Read the round up of highlights for the term.

Kia ora te whanau ō te Kōtuku

Term 3 – A Term to Celebrate

What a term it has been at Rutherford College! Term 3 has been a flurry of activity, achievement and opportunity for our students, staff and wider community. From the opening of our new Student Services Centre and strong enrolment demand, to outstanding achievements in the arts, sport and student leadership, there is plenty to celebrate.

A New Home for Student Services

One of the most significant developments this term has been moving into our new Student Services Centre. This purpose-built facility brings together our Deans, Counsellors and support staff, creating a central hub where students can access pastoral care and support.

We are delighted with the finished building and, in particular, the way the multi-purpose rooms are being used to support students and enable our pastoral team to work and collaborate together.

Welcoming Our Future Rutherfordians

We began the term by welcoming prospective students and their families to our Open Evening, followed shortly afterwards by enrolments for our 2027 Year 9 students.

Like many schools, Rutherford College is experiencing continued roll growth. This year, demand for places meant we needed to hold a ballot for out-of-zone enrolments. With only 40 places available for Year 9 in 2027, we now have a waiting list of more than 60 families. We are very grateful for the confidence families continue to place in Rutherford College.

Exploring Future Pathways

Our annual Careers Expo provided students and families with an opportunity to explore a wide range of study, training and career pathways.

The event was very well received, with our visiting providers commenting on the quality of interaction with our students. They particularly noted that Rutherford students ask good questions, engage positively and show genuine interest in exploring their options for the future.

A Big Term for Performing Arts

Our Performing Arts Department has had an incredibly busy term, following the outstanding success of The Addams Family, performed at the Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden.

The department then moved into a packed programme of music and performance, including the Music Extravaganza, KBB Music Festival, APO Community Play-In for string players, Senior Dance performance at TAPAC and the Senior Performance of Radium Girls.

Radium Girls took audiences on a powerful journey through one of history's extraordinary fights for justice. Inspired by the true story of young women working in radium-dial factories in the 1920s, the production explored what happens when ordinary people are confronted with extraordinary circumstances, and the devastating consequences that followed when unexplained illnesses began to emerge.

Sidetracked Makes National Finals

A special mention must go to Sidetracked, who were the only band from Auckland selected to perform at the National Rockquest finals in Wellington in September.

Their success continued at the finals, where the band won Best Song, while Ruby was recognised as Best Vocalist. An outstanding achievement for the group!

Outstanding Visual Arts Success

Our Visual Arts students have also enjoyed remarkable success at national level.

• Alexandra Poor was awarded third place in the National Secondary School Art Awards for her artwork Maea.
• Olive Galea won the People's Choice Award at the National Youth Art Awards and has followed this success by winning the Te Whau Pathway Project T-Shirt Design competition.

We are incredibly proud of both students and the creativity and commitment they have demonstrated.

Celebrating Our Rutherford History

This term we celebrated our 63rd Rutherford Day, welcoming former student Dr Priyanta Ravi as our guest speaker.

Priyanta, a member of the Class of 2012, has gone on to become Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Neurologix. She is an Auckland-based neuropsychologist specialising in neuroscience research and workplace burnout strategies. It was wonderful to welcome Priyanta back to the College and hear about her journey since leaving Rutherford.

Winter Tournament Week

Our sports teams travelled across the North Island during Winter Tournament Week, representing Rutherford College with pride and producing some outstanding results.

Boys 1st XI Football: The team enjoyed an excellent week at the Trident Tournament in Rotorua, showing determination, discipline and togetherness throughout the competition. They progressed through to the final, finishing with an outstanding second place.

Senior Boys Basketball: Making their first appearance at the Northern Cup Basketball Tournament, our Senior Boys showcased skill, resilience and outstanding teamwork. They finished second on debut, an impressive achievement and a testament to the dedication of both players and coaching staff.

Premier Netball: 

Our UNISS Premier Netball team travelled to Hamilton to compete against some of the top secondary school teams in Aotearoa. After a huge week of competition, the team achieved its goal of retaining its B Grade position — an excellent result for such a young group.

First XI Girls Football: Our First XI Girls produced an outstanding week at Sports Week, earning a bronze medal and third place at the national tournament.

The Rutherford College Girls’ 1st XI Hockey team competed at the Mary Clinton Hockey Tournament, hosted by Auckland Hockey. The tournament was a great opportunity for the team to demonstrate the progress they have made over the past 18 months. 

Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches and support staff.

Student Voice

Congratulations to Emma Chase, who has been elected as our new Student Representative on the School Board. Emma will attend her first Board meeting in October and will play an important role in ensuring student voice continues to be represented at Board level.

Preparing for NCEA

Our senior students have spent the past two weeks focused on completing their derived grade examinations, helping them prepare for their end-of-year NCEA assessments.

Community Education 

Community Education held its second Open Evening, with guests enjoying a complimentary Floral Art workshop and the opportunity to create their own beautiful flower arrangements.

The evening also included an exciting announcement — the opening of our first Satellite Centre in 2027. Hosted by Apopo Studios in Manurewa, the new centre will expand learning opportunities and strengthen our connection with the wider local community.

Building for the Future

There is plenty happening behind the scenes as well. During the upcoming holidays, several building projects will get underway, including the demolition of existing buildings and renovation work. These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to providing facilities that support the learning, wellbeing and future needs of our students.

Looking Ahead to Term 4 - And there is still plenty to come!

Early in Term 4, we will celebrate our students' achievements at the Pasifika, Sports and Cultural Awards in Week 2.

Tonight, we are also celebrating at our Te Ao Māori Awards, alongside our special 1970s Mix 'n Mingle for staff and former students who attended Rutherford during that decade.

SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE

Term 3 has once again demonstrated the incredible breadth of talent, commitment and opportunity within the Rutherford College community.

From academic achievement and sporting success to music, drama, visual arts, cultural celebration, student leadership and new facilities, there is so much to be proud of.

A huge thank you goes to our students, staff, volunteers, parents, whānau and wider community. The achievements and opportunities highlighted this term are only possible because of the commitment and support of so many people.

We look forward to celebrating even more Rutherford success in Term 4.

Ngā mihi nui 

Gary Moore