Waitākere College was buzzing with energy, high expectations, and warm whanaungatanga as we welcomed prospective Year 8 students and their whānau for our 2026 Open Evening!

Our outstanding student guides stole the show, confidently leading families through the College and sharing what life at Waitākere is really like. Visitors enjoyed hands-on displays and interactive showcases across every department:

• Creative Arts & Expressive Arts: Beyond the stunning work in Art, Photography, and Sculpture, the pathways came alive with performances and creative demonstrations in Dance, Drama, Performing Arts, and Music.
• Trades, Technology & Design: Hands-on action was everywhere—from real-world mechanical projects in Automotive and Engineering to creative builds in Hard and Mixed Materials, innovative concepts and games created by students in Design and Digital Technology, and delicious creations in Food Tech.
• Science: Interactive experiments in Science, Biology, and Medical Science kept future students hooked and curious throughout the night.
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Families explored the rich worlds of History, Geography, Classics, and broader Social Science, learning how we make sense of our past, present, and future.
• Business, Pathways & Service: Visitors gained insights into real-world skills through Business Studies, discovered career pathways in Vocational Pathways, Gateway and Hospitality (who kept everyone happy with sweet baked goods and hot chocolate!), and learned about leadership and discipline with our Services Academy.
• Languages, Culture & Support: Vibrant showcases highlighted our Languages department (Chinese, French, and Sāmoan), along with tours of our whare featuring our full-immersion Te Reo Rumaki classes. Whānau also explored our thriving Library and connected with our Pastoral Care team and our dedicated ESOL support team to learn about our comprehensive support networks, ensuring every incoming Year 9 feels safe and valued.
• Sport, Fitness & Active Learning: Families explored our vibrant Sports Department, Gym, and our specialised Sports Academies (focusing on code-specific training, strength, and conditioning). Whānau were also impressed by our updated weights room, designed to support athlete development and student wellness.

To top off a fantastic night, families warmed up on a cool evening with delicious hot soup and a classic sausage sizzle while chatting with staff and students.

A massive thank you to our incredible student guides, staff, and community for making the night such an unforgettable success. Enrolment information for next year is now available on our school website HERE, or at the main office - we can't wait to welcome our new Year 9s!