Sports
Hākinakina
We believe that co-curricular activity is integral to a young person’s development. St Andrew’s offers an exceptional range of sporting, recreational, musical, and other performance opportunities to our students, ensuring they can discover their potential, explore their interests, express their talents, and strive for excellence in their activity of choice.
Sport for everyone
Students at St Andrew’s College continue a rich and varied sporting tradition. From Years 4–12 they participate in a sport and/or cultural activity each week, during both the summer and winter terms. Students also have the opportunity to attend inter-school competitions at local, regional, national and sometimes international level. Many of our top sports teams achieve outstanding success in regular national competitions.
Our Sports Vision
Our vision is to foster ‘enrichment through sport’ and we strive to offer the best sporting opportunities possible to our students. Last year over 90% of students competed in interschool sport at the College and it is our aim to provide a top-quality sports experience for all students regardless of ability. Our philosophy is based on assisting students to become the ‘best they can be’ in their sporting area. A big part of assisting students to achieve their potential is providing specialised coaching to as many teams as possible and, in this regard, the College is very well placed with staff expertise.
"The people are what makes St Andrew’s special. They could see talent inside me even when I didn’t have much faith in myself. I owe a lot to St Andrew’s College, as without the support and the opportunities they gave me, I wouldn’t be where I am today."
Richie Mo'unga (OC 2012)All Black
Balance is Better @ StAC
St Andrew's College has proudly embraced the Sport NZ 'Balance is Better' philosophy, prioritising the well-being and development of every participant. This framework serves as our overarching strategy, uniting all stakeholders under its principles, emphasising increased participation and skill enhancement.
Symbolised by our Thistle, our goal is to harmonise the ethos of sports with the school's mission of "Together, Building Better People, for Life."
Embedded in the College’s culture is the Whakataukī, "He waka eke noa," symbolising the collective efforts of students, coaches, teachers, parents, and the community. Together, we strive to uphold the values of our school with authenticity, pride, and dignity.
The key principles of the Balance is Better approach are:
Participant-Centric Philosophy – places the participant first, emphasising their holistic growth and enjoyment, and it seeks to strike a balance between competition and personal development.
Maximising Participation – while maintaining a competitive attitude, the focus is on inclusive participation, students are encouraged to explore their potential and develop skills at their own pace.
Sense of Belonging and Connection – by nurturing a sense of belonging, students feel connected to their sports community, this connection extends beyond the boundaries of St Andrew's, encouraging lifelong engagement with sports.
The StAC Thistle, our sporting symbol, deeply rooted in the spirit of St Andrew's College, embodies the values, behaviours and actions we aspire to within our sporting codes. We acknowledge the different parts (cornerstones) of the thistle being articulated, each representing essential aspects for growth and success in sport:
Deep Roots | Whanaungatanga – like the sturdy roots of the thistle, we learn to grow and show respect in sports.
Strong Stem | Rangatiratanga – for the thistle to flourish, the stem must be robust. The stem represents taking responsibility for individual actions.
Mighty Thorns | Kia Māia – thorns symbolise courage in sports.
Vibrant Flowers | Whai Wāhi – a well-watered thistle blooms with engagement and allows people to flourish.
Our Sports Leadership Team
Hamish Bell
Head of Values and Culture
Mark Lane
Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Rod McIntosh
Director of High Performance Sport and Rugby
John Haggart
Director of Sports Strategy
Clare Register
Head of Physical Education
Riley Gain
Year 11 Co-dean, Teacher in Charge of Athlete Sport Development and Athlete Sport Performance Programmes
David Ermerins
Head of Preparatory School Sport
Sport in the Preparatory School
The Preparatory School provides many exciting sporting opportunities for students. Our sports programme is directed by our Head of Preparatory Sport, who ensures it reflects current trends, meets the needs of students, and provides a pathway to the Secondary School.
Sport is compulsory in Years 4–8, as is participation in our annual athletics, swimming, cross-country and duathlon events. We offer a range of sports and students have the opportunity to attend inter-school sports competitions at local, regional and national level. A strong sports exchange system, and an annual sports tour are other highlights.
The competitiveness of the Preparatory School’s sports programme is cultivated alongside a strong team culture that celebrates good play. Teachers are responsible for guiding and developing key competencies, while encouraging students to support less able players, be inclusive of others, cope with mistakes, and share in the success of others.
We offer the following core sports, with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated sports managers and specialised coaches, both on and off campus.
Athletics | Hockey | Tennis |
Badminton | Mini Jammer Basketball | Touch |
Basketball | Mini Kickers | Volleyball |
Cricket | Mountain Biking | Water Polo |
Football | Netball | VEX Robotics |
Futsal | Rugby |
Sport in the Secondary School
The Secondary School provides an extensive array of sporting opportunities for students. Our sports programme is directed by our Director of Sport and Co-curricular activities, who ensures it reflects current trends, meets the needs of students, and provides a pathways for those students who want to achieve at the highest possible level.
Sport is compulsory in Years 9–12, and is highly encouraged in Year 13, as is participation in our annual athletic sports, swimming, and cross-country events. Students have the opportunity to attend inter-school sports competitions at local, regional and national level, plus take part in our annual sports exchange programme.
We offer the following core sports, with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated sports managers and specialised coaches, both on and off campus.
Athletics | Hockey | Swimming |
Badminton | Ice Hockey | Road Race |
Basketball | Mountain Biking | Table Tennis |
Canoe Polo | Multisport | Trap Shooting |
Cricket | Orienteering | Tennis |
Cross Country | Netball | Touch |
Cycling | Polo | VEX Robotics |
Equestrian | Rowing | Volleyball |
Esports | Rugby | Water Polo |
Football | Snow Sports | |
Futsal | Squash | |
Golf | Surfing |
Our High Performance Athlete Sports Programmes
Our Athlete Sports Programmes are designed to educate student athletes with high performance sports preparation, while encouraging academic excellence, balance, wellness and the development of good character. The focus is on the development of the whole student – physically, academically, emotionally and socially. These programmes are designed for students who are determined to work hard to achieve their sporting goals. A further key focus is on the student’s development of organisation, planning and leadership qualities.
Celebrating our Sporting Successes
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Our Whakataukī
He waka
eke noa
We are all in this together
Our Vision and Spirit
Life at StAC
Our Schools
Co-curricular and Cultural Activities