Cultural Awards 2023

The Cultural Awards Dinner held on October 25th was a night to remember! This was thanks to the 64 performers, 19 Cultural Committee members, over 60 staff members which included the teachers in charge of clubs and committees and the hospitality teachers and students! This year’s theme was “Tukua kia tu takitahi nga whetu o te rangi” which means ‘let each star shine its own light’. Students, staff and parents alike lit up the hall with their energy and enthusiasm.

Keeping with the theme, the hall was transformed into a gold and black, star-studded venue. The Cultural Committee’s team of decorators, led by Cultural Committee Captains and deputy captains, Barbora Dostalikova, Jayden Kesa, Maria Koosache and Tyra Ibbott painstakingly handled every detail of the decoration, including laser cutting Māori inspired designs and piecing together a starry stage backdrop.

 This year's guest speaker, Miriama McDowell, was identified by one of our teachers, Mr  Fa’avesi Talamaivao. Miriama is a local actress and director who is known for her performance as Dame Whina Cooper in ‘Whina’ and many other works. Miriama McDowell inspired her audience, talking about her overseas study, her journey to become an actress, the power of the arts and the unique way an artist’s brain works.

For the first time, our emcees for the night were drama students, Aj Muliaga, Logan Batjess and Avaani Ramnath. They guided guests through the night’s programme with a calm, composed confidence. Speeches by the Principal, Mr Moore, the Arts Faculty head (Acting) Tania Wilson, the Cultural Coordinator, Ms Sandi, and the Cultural Captains, Maria Koosache and Jayden Kesa, were well received as they gave insights into the many aspects of arts and culture at Rutherford.

A powerful Kapa Haka performance opened the evening’s programme and many other performances followed throughout the night. The Samoan group, Indian dance group, Year 13 dance and Year 11 drama groups entertained everyone. The whole night was dedicated to Ms Farrar, a patron to the art and cultural side of Rutherford. A special segment was put together and this was a Medley of cultural songs in Māori, Samoan, Tamil and Chinese language, after this musical tribute, she received a beautiful, commissioned piece of artwork by Cultural Committee’s Deputy Captain, Barbora Dostalikova. It was a picture of  Korčula Cathedral in Croatia where Ms Farrar’s family has origins.

Rutherford’s very own Hospitality Department under Ms Jennis Hayes, catered an Italian themed dinner for the event and the team of hospitality students did a marvellous job attending to the guests. Members of the band Yum Cha: Jemima Tichborne (student), Olivia Chambers (alumni), Caleb Gray (alumni) provided the music over dinner.

For clubs and committees, a total of 32 Highly Commended Awards and 45 Outstanding Awards were presented. 12 performing and visual arts students received Performer of the Year awards, Service Awards and the Dux Artium Awards. In total 89 awards were presented to 69 Students. This year’s Dux Artium Award, the most prestigious award of the night, was received by not one, but two winners, namely Tyra Ibbot and Lucinda Hill. They were honoured with a Haka performed by the school prefects, Cultural Committee members and Maori Department students.

The Cultural Awards evening was a beautiful celebration of students’ achievements not only over the past year but throughout their years at Rutherford and their dedication to the arts and culture. It was also a celebration of the time, effort and dedication put in by Ms Farrar into developing the arts and cultural  scene  at Rutherford. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.

Congratulations to all prize winners, and a special thanks goes to each and every one who made this event possible and a starry night to remember!

Cultural Awards 2023 - Top Awards

Dux Artium Award-  Tyra Ibbott and Lucinda Hill.

Top Performer Awards

Senior Male Performer -Lachlan McGill

Senior Female Performer-Georgia Williams

Junior Male Performer - Max RobbMarkham

Junior Female Performer - Charlotte Marriott 

Service Awards

Music -  Jemima Tichborne

Drama -  Claudia Mincham                                                                   

Dance - Meya Viskovich

Visual Arts -  Ishani Kumar /Tyra Ibbott / Lily Carter

Natalia Noone-Jones & Sandi Perumal