ACES Weekly Buzz

Tēnā koutou katoa parent(s), caregivers, whānau and external providers

In this week's edition of the ACES Weekly Buzz, we celebrate the amazing staff wellbeing success story of the ACES Lions Indoor Netball Team, set up by our very own Reuben Feetau - Campus Leader Maungawhau.

We begin our Journey of ACES 25 Year Celebrations with a poignant tribute to the late and much beloved Buchanan Niuapu, written by our leader Karyl Puklowski.

We share a very heart felt thank you letter, completed by Breakthrough Academy student Freddie celebrating ACES support of his exciting journey as part of the Balmoral Lee Gar Amateur boxing team.

Finally in breaking news, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new ACES donation portal! Natasha Guiry and Thelo Meleisea introduced it at a Business Breakfast held at the end of term 2, attended by prominent guests, including Auckland’s Webb Henderson Law Firm and MAGS senior management. A huge thank you to Natasha for her dedication and hard work in bringing this idea to life. As our ACES subscribers grow to our newsletter,we hope our community contribution to our work can also evolve, so please tag, share and post!

Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei

Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

What started as a way to blow off steam has grown into something meaningful.

The ACES Lions indoor netball team, made up of tutors from both Maungawhau and Maungarei campuses, was formed not only to support hauora (wellbeing) and release weekly stress—but to build real connections within our ACES whānau.

Each Thursday night became more than a game—it became a routine where staff and their whānau could gather, connect, and grow closer. The kaupapa was clear: if we encourage our tauira and their families to form strong bonds, we must also lead the way as an organisation.

The ACES Lions played 16 games this season, with an impressive 11 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. Their strong teamwork and dedication earned them a spot in the semi-finals, and they advanced to the grand final, narrowly losing with a close score of 25–28. Through every high and low, our whānau showed up, cheered us on, and stayed humble in defeat.

As recognition for finishing second place, the ACES Lions were proudly awarded a trophy, which will be displayed in our front office as a symbol of the teamwork, wairua, and HEART that went into every game.

More than just results, this team became a living example of our H.E.A.R.T. values:

• Hope

• Excellence

• Accountability

• Relationships

• Trust

We talk about H.E.A.R.T with our students—but this was about practising what we preach. As an organisation, we must outlive our work by being the example of unity and connection we hope to inspire in our tauira.

Looking ahead, we’re proud to announce that the ACES Lions will grow into two new teams, continuing the Thursday night routine as a way to build whakawhanaungatanga, have fun, and strengthen our ACES community.

Because when we live out our H.E.A.R.T. values—we don’t just play the game. We become the heartbeat of ACES!

Honouring a Legacy of Service and H.E.A.R.T.

Buchanan Niuapu, Alternative Education Co-ordinator for ACES, passed away peacefully in February 2025 after 20 years of dedicated service. To honour his profound commitment to alternative education in Auckland City, ACES will introduce a new award at the December 2025 Prize Giving at Alexandra Park.

The Buchanan Niuapu Award
This award will be presented to a student who exemplifies ALL Five Pillars of H.E.A.R.T.—the core values Buchanan Niuapu held in the highest esteem:

H.E.A.R.T Pillars

HOPE
Inspired by the whakataukī “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!”
(What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!)
This pillar recognises a student who demonstrates respect, active listening, and appreciation for their learning environment, peers, and tutors. The student values the opportunities that ACES AE provides to expand their horizons.

EXCELLENCE
Inspired by the whakataukī “Whāia te iti kahurangi. Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.”
(Pursue excellence—should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain.)
This pillar celebrates the same student who strives for excellence and views mistakes as a natural part of the learning journey. What matters most is their willingness to learn and try again.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Inspired by the whakataukī “Kanohi ki te kanohi”
(Face to face)
This pillar further highlights the same student who maintains consistent attendance, ensures communication from caregivers when absent, and who warmly welcomes visitors and new students, helping them feel part of the ACES AE community.

RELATIONSHIPS
Inspired by the whakataukī “Kanohi kitea”
(A seen face—a person who is present and engaged)
This pillar recognises the same student who engages actively with their timetable and participates fully in all learning activities.

TRUST
Inspired by the whakataukī “Aroha ki te tangata”
(Respect and empathy for others)
Finally this pillar acknowledges a student who consistently demonstrates respect—for themselves, for others, and for their learning environment—upholding the ACES AE values in all they do.

This award stands both as an award recognising our Top Student, whom exemplifies and demonstrates the Five Pillars of H.E.A.R.T. and as a lasting tribute to Buchanan Niuapu’s legacy and the values he championed throughout his career with ACES AE.

Dear ACES Team,

Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. I’m really grateful that you bought my boxing gear, paid for my gym joining fee, and covered the first four weeks at Balmoral Lee Gar. That means so much to me.

But it’s not just about the boxing l want to say thank you for everything you’ve done to support me. You’ve helped me in more ways than I can say, and I’ll always remember how you’ve been there for me. Your support makes me feel like I can do anything if I work hard.

I also want to say a special thank you to my tutors. You’re there for me day in and day out, helping me stay on track and always believing in me, even when I’ve doubted myself. That belief has made a big difference in my life.

I’ll never forget how much you’ve all done for me, and I’ll always be thankful. I promise to keep working hard and make you proud.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.

From,
Fittler (aka Freddie)

Ed.Note At time of writing Freddie has been selected to compete at a South Auckland Boxing Association event on Saturday August 9th, 12pm at Synergy Sport Centre, New Lynn. He will be representing Balmoral Lee Gar Amateur boxing team coached by Master Coach Lolo Heimuli. He will also be joined by Tutor Ezra Purcell, who is also competing on the same card for Team BLG. Please show support, tickets are $20 at the door.

Support ACES Through Our New Online Donation Portal

ACES is proud to launch our new donation portal powered by Raisely, now live on our website at www.aces.school.nz. This secure and user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever for whānau, alumni, community partners, and supporters to contribute to the life-changing work we do with young people across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Every donation—large or small—goes directly towards strengthening our alternative education programmes, providing essential resources, and supporting rangatahi to thrive in pathways that honour their potential and mana.

We invite you to visit the site, explore the stories of transformation happening through ACES, and consider becoming a regular supporter. Whether you're contributing to transport, kai, learning tools, or our culturally grounded wrap-around services, your generosity will make a direct and measurable impact. Together, we can continue building vibrant young futures!

Please go to attached LINK here to see previous editions on our Public domain.

Alternative Education and Attendance Service | Auckland City Education Services | Auckland

With our Alternative Education Services, students receive so much more than an ordinary education. We pride ourselves on creating a unique, exciting environment that embraces all.