Kia ora te whanau ō te Kōtuku

I am delighted to announce that Rutherford College is one of three national finalists in the Ministry of Education’s Raising Achievement Awards. The award application was based on our work to raise literacy achievement and the work we have done to close the achievement equity gap for Māori and Pasifika learners. Our 2025 NCEA results showed significant achievement growth placing Rutherford College ahead of national averages and our equity across every level of NCEA and University Entrance. Overall we have seen a major shift upwards across NCEA Levels 1,2 and 3 and University Entrance (UE). 

The improvements began to emerge in 2024 with our Year 10 Literacy co-requisite pass rates. In 2023 our Year 10 Level 1 Literacy pass rate was 49% and moved to 64% in 2024. We have gained momentum in the last two years and our most pleasing gains are where we are seeing greater equity for Māori and Pasifika learners. For example, our Pasifika level one pass rate has moved from 40% in 2023 to 71.4% in 2025. Our pass rate for Māori Level 1 learners has risen to its highest level in five years, gaining 17% last year, and exceeding national and equity band pass rates for Māori learners across the country. Our focus has been on consistent implementation of effective literacy pedagogies and explicit instruction across every curriculum area. The national award winners will be announced on June 24th.

Rutherford Hall of Distinction Awards open.

The Rutherford College Hall of Distinction, inaugurated in October 2025, honors distinguished alumni who have achieved exceptional success in their fields and made significant contributions to the community. The inaugural 2025 inductees included Dame Cindy Kiro, Pio Terei, Oscar Kightley, Yvonne Willering, and Professor Alan Barber.

Inaugural Inductees (October 13, 2025) [1]

·                     Dame Cindy Kiro: Governor-General of New Zealand.

·                     Pio Terei: Entertainer.

·                     Oscar Kightley: Actor and director.

·                     Yvonne Willering: Netball coach.

·                     Professor Alan Barber: Neurologist. 

Purpose and Nominations

·                     Recognition: The Hall of Distinction celebrates former students who have reached the top of their industries or made major contributions to the Arts, Business, Sport, or Public Service.

·                     Ceremony: The inaugural ceremony was held at the school on October 13, 2025.

·                     Nominations: Nominations for these prestigious alumni awards are managed by the school to recognize outstanding contributions to the community.

This 2026 nominations are now open. Please click on the link to nominate an individual. Nominations close on Tuesday 30 June, 2026.  

https://forms.gle/ue7CR8HCvBxNfpCF7

Parent and Child Breakfast

You are warmly invited to attend our annual Rutherford College Parent & Child Breakfast on Thursday 11 June, starting at 7.30am in the Info Comms building.

This special event is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with your child before the school day begins, enjoy a delicious variety breakfast together, and meet our Senior Leadership Team.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BDMU

This event sells out fast, so make sure you get your tickets early. 

KINDO is up and running

We are pleased to inform you that Kindo is up and running at Rutherford College. Many of you will already be using it at other schools so it will be an easy transition. We urge you to sign up and create an account if you don't already have one. This is a one stop shop to pay for any school related items.  Find out more here. All payments should be made through this platform from now on. 

Sign up to Kindo here. You can log into Kindo directly from the SchoolBridge Dashboard if you already have an account.

What's coming up? 

01 June Kings Birthday School Closed

02 June Sports Photos 

03 June Cultural Photos

11 June Parent and Child Breakfast

Ngā mihi 

Gary Moore