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A Historical Introduction
For over 105 years, Rotorua Boys’ High School has been “Rotorua’s Plume” – the “Pride of Rotorua” – “Raukura Rotorua.”
Raukura Rotorua was the name given by the local Māori leader, H. Tai Mitchell, C.M.G., J.P. (1877-1944) for the school magazine or year-book first published in December, 1929. The word Raukura and its meaning have, since then, come to signify not only the name of the magazine but also an important concept, an ethos, and, from the mid-1990s onward, a very proud and treasured symbol of the School itself. To earn the Raukura is a mark of distinction; to wear the plume of Raukura is a symbol of Rotorua Boys’ High School.
From the beautifully carved and decorated Māori Entrance Hall of the historic Main Building; the War Memorial Hall where the sixty-six men of the School who lost their lives in war are remembered; the magnificent old trees in the grounds; the Hall of Fame in which the School’s successful Old Pupils are acknowledged; the displays of old and new school photographs lining the corridors of A Block and in the War Memorial Hall; and the items of old school memorabilia and other items displayed in the School Museum cabinet, there is so much history and heritage at Rotorua Boys’ High School for our boys to see, to enjoy, and to be inspired by every day.
I hope that you enjoy looking through this Historical Introduction and will learn some interesting things about Rotorua Boys’ High School, its long history and proud heritage from 1914 to the present-day.
Ad Astra Per Aspera.
– Kevin J. Lyall,
SCHOOL ARCHIVIST & HISTORIAN
