course in challenging dry and dusty conditions. Eryn won the U14 Girls, while Stella placed 4th in the U20 Girls.

The team then competed in the Enduro at Wainuiomata, featuring four timed stages:

• Eryn Geck – 3rd (U14 Girls)
• Stella Halligan – 5th (U15 Girls)
• Stella Beale – 6th (U20 Girls)

All riders showed great resilience and adaptability across changing conditions, representing WGHS with pride against strong competition

Westlake Girls High School had a fantastic few days at Pegasus Cup 2026, with the team competing in strong classes of up to 50 riders.

A special mention to Mikayla Gow, who led the way with an outstanding performance:

• 2nd overall – Best Off the Track Thoroughbred
• 3rd overall – 90cm 2 Phase
• 5th (Day 1) & 9th (Final) – 90cm Equitation

Neve Anderson also impressed across multiple events:

• 6th overall – 80cm 2 Phase
• 5th overall – Accumulator (80–90cm)
• 5th overall – Young Horse Award

In her first Pegasus Cup, Hazel Wilson-Watts delivered a strong performance:

• 14th overall – 80cm 2 Phase
• 9th overall – Accumulator (80–90cm)

Rhea Bourhill placed 18th overall in the Accumulator (80–90cm).

As a team, Westlake Girls High School finished 16th overall out of 51 schools — a fantastic effort in a highly competitive field.

A huge thank you to Eleanor Armstrong, who was an incredible support as a groom throughout the event. Her work behind the scenes made a big difference to the team.

What a season it has been for our Cricket team, who have stormed their way to the 1A Grade title and secured promotion to the Premier Grade for 2027.

In a truly dominant campaign, the girls went a perfect 7 from 7, winning every match in convincing fashion. Week after week, they brought energy, confidence, and a real sense of togetherness that made them a tough side to beat.

The team was brilliantly coached by Sunny Patel, whose guidance helped shape both the team’s performance and culture throughout the season. Out on the field, captains India Munro and Sia Patel led from the front, setting high standards and driving the group forward in every game.

There were strong contributions across the board, but a special mention must go to Amber Fawkner, who had a standout season with the bat. Amber piled on an incredible 399 runs in 7 matches, including three half-centuries and a century, consistently giving the team the perfect platform to succeed.

This has been a season built on hard work, team-first mentality, and a genuine love for the game. The promotion to Premier Grade is a huge achievement and an exciting next step