Cross Country
The 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships brought together the strongest young distance runners from across the country, with more than 1000 athletes competing across age groups in challenging, demanding conditions in Wellington on June 20th.
Olivia Stone 9K12 produced an outstanding performance lining up at the Year 9 Girls race with 100 of the best distance athletes in NZ. Olivia ran a composed and courageous race through water streams and hurdles to finish 5th overall, securing a place among the Top 5 Year 9 girls in the country. She ran a 11:30 minute time for 3000mtrs.
Kade McLoughlan 11D9 competed strongly in the Senior Boys U20 6000mtrs race, finishing 96th out of 193 runners, he was 31st in the U17 category. It was a determined last run of the day, which made for very challenging conditions, contending with 90km gusts and plenty of mud and water.
Both Kade and Olivia demonstrated resilience, discipline and outstanding sportsmanship on a national stage. They represented Botany Downs Secondary School College with pride on the day.
Karting
The BDSC Karting team entered the Auckland Schools Karting Championships on Monday 22 June. Two students Tareeq Damonze 9K12 and Jeff Lee 12B1 represented BDSC at this event. Jeff finished in 5th place on the podium with a trophy.
In the College Team standings, BDSC placed 2nd overall. Jeff also set the new track record at the New Sir Colin Giltrap Raceway in the 125cc Rotax Max Heavy class with a lap time of 53.425 seconds.
The annual championship attracted strong fields across multiple classes with school pride on the line as competitors battled. There was plenty of close racing throughout the day, with exciting wheel-to-wheel action highlighting the depth of young talent coming through the sport.
Gymsports
On Thursday 11 June, 14 students went to Bruce Pulman Park to compete at the annual College Sport Gymsports Championships. With our teams showing outstanding skill, teamwork and resilience, competitors took part in events such as tumbling, rhythmic and artistic.
Our competitors came away with big successes, with Jennifer Lister 9K12 earning gold in Level 8 Rhythmic, Anabelle Warner 10E8 gaining bronze in A Grade Tumbling and Annabelle Peacock 11J5 gaining bronze in Novice Artistic.
Our A Grade Botany team also took away bronze in tumbling consisting of Addyson Burke 10B1, Anabelle Warner 10E8 and Maddy Kong 10B1.
Our novice team took away Gold with the team consisting of Alpha Shi 12J5, Annabelle Peacock 11J5, Olivia Stone 9K12 and Daphne Zhang 9D9.
Overall the event was a huge success and a huge congratulations to all students who represented the college.
~ Annabelle Peacock 11J5
Duathlon
On Tuesday 23 June, we took nine students to the Duathlon Championships held at Pukekohe Park. It was an awesome day of competition, teamwork and determination, with all our students representing BDSC with pride. Every competitor gave their best effort, worked incredibly hard and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the event.
We entered two teams and five individual competitors, and our students achieved some incredible results against strong competition from across the region.
Individual Results
- Olivia Stone 9K12: 4th place, Junior Girls Individual
- Kade McLoughlan 11D9: 3rd place, Intermediate Boys Individual
- Allen Peng 11D9: 3rd place, Intermediate Boys Individual (Open Bike)
Team Results
- Isaac Chen 11D9 and Lucas Chen 11D3: 3rd place, Intermediate Boys Team (Open Bike)
- Matthew Ng 13E2 and Luke Lin 13B7: 1st place, Senior Boys Team (Open Bike)
These fantastic results are a testament to the commitment and hard work our students have put into their training. We are extremely proud of how they conducted themselves, and the way they supported each another throughout the competition.
Ultimate Frisbee
On Sunday 14 June, BDSC proudly took three teams to compete at the Ultimate Indoor Opens Tournament, with all teams representing the school with great skill, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm.
The Boys A Team had an outstanding day, progressing all the way to the semi-finals before finishing 4th overall, the highest placing BDSC has ever achieved at this tournament. The boys gave 100% effort throughout the day and should be incredibly proud of their achievement.
The Boys B Team enjoyed several close matches, secured some great wins, and gained valuable experience, finishing 14th out of 22 teams. Most importantly, they played with smiles on their faces and had plenty of fun throughout the tournament.
The Girls Team also had a fantastic day, recording several impressive wins and showcasing great teamwork and spirit. Their final game was an enjoyable all-Botany matchup against the Boys B Team.
Overall, it was a brilliant day of Ultimate Frisbee, with all three teams demonstrating determination, teamwork, and excellent sportsmanship. Congratulations to everyone involved on a memorable tournament.
Squash
Botany Downs Secondary College was well represented by two boys’ squash teams at the annual College Sport Squash Team Championship. The teams of five travelled to North Shore Squash Club on Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 June, competing against some of Auckland’s strongest secondary school programmes.
Despite facing tough opposition throughout the tournament, the boys showed determination, sportsmanship, and resilience across all matches. While they were unable to secure placings this year, the experience gained against high-calibre competition will prove valuable for future seasons. Their commitment and effort were commendable, and they represented the college with pride.
Orienteering
Five BDSC students set off early on Sunday 14 June for the Auckland Secondary Schools Rogaine Championships, held near the Muriwai Surf Club, under cold and foggy conditions that persisted for much of the journey. Fortunately, the weather improved significantly prior to the event briefing, with the fog lifting and the sun emerging to create more favourable conditions.
Following the briefing, competitors were issued with maps and, while separated from coaches and parents, carefully planned and marked their chosen routes. Participants were then guided to the edge of the bush for a mass start.
For several students, including Brian Yu 13B7, Roy Kim 13S10, and Olivia Stone 09K12, this event marked their first experience with Rogaine Orienteering. Despite the added challenge of losing her map early in the course, Olivia demonstrated commendable resilience and navigational awareness, successfully locating checkpoints and returning within the 90-minute time limit.
Miren Patel 11S4 and Kade McLoughlan 11D9 finished beyond the allotted time, resulting in a deduction of 20 points per minute late. However, Kade’s strong performance earlier in the race proved decisive, as he collected the highest number of checkpoints in his grade. Even after penalties were applied, he achieved an impressive third place finish.
Although a few participants experienced minor cuts from the dense cutty grass, the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved, offering both challenge and achievement in a supportive and competitive environment.
Netball
The netball season is now halfway through and the first round of matches have been completed. Congratulations to the following teams, players and coaches, who have all finished top of their section and will be promoted to the section/grade above after the holidays.
- Senior A
- 10 Sparks
- 9A
Rugby 1st XV Win in 1A Competition
After a successful 15 years of 1st XV Rugby (winning three 1B Titles 2017, 2019 and 2023) the team won promotion to the 1A Competition in 2024. A competition with well established schools. The team has been battling away eleven weeks of the season for two years without a win.
On Saturday 6 June, the team had their First Win in the 1A competition away against Liston College. The final score was 26-24. The team, coaches and the BDSC Rugby Village took a lot of belief away from the game not just the four points on the table.
Our 2026 1st XV have three home games to go.
Saturday 4 July – vs St Pauls College @ BDSC 2:30pm Kick Off
Saturday 25 July – vs Auckland Grammar School @ BDSC 2:30pm Kick Off
Saturday 1 August – vs King’s College @ BDSC 2:30pm Kick Off
The BDSC Rugby Programme would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Mr Alan Taylor. Over 22 years, he established and led rugby at BDSC with passion, integrity, and unwavering dedication. His influence extended beyond the school, making a significant contribution to the development of secondary schools rugby across Auckland. In recognition of his service to the game, Mr Taylor was inducted as a Life Member of the Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby Union in 2025.
As Mr Taylor begins his retirement, we extend our sincere thanks and very best wishes. His vision, commitment, and leadership have helped shape BDSC Rugby into the programme it is today. Generations of young people have benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and passion for rugby. His legacy will continue to inspire players, coaches, and the wider BDSC community for many years to come.