Silva NZ Secondary School Championships

The New Zealand Secondary School Orienteering Championships took place in the Waikato over the weekend. 

The event, held in Wharepapa South in rocky farmland terrain, attracted 325 entrants for two days of racing. The individual day had sections for junior, intermediate and senior competitors and the second day featured relay teams.

Scott McDonald from Karamu College, Hastings and Kate Morrison from Napier Girls' High won the senior titles after recently returning from competing for New Zealand at the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Sweden. The overall school points competition was dominated by Napier with Napier Boys' High winning the boys section and Napier Girls' High taking out the girls section.

Event coordinator Simon Addison said, "having come from Putaruru High School and getting into orienteering myself through the school scene, it was great to be able to have so many people come along and enjoy the event. The weather over the weekend didn't help, but the true spirit of the event rose through the weather and ensured that all competitors had a great time. The event was a resounding success."