Over the past weekend, Onehunga High School’s robotics team, SymbiOHSis, proudly hosted the VEX V5RC National Tournament.

The event saw 72 teams from across the motu—some traveling from as far south as Dunedin—converge for two days of high-stakes engineering and strategy.

The atmosphere was one of intense collaboration. Beyond the 16-round elimination bracket, the tournament served as a hub for innovation, where students shared technical insights and inspired one another. For the SymbiOHSis team, the opportunity to host was a significant milestone, and they took great pride in accommodating the wider New Zealand robotics community.

The success of the event was bolstered by the generosity of PAK'nSAVE. Their donations enabled OHS staff, students, and parents to run a successful weekend canteen. The funds raised will be vital in supporting the team’s future development and equipment needs.

Competition was fierce. The OHS team started strong, holding an impressive 2nd place rank through their first three matches. While they ultimately finished in 42nd place following a challenging run of games, the experience has only sharpened their resolve. The team has already set their sights on qualifying for the International Championship next year through both tournament play and technical awards.

A massive thank you to Ms. Lio, Ms. Li, Mr. Colquhoun, Ms. Coll, Mr. Payne, and our dedicated parent volunteers. This season’s success and the seamless execution of this tournament would not have been possible without your tireless advocacy and support.