Hillary Challenge 2011

Adventure racers on top of the world

Taranaki's reputation in secondary school outdoor education has been underlined with further success in the Hillary Challenge.

The combined New Plymouth girls' and boys' high school team won the competition at the weekend – for the seventh time in 10 years.

Taranaki schools nabbed the top two spots, with the combined team finishing with 4171 points, and Opunake High School securing second place with 3851 points.

The five-day challenge, held at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Tongariro, tested a range of outdoor skills, while promoting teamwork.

New Plymouth Boys' High principal Michael McMenamin said the schools had developed a real tradition in the gruelling event.

"One of the organisers asked if there was something in the water in Taranaki. The results were quite magnificent considering some of the big schools we were up against," he said.

The hours of training the students had put in since November had been rewarded by their win in the 12-team competition, he said.

The challenge included problem solving tasks and physical exercises such as river crossings and rogaining – a type of cross-country navigation.

The final event was a combination of 42km of kayaking, running and cycling, with the whole team of four boys and four girls needing to get across the line.

"To have the experience of going through the pain barrier and learning about yourself in that regard is invaluable," Mr McMenamin said.

The students won $8000 of outdoor education gear, as well as other prizes from sponsors.

The biggest challenge for the team had been the rogaining – not to mention the weather, with the temperature dropping to about 5 degrees Celsius at some points.

"It's absolutely extraordinary what these kids go through, and yet they love it."

The key to their success had been their preparation, discipline and desire to win.

He paid tribute to the team's coaches, Don Paterson and Phil Hewlett.

The combined New Plymouth boys' and girls' high team comprised Edward Lawley, Billy Rodenburg, Liam Paterson, Darren Alexander, Emily Roughan, Jordelle Simkin, Hannah Sturmer and Hayley Duckett.

The Opunake team comprised Troy Whitehead, Brock Wilson, Ethan Bloemen, Anna Young, Tara Potter, Breanna Morgan, Rebecca Heemi and Darryl Read

Story: Taranaki Daily News