The 2025 Westlake Girls Athletics Day was a breathtaking sea of colour and athletic prowess that left an indelible impression on all who attended. With a vibrant display of colour permeating throughout the AUT Millennium Track and Field Stadium, the celebration of speed and strength in an atmosphere brimming with positivity was a testament to the power of sport’s ability to unite and inspire.
Brightly decorated banners, costumes, House colours, and passionate students created a vibrant backdrop for the House Chant Contest. All Sports Prefects and House Captains rose to the fore as they rallied the five School Houses of 400 students each in rapturous choir to win the House Chant Competition. Objectively judged by principal, Mrs Jane Stanley and Associates David Burdon and Nicky Whitham-Blackwell, it was impressively won by the yellow House, Hauraki.
Athletics Day was made even more remarkable by the setting of four new school records, three of which were achieved in spectacular track performances and the fourth in a stunning leap during the High Jump event. Intermediate speedster Dom Maltby set a new 100 metre record of 12.40 seconds then impressed with another new record in the 200 metres (25.37 secs) to help her become the new Intermediate Athletics Champion. Middle distance runner Emma Davies took more than a second off the old Intermediate 800 metre record with a run of 2.26 minutes, while senior athlete Emma Schroeder (main image) continued her stunning form by setting her fifth high jump record in five years with a leap of 1.6 metres.
The day generated new Athletic Champions, with McKenzie Te Awa racing home ahead of Siara Rama and April Peita to win the Junior Champion Title. New Year 12 student Sahara Katene secured the Senior Champion title ahead of Karmen Maritz and Cayleigh Blackburn.
The most lasting impression of the day was the overwhelming support and positivity that infused the entire event. Whether a runner was crossing the finish line in first place or last, they were met with robust encouragement, egging them onto the finish, creating an environment where every participant felt valued and celebrated.
The 2025 Athletics Day was more than a series of individual performances. It was a living kaleidoscope of athleticism, where speed, strength, and spirit all came together in perfect harmony.
Congratulations Pupuke House, who won the Athletics Day Cup for the 7th consecutive year.
House Points:
1st Pupuke – 502 points
2nd Akoranga – 483 points
3rd Wairau – 263 points
4th Hauraki – 254 points
5th Onewa – 221 points
Junior Athletics Champion
1st Mckenzie Te Awa – Akoranga – 26 points
2= Siara Rama – Akoranga – 16 points
2= April Peita – Pupuke – 16 points
Intermediate Athletics Champion
1st Dom Maltby – Pupuke – 32 points
2= Sadie Bishop – Akoranga – 21 points
2= Elizabeth Plaistowe – Wairau– 21 points
Senior Athletics Champion
1st Sahara Katene – Wairau – 24 points
2= Karmen Maritz – Pupuke – 21 points
2= Cayleigh Blackburn – Pupuke – 21 points
New School Records
Dom Maltby – Intermediate 100m Record (12.50s)
New 12.40 seconds
Dom Maltby – Intermediate 200m Record (26.43s)
New 25.37 seconds
Emma Davies – Intermediate 800m Record (2.34 mins)
New 2.26 minutes
Emma Schroder – Senior High Jump Record (1.51m)
New 1.6m