Every student is placed into one of four houses — Ngongotahā, Utuhina, Rotorua, or Te Akitu — where they take part in a range of sporting, cultural, and school-wide events throughout the year. The house system encourages teamwork, leadership, and school spirit, while also giving students the opportunity to represent their house and contribute positively to the wider school community.

The houses at Rotorua Boys’ High School are named to reflect the school’s pepeha and its deep connection to Te Arawa and the local landscape. Each house represents an important part of that identity — Ngongotahā, Utuhina, Rotorua, and Te Akitu — linking students to the maunga, awa, moana, and whenua of this place. Through these names, the house system honours the heritage of the region and reminds students that they are part of a proud legacy grounded in the history, culture, and identity of Te Arawa.

Ko Te Arawa te waka

Ko Te Arawa te iwi

Ko Ngongotahā te maunga

Ko Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe te moana

Ko Utuhina te awa

Ko Te Akitu a Raukura te papa

Ko Raukura te whare