Honours Badge

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1983

The Ōtāhuhu Intermediate Honours Badge has been a proud tradition for more than 40 years. Introduced in 1983/1984 by Principal Dick Kitto, the programme was created during a significant period of change for our school.History of the OIS Honours Badge (1).pptx

Rather than focusing on "catching students being bad", the school embraced a new philosophy of recognising and celebrating students who consistently made positive choices. The Honours Badge became a prestigious award that any student could aspire to achieve through dedication, character, and contribution to school life.History of the OIS Honours Badge (1).pptx

A Vision That Changed Our School

When Dick Kitto became Principal in January 1983, he led the school in moving away from corporal punishment and towards a culture built on encouragement, recognition, and positive relationships.

The Honours Badge was developed to reward students who consistently demonstrated excellence across many areas of school life. It wasn't designed to be easy—it was created to be something students worked towards over time, making it one of the school's most respected achievements.History of the OIS Honours Badge (1).pptx

A Badge with a Story

The original Honours Badges were cloth badges sewn onto students' uniforms. As the programme evolved, they became the metal shield badges worn proudly by students today, featuring a waka and the school's Māori name, Te Kura Takawaenga o Ōtāhuhu.History of the OIS Honours Badge (1).pptx

Over the years, students who earned an Honours Badge were recognised not only with the badge itself but also through special certificates, assemblies, and memorable reward experiences, including ski trips to Mt Ruapehu, visits to museums, zoos, stage shows, and other educational excursions. Some students even achieved the remarkable feat of earning a Double Honours Badge, further cementing the award's prestige.History of the OIS Honours Badge (1).pptx

How to Receive an Honours Badge

Students work towards the Honours Badge by earning merit cards in different areas of school life. These merit cards acknowledge the positive contributions students make in class, around the school, through service, and in leadership opportunities.

To receive an Honours Badge, students must earn

10 Merit Cards across four areas:

  • 4 School Wide
  • 3 Classroom
  • 2 Service
  • School-Wide1 Leadership

Continuing the Legacy

More than four decades later, the Honours Badge remains one of the highest honours a student can receive at Ōtāhuhu Intermediate.

It represents far more than academic success—it recognises students who lead with integrity, serve others, embrace opportunities, and consistently model the values of our school. Every Honours Badge recipient becomes part of a proud tradition that continues to inspire future generations of learners.

The Honours Badge is more than an award—it is a legacy of excellence.

2026 Honours Badge Students