Trident High School made history at the recent National Secondary School Netball Championships in Porirua with their fourth placing.

Not only was it their best performance at nationals, but it was also the first time in 30 years that a Bay of Plenty school had broken into the top four at the prestigious event.

The last time was Ōpōtiki College in 1995.

Trident was the only school from outside Auckland to make the final four at the nationals, which featured the top 16 secondary school teams from across Aotearoa.

The line-up included schools with some of the country’s most dominant netball programmes such as Mount Albert Grammar, Westlake Girls’, St Kentigern College, Howick College, and Wellington’s Queen Margaret College. Each of these teams earned their spot through rigorous regional qualification events, representing the best of their respective zones.

Against high-quality competition, Trident High School not only held their own but emerged as one of the tournament’s standout success stories.
The team was captained by Syniva Bryce, whose calm leadership and on-court presence played a pivotal role in guiding the side to their historic result.

Trident hit the ground running in pool play, putting on dominant performances from day one. They secured confident wins over Nayland College and Scott’s College, establishing themselves early as a team to watch.

Day two featured a high-stakes matchup against Rotorua Girls’ High School – a team that had enjoyed a strong season leading into nationals. With their eyes firmly set on a top eight crossover spot, Trident displayed outstanding focus, discipline, and teamwork.
In a hard-fought game, they came away with a six-point win, earning the top spot in their pool and advancing into the top eight.
Trident’s journey to the top four continued with their first crossover game against Mount Albert Grammar, who went on to win the championships. This game was an absolute test of skill and resilience, with the two teams locked in a neck-and-neck battle.

Trident fought valiantly, matching their opposition’s intensity, but in the final moments, Mount Albert Grammar managed to edge ahead, coming away with a narrow two-point victory.
Despite the loss, Trident showed incredible heart, proving they could compete at the highest level.

The next two crossover games were equally intense. First up was Queen Margaret College, followed by St Hilda’s Collegiate. Both matches were back-and-forth battles, with Trident showing composure under pressure. Despite the fierce competition, Trident held their ground and secured vital wins to earn their place in the top four.

Due to the nature of the draw and the earlier narrow loss to Mount Albert Grammar in the crossover stage, Trident was placed in the playoff for third and fourth on the final day – facing off against a strong Westlake Girls’ High School side.

From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were hungry for the win. The game was intense, physical, and fast-paced, with each side leaving everything on the court. Trident managed to gain a slight edge early on, showcasing their sharp attacking combinations and strong shooting under pressure.

However, Westlake responded with some outstanding defensive work, forcing key turnovers and slowly closing the gap. As the match progressed, the scoreline remained tight — a true neck-and-neck contest that reflected the high calibre of both teams.

In a heart-stopping conclusion, with just minutes to spare, Westlake Girls’ managed to edge ahead, claiming the lead and securing the win. Trident fought until the very end, ultimately finishing the tournament in fourth place, a remarkable achievement that cements their status among the country’s top netball teams.

Trident’s efforts ranked them above some of New Zealand’s most established netball schools — including St Kentigern College, Howick College, Hamilton Girls’, and Christchurch Girls’ High — schools with long-standing national reputations for producing elite-level players.

Teacher in charge of netball Lisa Bethell said the achievement was a reflection of the team’s determination and unity, both on and off the court.

“This result is a testament to the girls’ hard work, belief, and resilience. They’ve shown that with commitment and teamwork, a Bay of Plenty school can stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest and best in the country. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved — they’ve made history for Trident and inspired our whole community.”

Adding to the celebrations, Mihiwai Henare has been invited to attend the New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball Camp, a prestigious opportunity extended to the country’s top-performing young athletes identified through previous tournaments. Her selection highlights the exceptional calibre of talent within the Trident team and further reinforces the school’s growing presence on the national stage.

The campaign has placed Trident High firmly on the national netball map and inspired future generations of athletes in the Bay of Plenty region. With a strong foundation built this year, and under the strong leadership of coaches Te Ahuru and Ngarori Waititi, the team looks forward to continuing to push boundaries, develop talent, and set new records in seasons to come.

Making Trident’s efforts even more impressive, they had three Year 9s in the squad, which bodes well for the future.