Read the latest news from Rutherford College

Kia ora te whanau ō te Kōtuku

Thank you to our staff, students, whanau and wider community for the support they have provided to Rutherford College this term. I am particularly pleased with the way our new to Rutherford students (420 across all 5-year levels) and 23 staff have started their journey as part of the Kotuku flock. 

Our attitude creates the person.
Na te whakaaro
Ka ora te tangata
As we think so shall we become. 

The unique and special bird that a Kōtuku is represents what we want for all our flock; to strive for personal excellence. We all need a team around us but if as individuals we don’t do our 50% of what is needed in a partnership, little of substance will be achieved. If you want things to work in our favour the best option is to do the work required.

Term 1 Highlights

• The validation of the decision to revamp our school pastoral system in response to increased roll growth
• Our 19th annual Scholars’ Assembly to celebrate academic success of our 2025 Year 11-13 students in NCEA and Scholarship
• The school wide polyfest campaign including Fiafia night, the Kapa Haka dress rehearsal and the performances of our groups on stage at the Manukau Velodrome and the Due Drop Events Center Manukau.
• Our powhiri to welcome our new to Rutherford whanau.
• The successful launch of our Sports Academy across six codes.
• The impact of no phones in school, no exceptions, to enhance our classroom learning culture.
• Our New to Rutherford Community Whanau Fair 
• The support of the community with the enhancement of the pool project 
• The successful visit of several international schools and the memories they will have of their time as part of the Kotuku flock.
• Our annual school athletics day and the increase in participation witnessed.
• Amy Thompson coming 2nd in the 2000 metre steeplechase at the North Island Athletics Championships and Ollie Gilbert placing second in Junior High Jump at the same event.
• Our Intermediate Girls' 100 metre relay team winning the Western Zone title.

Fuel Response Plan

The Government has released a new Fuel Response Plan that provides Response Phases to help manage the impact on fuel distribution across New Zealand. The Ministers have also made it clear that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Schools have been advised that there is a priority on maintaining onsite classroom learning through all phases. Schools remain open for onsite learning as normal with any change an absolute last resort. Student attendance, achievement and safety remain the priorities. Regular attendance is essential for students to achieve well and it is a priority for our school and every other school across New Zealand. We are currently at Response Phase 1 but the school will be working to be prepared if there is a change to the current settings. You can read more about the Government's Fuel Response Plan 2026 here.

As a community it is a good time to think about carpooling, taking public transport, walking or cycling to work and school. 

Coming Soon - KINDO online shop - open 24/7 for payments

We’re excited to introduce Kindo. This user-friendly platform will allow you to purchase school items, register for sports and support fundraisers 24/7, with one convenient account for the whole family. Enjoy flexible payment options anytime, anywhere!

We’ll share more details soon, so keep an eye out for this new way to manage payments.

Why families love Kindo:

Flexible Payment Options:

• Pay in full, spread it out, or set up hassle-free automatic payments
• Choose from three FREE payment methods: online eftpos, bank transfer, or POLi.
• Prefer debit or credit cards? We've got you covered!

One Simple Account for the Whole Family:

• One account works for multiple members - even at different schools, clubs or organisations.
• Easily track all expenses in one place.
• Available 24/7 - purchase school items, manage registrations, and support fundraisers anytime, anywhere!

We expect to be up and running with Kindo early in Term 2 so watch out for more information once we get underway.

Electrician Sought for Gateway Placement

The Gateway Programme at Rutherford College provides students with valuable opportunities to engage in real-world work placements while still at school. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry providers, students gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and work towards relevant unit standards. The programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students a clearer pathway into future careers, training, or further study. We are looking for a placement for one student who is interested in being an Electrician. Our student is 1st Aid qualified, will have a Health and Safety Certificate and their Site Safe. If you can help us out please contact our Gateway Coordinator, Wahine McCarthy on [email protected].

What's Coming Up?
20 April Term 2 commences
27 April - Anzac Day - school closed
30 April - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences 2pm to 8pm
08 May Quiz Night - Book a table here

Have a safe and restful break.

Gary Moore