Chesspower Regional Tournament: A Display of Skill and School Values
On Thursday, 12th of June, Taupō-nui-a-Tia College proudly hosted the Chesspower Regional Chess Tournament, welcoming students from across the region—including schools as far as Rotorua. This was the first time our kura had the privilege of hosting such an event, and it proved to be the perfect venue, showcasing not only strategic brilliance but also the values we hold dear at TNT.
The day began with a stirring pōwhiri led by Matua Snow, whose official Māori welcome and karakia set a respectful and inspiring tone for the competition. The haunting sound of the pūtātara (conch shell) added a sense of ceremony, reminding everyone of the significance of coming together in both challenge and camaraderie.
Over seven intense rounds of 15-minute timed games, students competed across three divisions: junior, intermediate, and senior. . The competition was fierce, but our TNT Chess Team—made up of eight talented players—showed tremendous skill, leading the Secondary division at one stage.
What stood out most was the manaakitanga (care and respect) displayed by our students—not only towards their teammates but also their opponents. Whether celebrating a hard-fought victory or gracefully accepting defeat, our players embodied the values of whanaungatanga (positive relationships) and wero (courage and perseverance).
In the end, John Paul College (Rotorua) took first place in the Secondary division, with TNT securing a close second—an outstanding achievement! Special congratulations to Riley Parker-Ord (12Ru2), who won six of his seven games, earning a spot at the National Championships in Wellington.
Hosting this event was a fantastic opportunity for our school community, and we look forward to welcoming even more players in the future. A huge ngā mihi to all the students who participated, the staff who supported the event, and Chesspower for making it possible.
TNT Chess Team: Liam Parker-Ord (9Ru2), Riley Parker-Ord (12Ru2), Jeremy Ryrie (10Ta1), Ben Hickman (10Ta2), Ari Pepper (13Ng2), Immanuel Wightman (13Ng2), Paul Stamorean (9Ru2), Tristin Fletcher (11Ng2)
