150th Jubilee
Rakaia School Celebrating 150 Years
Open since 1872
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past
Celebrating Our 150th Year at Rakaia School
It was 1872 when Rakaia School started its journey from the South Rakaia Hotel where the first school committee was formed and opened it’s doors to the community. Ever since then, we have remained an integral part of the community, as Rakaia School sits at the heart of our Orakaia – a place that brings everyone together.
Our journey has seen us through three major wars, a flu epidemic, the snowfall of ‘76, devastating earthquakes and even through the latest covid 19 outbreak. Despite all these things, we still stand strong today and continue to ‘rakaia’ together, having made great memories and steadfast friendships throughout the years.
We cordially invite you to come together and join us for an action packed, fun filled weekend celebrating 150 years of Rakaia School. Share your stories, reminisce on your memorable moments and enjoy this time together as a community, over delicious food and plenty of laughter.
*** Labour Weekend ***
21st October – 23rd October 2022
Weekend Itinerary
Friday 21st October 2022 5:30pm onwards: Conversazione – A time to gather, share stories and collect your weekend registration packs. Finger food provided with drinks available for purchase.
Saturday 22nd October 2022 (Day) 10:00am – 4:30pm: School Grounds- a fun filled day with photo walls, an afternoon tea fit for royalty, old school games that were played along the veranda, picnics, live music performances by our children, generational photos and don’t forget the cutting of the cake followed by an afternoon tea.
Saturday 22nd October 2022 (Evening) 6:00pm: 150 Jubilee Gala – an evening of entertainment and a chance to mingle with fellow old boys and girls of the school. Supplied with a bountiful banquet of food to graze upon, followed by raffles, old stories, comedy, live entertainment and more.
Sunday 23rd October 2022 (Morning) 10:30am: Remembrance service – a chance to come together and reflect upon our journey and show gratitude to all the hard working men and women from across the 150 years that have made Rakaia School into the success it is today. All denominations welcomed.
We look forward to celebrating 150 years of Rakaia School with all of you and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come!
Registering for the 150th Jubilee
Registration Closes Friday 30th September 2022
We have two packages for your convenience that will be able suit everyone within our community. You will need to register to be able to gain access to the different events across the weekend.
Key information
- One registration form per adult
- Adults (14 years and over)
- Children (5-13 years).
We welcome your children to be a part of the celebration, please see the registration form to sign them up.
→ Click Here to Register ←
Payments: Electronic payments are preferred and can be done from your home or via your local branch.
Name: Rakaia School
Account number: 12-3271-0204455-00
Please leave your NAME as a reference followed by the word JUBILEE e.g MEAD – JUBILEE
Accommodation
If you’re coming from out of town don’t worry here are a few options for you to explore.
Rakaia
South Rakaia Hotel
Address: Corner Of Railway Terrace East &, Elizabeth Avenue, Rakaia 7710
Phone: 03-302 7058
Reservation: booking.com
Rakaia Caravan Park
Address: SH1, Rakaia 7710
Phone: 03-302 7257
Reservation: www.rakaiariverholidaypark.co.nz
Ashburton
Hotel Ashburton
Address: 35 Racecourse Road, Allenton, Ashburton 7700
Phone: 03-307 8887
Reservation: www.hotelash.co.nz
Coronation Park
Address: 780 East Street, Netherby, Ashburton 7700
Phone: 03-308 6603
Reservation: www.coronationpark.co.nz
The Suites Ashburton
Address: 507 West Street, Allenton, Ashburton 7700
Phone: 03-307 0399
Reservation: www.thesuites.nz
Covid Regulations
*** Update***
Here is our current guidence for the 150th Jubilee weekend
- No vaccine passes required.
- We do ask that people be mindful of your current health status. If you are exhibiting any cold or flu like symptoms we encourage you to test yourself prior to the event and follow the necessary steps.
- Mask are optional but are not mandatory
Take a piece of the day with you
The Jubilee Committee have been putting in the mahi and have come up with a range of memorable items for you to purchase in order to remember the celebration of 150 years of Rakaia School.
150th Jubilee T-Shirts are now available
CLICK HERE TO GET YOURSELF ONE