There was little separating Whakatāne Intermediate from its Gisborne counterpart during their recent annual exchange.

Whakatāne Intermediate hosted the sporting exchange and over two days won 14 games to Gisborne’s 12 to win the Whakakau A Paikea Trophy.

“After losing it (the trophy) last year by one point, we were very pleased to have it back,” said Whakatāne Intermediate deputy principal Haruru Douglas.

Gisborne Intermediate didn’t return home empty handed though, claiming the rugby fixtures and the Eruera Mita Memorial Cup for another year, having gained more points during the tournament.
Netball, hockey, football, rugby, debating, basketball, badminton, maths and literacy were all on offer. There were year 7 and 8 netball sides, boys’ and girls’ football and hockey teams and various rugby divisions, creating plenty of exciting competition.
Douglas said it was cracking two days of competition and an event the children always looked forward to.

“The exchange was once again a resounding success, with students eagerly taking part in a wide variety of activities. Out on the fields, they gave their all in the sports they love, while indoors, our debaters, literature quiz teams, and mathematicians put their minds to the test in the library.
“We were lucky to avoid the worst of the forecasted bad weather during game time—a fortunate bonus. Of course, that didn’t stop our students from embracing the elements, enthusiastically diving into puddles and making memories along the way.

Douglas said it’s a great way to form lifelong friendships.

“While the exact year the exchange first began is hard to pinpoint, it's believed to have been running for close to 35 years. It's a tradition rich in memories and connections. I still recall my own experience as a year 8 student in 1999, travelling over to Gisborne for the exchange and being billeted with a whānau I remain in touch with to this day.”

Like anything, he said it was amazing seeing the children from different schools and backgrounds bonding together on and off the sporting fields.

“The comradery and connections that were formed were highlights. The events were competed with team spirit and enjoyment. Another highlight was seeing the laughter and partnerships that the students formed from their billeting experience. These connections and memories will last a lifetime.”