Ten of our akonga headed south these school holidays, not just for a change of scenery, but to represent their selected sports at the New Zealand Area Schools Tournament (NZASA). This annual event pits the best of Area Schools from across the country in a four-way regional event; Top of the North, Central North, Top of the South, and our very own South of the South.

The tournament, which has been going for 30 years, made its debut in Invercargill this year. Yes, it was cold but no, that did not slow them down.

Across a jam-packed schedule of netball, ki o rahi, basketball, rugby, rugby 10s, football and volleyball, students could compete in up to three sports. The first three days were all-out region vs region, with the best players from each code picked to form North and South Island representative teams. From those matchups, the elite National Area Schools teams were named.

Cue the confetti, South of the South took out first place overall, a feat that hasn’t happened in over 15 years! Turns out all that southern grit, chill, and possibly cheese rolls really paid off.

A massive congratulations to our very own sporting superstars: Amelia Morrison, Jethro Melville, Kaiyo Nakajima, Elyssa Stapleforth-Hill, Harper Melville, Austin Morrison, Astrid Morrison, Harley Stapleforth-Hill, Ezekiel Lealavaa, and Laniah Shute who competed with skill, sportsmanship, and what we can only assume were very tired legs by the end.

Insert victory dance here for the South of the South Representative Selections:

Jethro – Volleyball & Basketball

Amelia – Football

Ezekiel – Rugby

Harper – Basketball

Alert the local news (or at least Mum) for the National Area Schools Team Selections:

Jethro – Volleyball & Basketball (double trouble)

Ezekiel – Rugby

Harper – Volleyball

A huge shoutout to Mrs Cairns, who not only managed the mighty South of the South team but also had the small task of running the entire tournament. Cool, calm, and absolutely collected, she made it look easy and did it all with serious style. Big thanks also to Mrs Hanley and Kerri Nakajima, whose management and  behind the scenes support kept everything and everyone ticking smoothly. And last but absolutely not least, a massive thank you to everyone who backed our students. Whether you were cheering from the sidelines at the tournament or helped lighten the cost with a donation, your support made a world of difference. Legends, the lot of you!

Next year the tournament travels north, way north to Whangārei, hosted by the North of the North. Let’s hope they’re ready for the southern storm that’s going to come their way.

Keep reading below to get the inside scoop from the students themselves:

"It was good because I made 6 throws in the last game. Playing with different teammates at a  higher level was a highlight and how others played. I received most improved player for the 3 days in basketball. Thanks to my basketball coach Frosty, Mrs Cairns and everyone who supported me to get to Invercargill." Harley

"I really enjoyed playing at tournament and it was really rewarding. It felt good to get at least one win at football even though it was cold. I got to sub in for Top of the North for Netball which was really cool to play with more different teammates. It was nice to stay with all the others from the South of the South team at the hostel and was extremely grateful for all the delicious food the hostel provided. Thank you Mrs Cairns for organising, Mrs Hanley for driving, Kerri for managing soccer, the whole team and to everyone who had my back." Astrid

"I really enjoyed my time there and I was really proud of myself for my achievements. Making friends was also great. The three sports I played were netball, basketball and volleyball. My highlight from volleyball is constantly being on attack and spiking down. The best thing from netball was cheering for my new teammates. My highlight for basketball was the defence position that I aced. One of the best things from the tournament was to be selected for the National Volleyball Team. I want to thank my teammates, especially Jess for her support." Harper