Orewa College students competed in the Middle School Extreme Tug on 17 February 2026, with Batten and Blake among the top placegetters.

Strong participation across Year 7 to 10 on the Main Field

Orewa College’s Middle School Extreme Tug event took place during lunchtime on the Main Field by the Pavilion, with strong participation across both Year 7 and 8 and Year 9 and 10 divisions.

Organiser Mr Dickinson noted the strength of the turnout early in the competition. “Great turnout and the Year 7s and 8s are coming out strong,” he said.

In the Year 7 and 8 competition, Batten and Blake shared first place after closely contested rounds, with Sheppard finishing third. Nepia and McLaren placed fifth equal following determined performances throughout the event.

The Year 9 and 10 competition saw Nepia claim first place, followed by McLaren in second. Sheppard finished third, with Nepia placing fourth and Batten fifth in a competitive field.

The Extreme Tug created a lively house atmosphere, with students backing their teams from the sidelines. Batten house leader Mr Harrison said, “Just gotta believe you know? Gotta have a little faith.” Alyssa Sou, McLaren house student, added, “We tugged hard, but we loved harder, and that’s what matters.”

Media Squad members Olivia Cechova, Mia Che, Jasmine Mahoney, Hannah Ilan and Zac Thorne supported coverage on the day, alongside house leaders and Manukura who coached and encouraged their teams.

Articcle Credit: Olivia Cechova

Photo Credit: Jasmine Mahoney, Mia Che

Video Credit: Zac Thorne, Hannah Ilan

Photos Above by Mia Che

Photos above by Jasmine Mahoney