3 July 2026, Issue1317
Hawaii bound Eight Mount Maunganui College surfers are preparing to represent New Zealand at the prestigious Honua Finals in Hawaii this month after earning an invitation to the world-renowned schools surfing event. The invitation-only competition, often described as the World Cup of
Interscholastic Surfing, will be held at Ala Moana Bowls on Oahu from July 23-26 and features top school surfing teams from around the globe. Coach Andrew Fredrickson said the invitation is a significant achievement for the school and its athletes. “Our surfers
from Mount Maunganui College have been recognised internationally as being of this calibre,” he said. The travelling squad includes eight student surfers and two coaches. Among them are Noah Ramsbottom, 15, and Izzy Evans, 16, (pictured).
The team has been training hard while fundraising to help cover travel costs and will carry the support of the Mount community as they take on some of the world’s best young surfers. Read more on pages 10-11. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
This September, join the Glenbrook Vintage Railway aboard our private heritage tour train for a memorable journey of steam, scenery and spring colour. Highlights include: • Private GVR heritage tour train • Steam-hauled journeys with JA 1271 • Carterton Daffodil Festival • Raurimu Spiral and Central Plateau scenery • Auckland and Wellington tour options • Fully escorted packages or train-only fares
11 - 17 Sept 2026
Limited spaces remain. Book now: www.gvr.org.nz/event/ssdt
Multi-day touring of NZ and Overseas by rail - For info www.gvr.org.nz or 09 236 3546