Sports
At Heretaunga Intermediate, we believe playing sports offers a holistic learning experience that goes far beyond physical fitness. Active participation imparts essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience, while promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. We aim to provide a wide variety of sporting codes so our ākonga can try new activities and discover their passions before heading off to high school. Whether playing recreationally for fun or striving in competitive tournaments, every student is encouraged to get involved and represent our kura.
We offer an extensive range of codes throughout the year to suit all interests and ability levels. Students can participate in traditional team sports like netball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, football, futsal, touch rugby, cricket, and rugby union. We also support individual and aquatic sports including swimming, triathlons, cross country, athletics, and canoe polo, alongside traditional games like Kī-o-Rahi and mind sports like chess.
Super 6 Shield
The six Hawke’s Bay intermediate schools compete regularly throughout the year for this coveted trophy. Our school selects top teams in each code to represent Heretaunga in full-day, high-energy tournament events.
Hub Shield
Internal competition is alive and well through our three school hubs: Tukituki, Huia, and Rongokako. Students proudly represent their hub across various sporting events throughout the year, earning points toward the overall Hub Shield awarded at the end of the school year.
Matariki Cup
This traditional winter sports exchange is played against our neighbors, Hastings Intermediate. The hosting school chooses the featured code each year, bringing both communities together in friendly competition.
The Jarrod Cunningham Challenge Cup
Held in memory of the late Jarrod Cunningham—former Magpies star, Super Rugby player, and All Black trialist—this annual match sees our Heretaunga 1st XV rugby team battle against Havelock North Intermediate’s 1st XV.
Toa Whakaihuwaka
This regional tournament brings together intermediate schools from across the lower North Island. Qualification and entry into this elite competition are earned through our performances in the Super 6 events.
