On the weekend of 9-10 April 2021, Rutherford College was proud to celebrate 60 years, since opening its doors on 5 February 1961. Eighteen months of planning and preparation went into the Reunion weekend.

The Friday night started with a powerful powhiri, welcoming our guests to Rutherford College. The powhiri was performed by our own Te Kotuku Kapa Haka group along with local primary and intermediate students. A total of 260 students performed in the powhiri.

Following the powhiri the mix and mingle evening was attended by over 500 people. It was great to see past pupils connecting with old friends and teachers. Our senior students played an important part in the evening, welcoming our guests as well as serving and ensuring the smooth operation of the evening.

The next day the skies opened and it rained. But that did not stop our open day from being a huge success. Our students took visitors on guided tours of the school. Classrooms were alive with activity as students displayed their work and skills to the community.

Past pupils got to have their year group photographs taken and then enjoy each other’s company in the staff room where our junior students made everyone feel welcome and served tea and coffee to the guests.

Other highlights of the day were performances by our talented students. The sports hall hosted a Fia Fia celebration which included, Kapa Haka, Indian, African, Samoan, and the Tuvaluan group. The School Hall hosted our performing arts students with their dance, drama, and music performances.

The school would like to thank everyone who attended the event and all the students and staff who helped to make the event a success.

More photos of the event can be found on the Alumni page on the school website