In the last week of the school holidays, Dion Nichol, Sioeli Pulu, Millanian Potae, Tremaine Fraser, Tukahia Morton, and Niko Coleman proudly represented Ōtakou-ki-uta Māori Rugby at this year’s tournament in Christchurch.
The event brought together Māori rugby teams from across Te Waipounamu, celebrating both skill and culture.
Our boys showed great teamwork, determination, and pride in their heritage throughout the competition. Millanian scored a very good try in their first game in wet, trying conditions to beat the Tasman team by 28 points. The U15 boys were up against big, strong, fast lads also but enjoyed the experience of meeting new people
Ka mau te wehi e tama mā, you represented your whānau, school, and community with mana!
Millanian (left) and Sioeli (right) put their skills to the test in wet conditions.
Milestone for Bruce Community Facility
A much-anticipated milestone has been reached, with Council awarding a $17.75M physical works contract to Calder Stewart for construction of the Bruce community facility.
‘The Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool’, named in honour of the late Mrs Stewart’s outstanding contributions to the community, is designed to be a place for everyone. The facility will offer a wide range of services all year round for the greater Milton and Bruce community from swimming lessons and competitions through to digital help, library programmes and celebrating local history. It will be a central point for connection, knowledge, health and leisure.
As decided in Council’s December 2024 decision meeting, the approved budget of $19.4M covers all aspects of the overall project including construction and carparking and includes $6.4M of grants and other funding, leaving $13M to be funded by rates. Council decided that this $13M will be only for a period of 2 years to reduce the rates
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said “This project is a cornerstone for s future, one that will define the wider district and add even more vibrancy to Milton’s revitalised main street” and “it is fitting that Elsie Stewart’s lifelong contribution to her Bruce community is recognised.”
Calder Stewart are looking forward to working alongside Council and Trust on this design build lead project, and are committed to ensuring it is successfully delivered, to serve the community long into the future. The Bruce Communities Facilities Trust are also playing a key part in funding the project, with a commitment to raising $2M in funds.
The project is in the process of obtaining the necessary consents, and it is anticipated that demolition of the current building will not commence until January 2026. Demolition work will be completed by Andrew Haulage, another local business involved in this community-driven project.
Toko Training will be relocating to their new premise in mid December, and the Milton Community library will be temporarily relocated to the Coronation Hall.
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.
Dates to Remember
Monday 13th - Friday 17th October Reading Week Monday 27th October Labour Day - School Closed Thursday 30th October Last
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
It’s hard to believe we’re already here, but it’s lovely to see everyone returning rested and ready for the weeks ahead. Term 4 is always shorter but certainly one of the busiest, with senior students preparing for NCEA exams and a number of important school and community events on the horizon.
NCEA Updates
Results for the NCEA co-requisite reading assessment are due out this Friday, with writing and numeracy results to follow on the 20th. Our senior students are now focused on exam preparation, with external exams beginning on Monday 4th November. We wish all of our students the very best as they continue their revision and approach this important stage of the year.
Reading Week –“Medieval Times”
Next week is Reading Week, and this year’s theme is “Medieval Times.” A range of fun activities are planned, including a Fictional Character Dress-Up Competition (with extra prizes for those who go medieval!), writing competitions for Years 7–13, a historical quiz, and creative lunchtime activities such as making a coat of arms, shield, or medieval pennant. There will even be an outdoor live chess game.
Many thanks to Mr Daniels for organising what promises to be an enjoyable week that celebrates reading, creativity, and imagination across all year levels.
Prefect Speeches
At assembly this week, we heard speeches from all the students who have put themselves forward for a prefect position next year. It was such a pleasure listening to their speeches and seeing the calibre of our students. What came through in every speech was a strong sense of belonging to Tokomairiro High School and pride in being part of our school community. It was wonderful to hear how each student reflected on what the school means to them.
Lake to Sea Trail Ride
Planning is well underway for this year’s Lake to Sea Trail Ride, one of our major fundraisers. The event attracts trail riders from across Otago and further afield, and the support from the riding community has always been greatly appreciated. We’re hopeful for good weather this year so the event can go ahead as planned.
Turf Project
It’s full steam ahead with the turf replacement project. We have placed the order for the new turf so that it will be ready for the next hockey season. This is a major investment for the school and community, we are continuing to fundraise to help meet the project costs.
School Grounds Update
Over the holidays we also had some outdoor activities painted on the ground outside the Te Kaika (Year 7/8) hub. These are a really vibrant addition and, along with the removal of the old swimming pool concrete, are beginning to make a noticeable difference to that side of the school grounds. It’s wonderful to see the area coming to life.
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Roast Pork
Plain or Stuffed $16.95kg
Herb and Garlic Sausages $15.95kg
Crumbed Beef Schnitzel
$24.95 kg
Book in your Homekill!
Want your meat ready for Christmas?
Secure your spot! Call or email us, or send a pm via Facebook.
Open Saturdays 9am 12pm
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that Thursday 14 November is a Teacher Only Day, granted by the Ministry of Education. The school will be closed for instruction on this day.
BYOD
This year we introduced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) across the school, and we will be continuing with this in 2025. Students are expected to bring a suitable device for learning, and Noel Leeming has a list of recommended models. Please note that tablets are not suitable for classroom use at this level.
Measles Information
The Ministry of Education has shared important health information about recent measles cases in Te Tai Tokerau and Queenstown. Because measles is highly contagious, it’s important that we all remain alert.
• Watch for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash.
• Keep anyone with symptoms at home 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 can be found on the Health New Zealand website: Measles: Locations of Interest in Aotearoa New Zealand – Health New Zealand
Ngā mihi nui
Vicki Wish, Principal | Tumuaki
Genesis
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
What Happens in Digital Technology?
In Digital Technologies at Tokomairiro High School, our senior students have been working hard to complete their internal assessments. These projects have given them the chance to apply the skills they’ve developed over the year, from problem-solving and research to designing digital solutions.
For many, it has been a chance to show independence and creativity while working towards their NCEA credits. The process has also encouraged them to think critically about how technology can solve real-world problems.
Meanwhile, our junior students have been learning the foundations of web development. They have started by planning the layout and design of their own websites, thinking carefully about how information should be organised and presented. Once their plans are complete, they are using HTML and CSS to bring these designs to on
Bible Reading for the Week ‘And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands’ - 2 John 1:6
Reading Week 2025
13th -17th October!
Attention all Knights and Ladies! This year’s theme is Medieval Times!
Resurrect the age of castles, jousts, royalty, peasants, jesters, romance, adventures and crusades.
Come to the Library for the Creative Writing Competition open to all students with separate prizes for Year 7-8, Year 9-10, and Year 11-13.
At lunchtimes and intervals come and design your own family crest, shield or banner (materials supplied).
Giant Outdoor Chess Game! (weather permitting) on Wednesday!
Costume Competition Friday October 17th. Come as your favourite fictional character or in Medieval Dress.
learning is helping them understand the structure behind webpages and how coding can be used to create interactive and visually appealing
SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
Prizes for student and staff costumes Huzzah! Come one, and all!
Hie thee to the Library for Reading Week!
News from the Trenches...
Poor old Haggis the Pigeon in his new role as Information Officer, is feeling rather drained this week based on all the news coming out of the RSA.
Get in quick, don't delay on getting your RSA Spud for next year's comp as they are going out the door very quickly. All sorts of magical concoctions are being brewed up.
Also coming up this weekend are the NPC quarter finals with Otago featuring strongly so come along to watch these games on our huge 4 TVs. Haggis is doing the comp scoring and reliably informs me this will be the closest competition yet with almost half the field in genuine contention for the prizes which will be given out on Saturday 1st November.
Speaking of Rugby the AB pick the score wasn't struck this week. Next test vs Ireland in a couple of weeks.
As we are almost halfway through October that means Melbourne Cup is coming around so don't forget to come along on first Tuesday in November to watch the race.
Now Haggis needs a couple more informants so we still have a couple of vacancies for Van Drivers so let the bar staff know when you can help out. It might only have to be once, not much to ask.
Some info that Haggis has been sitting on for a couple of weeks, a reminder our membership draw is getting up in value on a Thursday night. One regular member, let's call her Julie Aitken, is normally there but missed out on her name being drawn out. Haggis would have climbed in to give Julie a bit of schtick but Haggis told me she was driving the ambulance and not drinking from cask of wine. Don't be like Julie and be there on Thurs night.
Finally Haggis was that excited he was about to blow a valve, he had major exciting news he will release in a couple of weeks. Something to do with biggest party in 2025 being revisited so stay tuned .
- Private Spike Pike
24th September 2025
Winner: Trish
Loser: Lyn
Raffle: Kathleen
Euchre
1st October 2025
Winner: Dawn (Owaka)
Loser: Carol (Owaka)
Raffle: Steve
Recovery Church Brings Hope
In the heart of South Otago, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root. The Tokomairiro Cooperating Parish is offering another service or Recovery Church. This is offering a lifeline to those in Milton and surrounding areas who are navigating addiction, trauma, and life’s deeper struggles. It’s not just a church, it’s a place of belonging, healing, and transformation.
The format is simple: Celebration of milestones, readings from the Recovery Bible, and sharing your story and songs of hope and prayer. Everyone is welcome - as long as they’re substance-free on the day. There’s no pressure, no judgment, just a community walking together toward wholeness. For those in Milton seeking hope, Recovery Church offers more than a meeting - it offers a movement. Whether you’re in early recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, Recovery Church invites you to come as you are.
Recovery Church also offers a practical framework of the 12 Steps. Each gathering is shaped by relationship-building, kindness, prayer and mutual accountability. It aims in creating a safe space where people can be honest, vulnerable, and supported. The 12 Steps are explored through the original lens, offering spiritual clarity alongside recovery tools.
The official opening will be held on 2 November 2025 at 2pm. All are welcome. Following this will be held on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30pm. On offer in a group setting there is opportunity for individuals to work through the 12step programme. This programme will be facilitated by a qualified practitioner.
For further information about this programme phone 0279598570.
Toko Golf
Daphne Lee Memorial - 27th September 2025
Best Nett over the Field - Suzie Bearman Nett 69 STB over the FieldRaewyn Devlin 31
Joan McLeod 30 c/b
Dorothy Kennedy 30
Wendy Agnew 30 9 Holes
Cath Scott 17
Areta Smales 12
Closest to the Pin Suzie Bearman
Right: Wendy Agnew presents the winner of the Daphne Lee Memorial, Suzie Bearman with her prize.
TELC Extension Complete
Our building extension is now complete and we are thoroughly enjoying all the new play space that we have available. We have been using the space as an art area and also a place for building and construction type experiences. It will also be able to be used as a project room, which is a real bonus, and on days when outdoor play is not suitable, it means that our tamariki now have three separate play areas to play in. This really helps to keep the noise level down and creates a calmer and peaceful environment.
We are very grateful to the local businesses and organisations who have generously contributed sponsorship towards the project. A plaque is currently being created by Remotelea Creative to hang in the extension to acknowledge the following: Lions Club of Milton, Milton Butchery, Sumpter Moore Lawyers, Andrew Haulage, Wynyard Transport , South Otago Windows and Doors, Stihl Shop Milton, Supervalue Milton, Forestry Roading Services (2018) Ltd, Toko Trailers, O’Malley & Co Ltd , Milton Pharmacy, Adam & Milne Building and Roofing and Remotelea Creative.
Our centre is now licensed for 40 children, including 11 under two spaces. For enrolment enquiries, please call or text 027 4531103, email us at telc@xtra.co.nz or call in for a visit.
Youth United meets fortnightly on Saturdays in term time for ages 10-18. Check out our Facebook page for events & times.
Genesis Classifieds ...
Ear Micro-suction Clinic
Wednesday 22nd October at Toko Community Hub
Cost$50adult,$40child/student
Phone 027-419-6463 for an appointment
Anne Wai Chin Cheng for Lawrence-Tuapeka Ward Councillor
I believe Local Government is about engaging with, making decisions for, and delivering services to meet the needs of the community. Looking after community well-being is at the heart of Local Government.
I have lived in New Zealand since October 1988 and in Lawrence since October 2016.
Serving as a Ward Councillor is a full-time commitment – I have time; and I am fully committed.
I am:
passionate about serving the community,
knowledgeable about Local Government systems and processes, having worked in 8 different Local Councils for some 25 years
hard-working,
approachable,
a good listener,
a team player
a good communicator
I promise to serve the community with integrity – I will explain to you what you need to hear, not tell you what you want to hear.
Authorised by Anne Wai Chin Cheng 0211883973
WEDNESDAYS1:30pm-4pm. Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!
Milton Country Club AGM Sunday,12th October At 1pm
Public Health Nurse -Abby Brookland
Available Tuesdays and Fridays at Tokomairiro High School Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment. Tokomairiro High School
and reports supplied by the community to fill our pages. Please email these to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz so we can share what is
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 so we can share what is happening in our area.
