Kia ora boys, please be seated. We start our assembly with a reading from the bible, and I have asked Theo King, our Head of Boarding, to read it for us today. 

2 Timothy 2:15-16 

Do your best to be the kind of person God will accept, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way. Stay away from people who talk about useless things that are not from God. That kind of talk will lead a person more and more against God.  

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Thank you, Theo.  

In this passage, Paul is writing to a young leader, encouraging him to be prepared, to stay focused, and to take his role seriously. It’s a reminder that how we prepare — spiritually, mentally, and physically — shapes the kind of people we become. 

This is a powerful message about ongoing preparation, focus, and commitment to growth. It reminds us that excellence is not something we stumble into—it’s something we pursue with intent, over time, and through discipline. 

In last week's assembly, I talked about the idea that pressure produces performance—that those moments of intensity are not to be feared, but embraced. 

I said that pressure is a privilege because it means you’ve been trusted with responsibility, with an opportunity, or with something that matters. 

But today I want to take that idea further. 

Because while pressure might give you the moment — it’s preparation that determines what you do with it. In Chapel on Wednesday the Chaplain talked about the 5 P’s and today I’m going to look at a variation on that theme using 3 P’s Preparation Powers Performance. 

Whether you're preparing for a game, an exam, or a challenge in life, the effort you put in matters, and in the reading today, Paul urges us to be the kind of workers who are not ashamed of our work — who’ve done the hard yards, and who stay focused on what really matters. 

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself this: 

When does an All Black win the World Cup — on the night of the final? No! 

They win it in the months of training, the early-morning fitness sessions, the rehab, the film analysis, and the relentless commitment to improvement. 

Have you considered, when does a student achieve Excellence in their externals? 

It’s Not in November. 

They earn it in the day-to-day habits: The in class focus. The detailed notes they’ve taken. The Questions they have asked. The study plans they’ve followed. 

Here is a point to consider. 

You don’t rise to the occasion — you rise to the level of your preparation. 

When the pressure is on — whether it's the final minutes of a hockey match, the silence of the exam room, or the spotlight of a performance — you don’t suddenly become better than you were yesterday. You fall back on what you’ve trained for. The habits you’ve built. The hours you've put in. The discipline you've shown. 

Success in those moments doesn’t come from luck or natural talent alone — it comes from preparation. From the choices you’ve made long before the moment arrived. From the decision to stay focused in class, to run that extra sprint, to rehearse one more time, to ask for feedback and apply it. 

Preparation is what gives us the confidence to perform when the pressure mounts. It’s what separates those who panic from those who stay composed. If you want to thrive in big moments — if you want to meet challenges head-on — then make your preparation your priority. 

Because when the moment comes, it’s too late to get ready. You either are… or you aren’t. 

And preparation doesn’t just help you succeed in one moment — it builds the person you are becoming. 

It creates your habits, your work ethic, and ultimately, your character. 

Preparation teaches you to be consistent, to keep showing up when it’s hard, to take responsibility for your outcomes. 

It builds discipline—and discipline is what stays with you long after the game, the exam, or the performance is over. 

You might have heard the phrase: 

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard." 

It’s simple — but it’s true. 

Some of you might look around and see others with natural ability — maybe they’re faster, more academic, more confident, or more gifted in some area. And it’s easy to believe that talent alone will carry them further. 

But here’s the truth: talent without effort is wasted potential. 

It might give you a head start, but it won't get you across the finish line. 

It’s not just ability that determines who succeeds — it’s the daily decision to show up, work hard, and keep going. That’s what separates those who simply coast from those who finish strong. 

It’s what drives improvement — even when it’s uncomfortable. 

It’s what gets you out of bed for early training, helps you push through a tough classes, or gives you the courage to keep trying when others give up. 

And do you know what the best part is? Work ethic isn’t something you’re born with — it’s a decision you make. 

Day after day, choice after choice. 

And it becomes your habit. Your standard. Your identity. 

You don’t have to be the most talented — you just have to be willing to outwork everyone else. 

Because in the long run, consistent preparation always beats short bursts of potential. 

So when you commit to the small things, like 

– showing up on time, – doing the reps, – finishing the reading, – helping your team  

You're not just preparing for a performance. 

You're building a mindset that will take you far beyond Lindisfarne — into university, careers, relationships, and life itself. 

Talent may open the door, but preparation walks you through it. 

Work ethic will determine how far you go — not just this year, but for the rest of your life. 

So how do we live this out here at Lindisfarne? 

By taking our daily routines seriously: 

• Turning up to training when we’re tired, 

• Studying even when no test is due, 

• Practising music even when no one’s listening, 

• And building character when no one’s watching. 

It means we stop saying, “I’ll try harder when it counts,” And instead start asking, ““Success tomorrow starts with the effort I’m willing to put in today. What am I prepared to do now to be better than the rest?” 

Because they’re coming. The pressure moments. The big stages. The defining opportunities. 

And when they come, they won’t ask: “Are you talented?” They’ll ask: “Are you ready?” 

So here’s your challenge this week: 

Choose one area of your life that matters to you—and do the work before the pressure moment arrives. 

• Study before the test is announced. 

• Train before the team is selected. 

• Lead before the badge is given. 

Be the kind of young man who values preparation—because preparation shows you care. 

When preparation is your foundation, performance becomes your expression. And when your moment comes? You won’t have to get ready, You’ll already be ready. 

Preparation isn’t just about being ready for one big moment — it’s about showing up every day with purpose and discipline. It’s in the habits we build, the effort we give, and the way we respond when no one’s watching. So as we head into the rest of the term, let’s not sit back and wait for success to come to us. Let’s be the kind of people who prepare for it, with focus, with drive, and with a commitment to doing the work that matters 

Please join me in singing the National Anthem.  

HYMN - God Defend New Zealand. 

Cultural Report 

Good afternoon, boys, here is today’s cultural report. 

Grandparents’ Day Concert  Congratulations to the students who performed in Wednesday’s grandparents’ day concert in the auditorium. Everyone played very well, and the concert was greatly enjoyed by many grandparents and students. Thanks to Max Han, Oscar Zhao, Ethan Xu, Lin Korkuryo, James McDougal, Liam Pentreath, James Bishop, Theo Clairemont, Felix Bromhead and Peter Mitchell.  

Jazz Band at Jazz Schools’ Night Last weekend, the Jazz Band at performed at Jazz schools night in Havelock North. This night was a chance for local school bands to play. Our college jazz band, and jazz ensemble “the jazztronomers”, performed strongly. The Jazzstronomers ensemble consists of Josef Oosthuizen, Oliver Watson, Harry MacNamara, Ethan Lys and Daniel Lie. The night finished with a mass band performance where all the bands played. Well done to all involved. 

Trio of Talents – 21st August, 6 pm, Iona College.  In two weeks’ time on Thursday the 21st of August at 6pm, the annual trio of talents is being held at Iona College. This is a student-led performing arts competition held between Iona College, Woodford House and Lindisfarne College. Each school will enter three contrasting performances. You are invited to be part of the audience at Iona College; this would be a great opportunity to support our musicians who are competing and it will be a great night of music, dance and drama.  Talk to me if you are interested in attending.  

Fright Night Next Wednesday at 7:30 PM in the auditorium, join us for Lindisfarne Fright Night – the official premiere of the short horror films created by our very own Media Studies students. 

Over the past term, these students have written, directed, filmed and edited terrifying tales that will have you on the edge of your seat – all for 10 NCEA credits. Now it’s time to roll out the red carpet, dodge the paparazzi and experience the thrill of the big screen! 

Local filmmakers will judge the films, and there will be awards up for grabs, including Best Director, Best Actor, and a People’s Choice Award that you get to vote on – this is a night you won’t want to miss. 

That’s all for this week’s cultural report. Have a great weekend. 

Sports Report 

Good afternoon school, it is my pleasure to read this week's sports report this week. 

In Adventure Racing Last Friday night, twenty-four Lindisfarne students and staff took part in the annual Puketapu Night Run — a 13.5km race along the Tutaekuri River. Our runners dominated both the relay and full-course events, winning six race categories in total. 

 The relay team of William Foster, Braith Carew, and Titus Dunnett delivered an outstanding performance, winning both the Secondary Schools Relay and the overall Fastest Relay Team.  

This marks their second consecutive win in the schools' category and the fourth year in a row a Lindisfarne team has taken out the title. 

In the full-course events, Arlie du Plessis completed the 13.5km run in a time of 59 minutes and 1 second, winning the Under-16 category. Ted Oliver also ran a strong race, securing first place in the Over-16 division. 

The highlight of the evening was the performance of our teacher relay team — Mr Parker, Mr Chatfield, and Mr Stuart — who not only won the Fastest Teacher Team Relay but also the Fastest Adult Male Team category. 

Could Will, Braith, Titus, Ted, and Arlie please come forward to receive their medals and trophies. 

In Golf Our boys competed in the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Golf Challenge Trophy at Cape Kidnappers last week and finished ahead of Napier Boys and Hasting’s boys and to win the trophy. The team defended the trophy that they won last year at a windswept Cape Kidnappers Golf Course.  The conditions were very tough, and the score was very tight, but excellent performances from both Leo Dixon and Cordell Henare saw the team home 2 points ahead of NBHS. 

Can Cordell please come forward to receive the trophy on behalf of the team. 

In Football The 1st XI beat St John’s College on Friday evening to win the league with two games to spare and they are to be commended for their outstanding achievement. The 2nd XI followed suit on Saturday beating NBHS 3rd XI and thereby securing the league title as well. The 3rd XI played themselves into contention for league honours with an 8-2 win against HNHS 3rd XI and results this weekend will be interesting to follow. 

Can Ayden Belcher please come forward to receive the Premier Hawkes Bay League trophy on behalf of the 1st XI.  

In Hockey The 1st XI took on NBHS 1st XI in the semi-final of the Premier Schoolboy hockey league on Wednesday evening, coming up against a highly motivated NBHS team who eventually beat our 1st XI 1-4. Focus now shifts to Rankin in a few weeks’ time. Well done to the 2nd XI who impressed with a 9-1 win over Taikura 1st XI on Wednesday evening. 

In Rugby The 1st XV put in a stellar performance against Feilding in the semi-final of the CNI competition. At 24-20 deep into the game, it was there for the taking but sadly a late try for Feilding saw our boys go down 29-20. A valiant effort in the face of a very strong Feilding team. The 2nd XV and Division 3 teams had good outings on the rugby field on Saturday, both securing good wins. The 2nd XV beat NBHS 3 Blue 42-19 whilst our division 3 team beat NBHS White 24-7. Our 3rd XV won a close encounter against Wairoa winning 36-34 on Wednesday afternoon. 

In Basketball Congratulations to the Junior A team who beat CHBC Junior Gold 52-42 on Monday thereby securing a spot in the final against Whare Tapere next week. 

Note We would like to wish the 1st XV all the best for their 3rd / 4th play-off against Wesley College tomorrow. We also wish the 2nd XV and Division 3 teams all the best for their semi-final clashes tomorrow against NBHS White. 

Mr Howlett Comments: 

Thank you, Riley, it always impresses me to hear the extensive list of achievements and what is happening in the Cultural and Sporting cornerstones. 

Congratulations to everyone whose been recognised today. And all the best to all those who are competing or performing over this weekend. 

Today’s message has been simple but powerful: preparation powers performance. Whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or in everyday life, the effort you put in before the moment matters just as much — if not more — than the moment itself. We've been reminded that talent alone isn’t enough. It’s the consistent habits, the quiet discipline and the willingness to do the work when no one’s watching that truly sets people apart. So, as we leave today, the challenge is this: What are you doing now to prepare for the moments that count? Are you building the kind of foundation that will hold up when it matters most? Let’s be people who don’t wait for greatness — we prepare for it. 

Issac Dann will now close our assembly in prayer.  

Article added: Friday 08 August 2025