On Monday, 2 August we saw the inaugural Haere Tahi whānau evening at Rutherford College. Haere Tahi is an exciting initiative, involving the Community of Learning team, supporting and championing young students.

The night was a good opportunity to welcome whānau onto the school marae and connect with mentors. As part of the night’s importance, the students themselves were in charge, making key decisions on food choices and music played. (within reason of course!) The students showed impressive skills, cooking up a storm at the BBQs and cutting up healthy additions in the kitchen.

Once ready, the students served up a feast to their whānau, their enthusiasm and service skills coming to the fore. Smiles and laughs filled the air, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere – leaving the teachers to wash up of course!

Haere Tahi will grow from year to year, sending a very powerful message of love and support to the Rutherford Community, ensuring tamariki have a voice. We at Rutherford are very happy to listen.

Thank you to all who attended and made for such a successful introduction to the programme, to the parents who gave up their valuable time to connect and for other members of the Rutherford teaching whanau for making time, and Matua Jeff for the use of the perfect facilities and his enduring passion towards all ākonga.