RAGLAN AREA SCHOOL SENIOR BALL 2023

sponsoring him for our entertainment and delight.

We would also like to give a huge thanks to all those generous parents, community members and businesses who answered our call to sponsor student’s tickets to the ball. This was so welcomed by many of our whānau, knowing times are tough out there. A special mention must go to the Raglan Community House, Raglan Physio, Terry Yorston Flooring, Cathy O’Shea from Property Brokers and Matt from West Coast Plumbing and Gas - just to name a few, for your generous donations - you really made a difference for so many people.

Importantly, we want to acknowledge the effort made by the students on the 2023 ball committee who worked tirelessly for over a term to plan and run this event. All that mahi certainly paid off. Also, a big thank you to the Raglan Area School staff and students for your support and mahi.

Finally, a huge shout out to the students who attended the ball. You were amazing and your smiles throughout the evening made it all worthwhile.

Nga mihi nui RAS Senior Ball Committee

Recently crowned Queen of the Point at Manu Bay, the Local Rag caught up with surfer Brie Bennett to hear about her season.

Tell us a little about your surfing journey.

I started surfing with what's known as the "sea dogs" at Raglan Area School with my friend Oceanah when I was 10 years old, from there we both were so in love with the sport and would beg our parents to take us out surfing everyday after school.

I did my first competition when I was 13 and made the final so the following year decided to travel around the North Island on the NZ surfing circuit. From there I continued to progress and started to get really good results, and my competitive surfing was then taken to a few places overseas.

Congrats on your recent win in Raglan. How did it feel to take out the title?

I was so happy to win the King and Queen of the point. It was my first big win in a few years, and first win in the open women's division. It was even more special that it was at home.

How has the last year of comps gone for you ?

The last flurry of comps I didn't do to well. Surfing for me was full time when I was in school, I would surf usually twice a day everyday.

Now that I'm in my second year of studying Nursing at the UoW I had to definitely step back a little from surfing unfortunately. As I was struggling to balance full time study and full time surfing. However I'm still really keen to get out for a surf or do surf specific training when I can.

What do you hope to achieve in the next couple of years?