Western Zone Athletics Day returns to the track

The young athletes from 11 West Auckland high schools came together to compete across a full programme of track and field events, bringing energy and excitement back to the region’s secondary school athletics scene. For many, it was their first experience of a formal athletics competition.

The event was coordinated by Tuia Waitākere, with strong support from College Sport Auckland, who managed entries, and Waitākere City Athletics Club, whose volunteers provided expertise both in the event lead-up and on the day, including running the finish line for track events.

Shanley Joyce, School Systems Lead at Tuia Waitākere, says the return of the event marks an important step forward after a gap in 2025, when no Western Zone competition was held.

“With some schools no longer running their own athletics days, many students had missed out on the chance to experience a proper competition environment – something that can make the leap to major events like the Auckland Athletics Championships feel daunting. For some schools, it was their first athletics event in over three years,” explains Shanley.

Participating schools included Kelston Boys High School, Kelston Girls’ College, Rutherford College, Massey High School, Liston College, St Dominic’s Catholic College, Green Bay High School, ACG Sunderland School, Henderson High School, Avondale College and Waitākere College.

Shanley says the impact of bringing the event back has been immediate.

“This event fills a real gap for our West Auckland students. By reintroducing the Western Zone Athletics Day, rangatahi were able to compete at a higher level than a typical school-based event.  This gives them the chance to experience a proper athletics meet, build confidence and feel prepared to take the next step into larger competitions.”

The day left a strong impression on both students and staff. The Head of Co-Curricular Activities from Kelston Girls’ College commented:  “I hope this event will be an annual event. Our girls also enjoyed the day, non-stop talking on the way back in the school van. It’s good for athletes to be exposed to an athletics event held at a proper stadium before going on to champs.”

Based on the success of this year’s event, organisers are already looking ahead and encouraging schools to bring more students along next year.

“We can’t wait to see this event return again in 2027 –  bigger and better, and ultimately opening up more opportunities for our West Auckland rangatahi,” concludes Shanley.