Our School
A Message from the Principal
Tēnā koutou e te whānau whānui o Raukura
As the newly appointed Principal of Rotorua Boys’ High School, I am humbled and honoured to return to Raukura - a place that shaped my journey as a young man. This school has long stood as a symbol of excellence, grounded in tradition and enriched by an understanding of what works best for boys!
I am committed to strengthening our partnerships with whānau, hapū, and iwi,ensuring that our shared values and aspirations continue to guide our path forward.
Rotorua Boys’ High School is renowned for its commitment to academic achievement, sporting prowess, and cultural connection.
Our students are encouraged to strive for excellence in all endeavours, supported by a dedicated staff and a curriculum that is both challenging and responsive to the needs of young men. We take pride in fostering an environment where every student can develop to their full potential, embracing opportunities that prepare them for life outside our school gates.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our shared vision:
“To become the outstanding Boys’ High School in New Zealand”
I warmly welcome you to visit our kura in person and to meet our amazing students and teachers here at Raukura. To arrange a visit, please email info@rbhs.school.nz or phone 07 348 6169
Noho ora mai
John Kendal
Tumuaki/Principal
Our Values
RAUKURA VALUES
Pūmau - Be strong of character
Being strong of character means you show respect for both yourself and others, have personal integrity, take responsibility for the consequences of your actions and be a good citizen. Be a good man.
Whakātu ngārahutanga - Demonstrate leadership
Leadership can be taught and learned. You will have many opportunities to demonstrate leadership and be a good role model as well as encouraging appropriate behaviour in others. Be a good leader.
Ūpoko pakaru - Display commitment
Commitment means never giving up just because something is difficult. It encompasses a work ethic, time management and sacrifice in achieving your goals. Be a good worker.
Kapo huanga - Take opportunities
Taking opportunities is about embracing new challenges. You will be presented with a myriad of opportunities in your time at Rotorua Boys’ High School. Enjoy the challenge.
Hirangatanga - Strive for excellence
Striving for excellence means you will always do your best, learn from your mistakes and seek continual improvement. Reach for the stars.
Whakaute - Show respect
Show respect to family, school, friends, team mates and especially yourself.
Our Principles
Rotorua Boys’ High School provides an environment for boys to mature into outstanding young men to prepare them for the important future role they must play in the community.
Our Vision
To be the outstanding Boys’ High School in New Zealand
Raukura
It has always been my understanding that “Raukura”, though literally referring to a feather or special plume, in fact conveyed a much more significant shade of meaning. In some measure those described as possessors or the “Raukura” were of particularly significant stature. They were considered to have justified such a privilege by reason of illustrious lineage, extremely noteworthy leadership or some remarkable achievement in another field - perhaps warfare, diplomacy or unparalleled knowledge. Being considered worthy of the “Raukura” would undoubtedly have been an accolade sought eagerly by aspiring tribal members in the past.
When ultimately bestowed (by general consensus) on a deserving individual, it clearly indicated a level of excellence of the greatest merit. Academic achievement has today, been recognised as the single most vital element in the advancement and wellbeing of us all. I can only presume that this was clearly apparent to those of the 1920’s, whose efforts resulted in the establishment of Rotorua High & Grammar School in 1927.
The remarkable and farsighted educational endowment made by the Ngati Whakaue people some 40 years even before that, is evidence enough of their support of and belief in education. I have no doubt that the use of “Raukura” was a subtle message of encouragement for all to take advantage of education, to seek excellence and thus justify the “Raukura”.
Dr Don Stafford
C.B.E. Hon.D. (Waikato), Hon. B.T.M. (Waiariki), Old Boy and Member of the Hall of Fame
