Rutherford College had twelve students; Brook Pickering, Johnnie Richard-Marsters, Gianni Watene, Adrian Pakinga, Brodie Bennett, Nicolas Fruean, Bella Day, Nakita Ru, Eryka Chand, Paris Pickering, Missy Aramoana, Nadia Pakinga, who travelled to Rotorua for the Waka Ama National Secondary School Championships.

This event was held over four days, from 25-29 March. The girls competed in the W6 under 16 Girls Division. There were 80 other teams in their age division and they did exceptionally well for their first time competing in this sport. They progressed into the championships semi-final for the 500m turns race, and progressed to the plate final for the 250m straights race where they placed 4th.

The boys competed in the W6 Under 19s Division, and progressed into the champ semi-final for both the 500m turns race, and the 250m straights race.

Nicolas Fruean, Gianni Watene, Paris Pickering and Adrian Pakinga also competed in the W1 race. They all did extremely well. Nicolas Fruean progressed onto the championship finals. Paris progressed into the championships semis. Gianni progressed into the championship finals. Adrian progressed into the plate final and placed 3rd.

The results shown by both individuals and team members is something they should be really proud of. They were competing against 123 schools and nearly 2000 paddlers, being able to come away with these results is a great achievement.

A massive thanks to Mohi Pakinga, Pat Fruean and Teresa Pakinga for all the hard work they put into making this all possible. It was a lovely campaign to be a part of and we all look forward to doing it again next year.