School Spirit

Rangitaiki College has four houses:

• Hillary – Whēkite – Observation / See
• Rutherford – Werohia – Analyse and Investigate
• Reed – Whēkaro – Learn
• Halberg – Whakairihia – Apply New Knowledge

These attributes are the four kete of knowledge brought down by Tāwhaki – Demi-God of Tūhoe – from Heaven, as told in a local Ngāti Awa legend. He climbed to Heaven to retrieve the baskets at Whakatāne.

When our houses work together, the combined skills represent the whole learning journey – teamwork equals success.

Individuals are encouraged to express the school spirit through our motto – Integrity – a value of doing the right thing, being true to yourself, being honest, and upholding strong moral principles.

Our school spirit is shown strongly during inter-house activities, including annual sporting events and academic success. The end-of-year awards for the houses are always hotly contested.

Our students extend their leadership skills and contribute to the school spirit through regular celebrations and events, including Earth Day, Pink Shirt anti-bullying week, Valentine’s Day, Rainbow Awareness, community events, the school ball, and end-of-year celebrations such as the Prefects High Tea, Leavers Dinner, prizegiving, and other gatherings.