Lake to Sea Trail Ride Postponed – Lightning Strikes Again!
Lake to Sea Trail Ride Postponed – Lightning Strikes Again!
For the second time in as many years, severe weather has forced us to postpone the Lake to Sea Trail Ride, planned for Saturday, 8th November. After flood damage led to cancellation in 2024, last week’s storm has once again disrupted our plans. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
While we’re disappointed not to be riding together this November, safety and recovery must come first. Griff is working closely with My Rides to secure a new date for early next year, and we’ll keep everyone updated as plans progress.
This year’s trail ride was set to raise funds for one of the largest capital undertakings in Tokomairiro High School’s history: the installation of a brand-new 990-square-metre multi-sport turf. The current surface has been closed for over a year due to health and safety concerns, and the new turf will provide a safe, modern facility for students and the wider community. The project carries an estimated cost of approximately $500,000.
Because the Ministry of Education does not consider turf facilities essential, the project is not eligible for ministry funding. That’s why having the Lake to Sea Trail Ride go ahead was so important - not just as a fundraiser, but as a vital community effort to make this much-needed upgrade possible.
Once completed, the new turf will serve as a shared community asset, suitable for a wide range of sports including basketball, tennis, pickleball, hockey, futsal, and touch rugby. It will support the school’s physical education programmes while also providing a much-needed facility for local sports clubs, recreational groups, and families.
Second-Hand Turf Collection Day – Sunday, 2nd November
In preparation for the new turf installation, the existing surface must first be removed, a process initially quoted at $30,000. To save on costs and reduce waste, the PTA is offering the old artificial turf to the community for free. This initiative supports sustainability and provides a unique opportunity for locals to repurpose the material for their own use. The recycled turf is ideal for creating mud-free garden paths, safer playground surfaces, outdoor seating areas, animal shelter flooring, and even as weed matting.
Community members interested in collecting a section of the recycled turf can do so this Sunday, November 2, 2025, between 12pm and 2pm at the Tokomairiro High School turf entrance on Elizabeth Street. Please bring someone to assist with lifting, and a sharp box cutter or Stanley knife. Access will not be available outside the designated hours. For any queries, contact rachaelr@tokohigh.school.nz. Donations are appreciated.
Silent Auction – Coming Early December
To help cover costs already incurred by the PTA in preparation for the trail ride, we’ll also be running a Silent Auction via Facebook in early December. It’s a great chance to support the turf project and grab something special - because even though the ride is postponed, our momentum hasn’t stopped. Keep an eye out on the Tokomairiro High School and Lake to the Sea Trail Ride Facebook pages!
If you or your business would like to donate an item for the Silent Auction, such as a voucher, a service, or a product, we would gladly accept these. Donations can be dropped off at the school office or brought along to the turf collection day.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Griff and his team for all the hard work put in preparing for the ride, our generous sponsors McIver and Veitch, and the many volunteers and landowners who continue to support this event.
We may not be riding this November, but we’re not hanging up our helmets just yet. Lightning might strike twice, but so do wewith gumboots, grit, and a good dose of South Otago stubbornness. Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll see you on the trail soon (hopefully with better weather and fewer surprises).
Dates to Remember
Thursday 30th October - Last Day for Senior Students Tuesday 4th November - NCEA Exams Begin Thursday 13th November - Yr 6 Orientation Morning Friday 14th November - Teacher Only Day
Tena koutou katoa
SCHOOL
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
I hope everyone is faring well after the storm last week. It has certainly been a challenging few days for our community, and I want to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of those still cleaning up and supporting others. The school came through the storm without any significant damage, although our back paddock is currently out of bounds until the fallen trees have been removed
NCEA Updates and Study Leave
NCEA exams will begin next week. Senior students will be advised later this week if they have been granted study leave, once we have an up-to-date picture of their NCEA credits.
Thursday will be our final full-school assembly for the year – always an emotional occasion for our Year 13 students as they take part in their last assembly at Tokomairiro High School.
Junior Learning and Testing Week
Students in Years 7–10 will take part in Testing Week during Week 4. This provides valuable information to help teachers track progress and plan for 2026.
Year 9 and 10 students should bring a charged device to school each day for testing. We do understand that some families are still without power, and we will make allowances for students where this is not possible. We encourage all students to give their best effort and take pride in showing how much they’ve achieved this year.
Lake to Sea Trail Ride
Sadly, due to the devastation caused by last week’s winds, the Lake to Sea Trail Ride will not be able to take place on 8th November as planned. This is a huge disappointment for the organisers and the school, especially after last year’s event was cancelled due to flooding. We are hopeful that a new date can be found later in the year.
PTA Online Auction
In light of the bike ride not being able to take place in November, the PTA have decided to run an online auction to replace the funds that would have been generated by the ride. These funds had been earmarked to be spent before the end of the year. If you have any items, services, or experiences that you could donate to the auction, we would be very grateful. Further details about the auction will be shared soon.
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that Friday 14th November is a Teacher Only Day, granted by the Ministry of Education. The school will be closed for instruction on this day.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This year we introduced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) across the school, and we will be continuing with this in 20026. Students are expected to bring a suitable device for learning. Noel Leeming has a list of recommended models available. Please note that tablets are not suitable for classroom use at this level.
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Rolled Lamb Roast
-Plain or Seasoned$20.95kg
BBQ Steak
$21.95kg
Crumbed Sausages -Plain or Savoury$14.95kg
Book in your Homekill!
Want your meat ready for Christmas?
Secure your spot! Call or email us, or send a pm via Facebook.
Measles Information
With more measles cases being reported around the country, it’s important that we all remain alert.
• Watch for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash.
• Stay home if unwell and contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
• Vaccination is the best protection please check that everyone in your whānau is immunised. Anyone exposed to measles who has not received two MMR vaccinations cannot attend school for at least eight days.
More information is available on the Health New Zealand website: Measles: Locations of Interest in Aotearoa New Zealand – Health New Zealand
Ngā mihi nui
Vicki Wish, Principal | Tumuaki
Second Hand Turf Collection Day - Sunday, 2nd November
First in, first served! Bring a sharp box cutter or stanley knife and some strong helpers, and take what you need! Donations appreciated. Strictly between 12pm 2pm Tokomairiro High School Turf, Elizabeth St
Any queries contact: rachaelr@tokohigh.school.nz
The Genesis is a free publication, delivered weekly to homes and businesses in Milton, and is available on the school website, Facebook or via email. The Genesis office is open Tuesday 8:30am - 3:30pm and Wednesday 8:30-12. If the office is unattended, any articles, advertising or payments can be taken to the school office or left in the secure box in the office door.
Genesis Deadlines: Advertising and Articles - Monday 12 noon. These can be emailed to the Editor at genesis@tokohigh.school.nz.
Genesis is delivered FREE to your letterbox on Wednesday afternoons. Any payments or donations can be made to Tokomairiro High School, account number 03 1736 0009803 000. Please use GENESIS and your name as reference. - Carolyn Shanks, Genesis Editor
Art Folios Ready for Assessment
Ka rawe to the Level 2 art class! Their folios reached completion this week. A lot of hard mahi, sweat, tears and laughter went into the final products. Undeterred by meteorological disruptions, the group showed their resilience and 'can do' attitude. Proud is an understatement!
Bible Reading for the Week “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
For all your legal requirements, contact our friendly team at (03) 417-8004 or email milton@sumptermoore.co.nz
Quote of the Week: ‘I’m sorry, but if you were right, I’d agree with you” -Robin Williams
Outward Bound Unforgettable
Earlier this month I spent 21 days in Anakiwa at Outward Bound. It was an unforgettable experience filled with challenges, adventures and fun.
During this course I took part in a wide variety of activities including kayaking, high ropes, rock climbing, tramping, sailing, half marathon and much more! Every day pushed me both physically and mentally, but it was very rewarding and taught me so many values and skills I can use in my everyday life.
I would strongly recommend Outward Bound to anyone experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. A huge thank you to my school, community and my parents for supporting me and making this experience possible.
- Pippa Greene
From the Workshop….
The Year 9 and 10 Hard Materials students have been exploring the properties of a variety of materials as well as designing interesting containers for the presentation of their carvings. The use of a mixture of materials creates an interesting and aesthetic result.
The Year 11 students have been busy with making chopping boards.
BYOD for 2026
Tokomairiro High School will be moving to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system for 2026
Year 7 and 8 students will still have access to a chromebook during the school day but it is recommended that all older students bring their own device to school. Details of appropriate devices are available on the school website and students will need to complete a BYOD agreement which is available on the website or at the office.
Our preferred supplier is Noel Leeming who has a selection of devices that meet the criteria. They have already let us know that they will be having some specials available over the coming weeks with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Year 9 and 10 Space Writing
The following includes some extracts from space stories, Written by students inspired by the “Lost in Space” series.
OMG! We are trapped billions of lightyears away from Earth. Our Jupiter has crashed into a collapsing glacier; a severe storm is rolling in. Panic sets in: all we're thinking about is how we get out safely.
- Cooper Bradley Year 9
(BREAKING NEWS)
“Two neighbouring planets, once peaceful: WASP 1783 and QUASAR. They once had a rich history together. But now, they float apart.”
(Present Day)
As I sit here in the palace of stone and marble (a taste from my home world, Earth), I wonder: was it worth it? The bloodshed, the friendships lost, and the lives of our loved ones?
As I wonder, a familiar voice echoes through the ruins. It's the ruler of the planet I once called home; now nothing more than
As he advances, I become wary of his intentions. But as I look closer, I see that he is greatly wounded. Memories of a past life flood back . Once we were friends. I forget about the war and rush to help my once-friend, someone I once thought of
As I try to tend to his wounds, I feel a sharp, cold blade... followed by warm, dark red blood trickling down the blade. I look into his eyes. I fall down on the rough rubble beneath me. Now we both lie there.
I turn to him and try to speak but the words don't come out. He turns to look at me, and I see a little shining droplet coming from his eye.
He says, “We were once like brothers... Now enemies... while we fought over nothing.”
As I look him in his eyes, I say one word with the last ounce of my breath.
“Sorry.”
My world fades to black.
- Dahli Hasler Year 10
Maureen yells, “Oh my god, we are trapped billions light years away from Earth!”
Boom Boom Boom! Judy hears the noise and then starts looking around and sees massive bits of glacier collapsing and she yells out, “Mum, quick! We have to try to get out! The glacier is collapsing, as well as a storm coming.”
- Lilly Browne Year 9
We set off to get the magnesium and on the way I talk with Dad about what I get up nowadays.
“So do ya still play baseball these days?” He asks.
“Nah, but I love to read.”
An hour or so later at the magnesium site, I start to hear a cracking sound. Then.
It happens so quickly; I fall down an ice shute with no way out; too slippery to climb.
The funny thing is - I am now in a forest. I sit alone and call Dad for hours to only get his voice mail. I am beginning to lose hope and think that I will be trapped here forever.
There are noises coming from the forest. I need to explore
- Marshall Carr Year 10
Spirit Week 2025
As the school year enters its last couple of months the social committee has decided to run a Spirit Week for the Junior School. This is designed to boost morale and build unity and encourage school participation through fun activities and events. Due to the weather and long weekend this week has been somewhat shortened. A planned friendship day for Thursday has been POSTPONED, But a MASSIVE HALLOWEEN Celebration is planned for FRIDAY at lunch time.. . Monday is CRAZY HAIR DAY- Uniform still needed Tuesday is ANYTHING BUT A BAG-Bring your school supplies in anything but a bag!
Lots of prizes and surprises up for grabs!
Making an Appointment
If you would like to see a member of the Senior Leadership Team or your child's Dean or Teacher, please call or email the office to arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Although we like to meet with parents/ whanau, we are not always available at short notice and may be teaching or working with students or other staff.
The office phone number is 03 417 8620 and the email address is thsoffice@tokohigh.school.nz
Have You Signed Up for Kindo?
We are simplifying student transactions at our school with the help of Kindo. It offers convenient payment options online for fees or donations, fundraisers, permission forms, registrations and more. Use one family account to manage multiple students.
Our Kindo shop makes it easy for you to: make full or part payments, register for school sports and support fundraisers. New to Kindo?
Kindo is easy to set up and use. Just visit our website or use the QR code to join.
Use the ‘create account’ option to set up an account.
Have Questions?
Call in to the school office, or visit support.mykindo.co.nz and search key words, email hello@mykindo.co.nz or phone (09) 869 5200 or 0508 454 636 for assistance - Available 8am-4pm on school days.
Articles and Reports
Genesis relies on articles and reports supplied by the community to fill our pages. Please email these to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
WOW what a week it has been! A big thanks for those heroes who worked so tirelessly to get power back on, assisted with tidying up fallen debris etc or simply offering help to those who didn't have power. Some members had to resort taking batteries out of toys in order to get their torch to work.
Unfortunately my pigeon Haggis McLeod was last seen flying towards Chile at a great rate of knots. Luckily a new information pigeon has landed, her name is Alsi Lapo, I think she is Portuguese so translation is required, but she is keen to keep me informed.
On Saturday we will be putting out the RSA crosses to mark Armistice Day on 11th November. Along with that this Saturday from 9am we will be having a Working Bee so it would be great to have lots of helpers be there to complete a few jobs. Many hands make light work.
Now our NPC Comp is finished with the final points being locked and loaded. All I can say is WOW what an unbelievable conclusion to this Comp. All will be revealed this coming Saturday night, so if you are in this comp, you need to be there to witness it. It commences at 6pm with Prize Giving at 7pm. Any person have any issue with this time, see Woody, his Comp, his decision. End of!!!! Make sure you dress up in your best football jersey as there will be a prize. This competition has been full of some amazing stories of entrants being so incredibly close. Wait until you see the scores revealed - Private Spike Pike
Enrolments for 2026
Enrolments are now being accepted for 2026. You are welcome to complete an enrolment form online, or drop into the school office with a copy. Please remember, we need to take a copy your child’s birth certificate or passport to verify their identity.
Enrolment Interviews:
If you would like to book an enrolment interview, please email erica@tokohigh.school.nz or phone the office on 03 417 8620 to make a time. We look forward to seeing you.
Information Centre & Museum Report
Warmer days are bringing visitors to the Centre but we still have the heating on for a while yet.
A recent family reunion group had a wonderful gathering in Milton visiting the Museum, Cemetery, St Mary’s Church and the location of early farm settlement. Sunwick Farm on Toko Mouth Road and Mount Misery areas being relevant to them. They have donated a copy of their history book “Poppelwell & McLachlan Genealogy and Historical Resources.” Our display corner features some Scottish related items in line with their ancestry.
Dr Stephen Rae has copies of his book available “The History of the Tuapeka and Tokomairiro”
Vanessa Clark has written a comprehensive book entitled “Connecting People to Place, The Story of Lovells Flat” This is a valuable resource for the Museum and District – The area was once a thriving community. Coal mining, flax milling, early Railway and businesses – well done Vanessa on the hours of work you have put in.
Graeme Flett has completed the history of “Skilbister.” Early pioneers, Henry and Mary Flett started with a Crown Grant in 1877 of 198 acres expanding considerably over the years. Graeme has also put many hours into his history.
The Museum acknowledges the commitment of outgoing councillors Gaynor Finch and Bruce Vollweiler to the District and look forward to working with the newly elected members. November will be the A.G.M for the Historical Society and Bruce Trust – a time to confirm the constitutions in line with Charitable requirements as many groups are facing.
Milton Primary School Oranga Ākonga Kaimahi
Fixed term role until December 2026
There is flexibility for this role to be part-time or full-time.
About the Role
This role is a key part of a collaborative project between Barnardos Aotearoa and Milton Primary School. The role supports students through a bespoke mix of programmes, in-class support, pre-emptive learning as well as in-themoment support when required. Schools are by nature busy and fast paced so to be successful in this role we are looking for someone who is flexible in their approach, committed to working in a collaborative way and will hold students and their wellbeing at the core of the work.
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with whanau and key school staff to assess the needs of tamariki.
• Complete child and parenting case assessments & case work
• Create and monitor plans using appropriate interventions and the resources available to assist the tamariki and their whanau.
• Work within the school setting supporting individuals/groups of students as well as working alongside staff to support as needs arise across the school community.
• Work with staff to prioritise cases and individual needs.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will need to have:
• Bachelors level qualification in a recognised education, social service or health profession
• Ability to work flexibly and prioritise work as needed
• Experience working with children/young people and families with complex needs
• Experience facilitating group work with children
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A current clear NZ driver's license, and
• Registration with an appropriate professional body.
If you don't have some of these skills and experiences but you feel like you could still be a good fit, then we would like to hear from you. Let us know what you would bring to the role!
To apply please email: recruitment@barnadoes.org.nz Applications close on Friday 7th November 2025.
Official Opening 2nd November 2025 at 5pm then on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30pm. Phone 027 959 8570 for more information
Situation Vacant Situation Vacant
Public Notices
Toko Golf
Twilight Golf 9 Holes
Wednesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm tee off time
$2
All Welcome!
Toko Golf Club, Back Rd.
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Notices
MILTON BRIDGE CLUB AGM
Thursday 6th November at the Clubrooms, 7pm start. The new updated Constitution will be discussed.
Social Bridge to follow. All Members are requested to attend.
- Secretary Ann.
Special Meeting
A special meeting of the Tokomairiro A&P Society will be held on Wednesday 12th November at 7pm at the Whitehorse Inn, to pass the new constitution, all members welcome to attend.
Please email tokomairiroap123@gmail.com to request a copy of this new constitution.
Genesis Advertising
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Advertisements start at just $12, and can be run weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Tokomairiro Waiora Inc.
4 Shakespeare St Milton Free Nurse Clinics 2025
The Nurse Clinics provide a range of services including:
• Rangatahi checks
• CERVICAL SCREENING SELF TEST available
• Sexual health checks and contraception advice including emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Weight monitoring
• Blood sugar and blood pressure checks
• Heart, diabetes and breathing checks to identify risk of illness
• Chronic disease maintenance
• Access to Podiatrists
• Access to Dietitians
• Helping develop health plans to meet health goals
• Advice on who and what is available to meet people’s health needs.
Next clinic Tuesday 4th November, 2pm - 6pm Open to all community members. For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz
TOKO RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB INC
Annual General Meeting
Monday 17th November 2025 7pm at the Club Rooms
1.Present/Apologies
2.Confirm minutes last AGM
3.Matters arising last AGM
4.President’s report
5.Treasurer’s report
6.Bar Report
7.Election of office bearers
8.Confirmation of Club Patron
9.Life members
Apologies to: Secretary at committeetrfc@gmail.com
Tuesday 11th - Tokomairiro Historical Society & Bruce museum Trust AGM, 7pm Wednesday 19th - Toko Junior Rugby Club AGM, 7pm at the Club rooms.
Saturday 29th - Blessed Box, 9am at Tokomairiro High Food Tech Room. Details on Facebook. Wednesdays WOMEN'S SPACE at the Toko Hub 2-4pm JP Service Desk at the Library, 3pm-5pm Thursdays MILTON COMMUNITY SHED behind the Showgrounds BRIDGE at the Coronation Hall 7pm TAI CHI at the Milton RSA, 1pm, ph 027 279 1602
Fridays @ the Library CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS 10-11am Friendship Group meets at 1:30pm at old Senior Citizens Rooms. Ph Christine 021 028 46101
Children&Youth
Every Wednesday 10am-11am –Lovell’s Flat Playgroup, Bryce Memorial Hall
Every Thursday 10:30-11:30 Toddler Time-Milton Library Thursday and Fridays, term time. 9.15-12 Playgroup 0-5yrs, Free! @ Te Whare Puāwai, 34 Spenser Street. Just turn up. Morning tea provided. E: tess@tewharepuawai.co.nz
For the full calendar, visit www.projectbruce.org/community-calendar
Tokomairiro High School HORT SHOP OPEN
WEDNESDAYS1:30pm-4pm. Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!
Moving Tuesdays at 2:30pm, $3
with Bubs welcome 10am-2pm Body Composition - find out what’s underneath $18 each or $150 for 10 concession
Hire a Millenial! Not good with technology? No worries! With a wealth of tech and marketing experience give Olivia a call for all your computer/ phone needs. Phone: 021 035 5861
