School News

Cranmer Ladies Celebrate 50 Year Milestone

The St Margaret’s College Old Girls’ Association (SMCOGA) was delighted to host our Cranmer Ladies for an annual lunch on Saturday 22 March.

Southwell School appoints new Headmaster

Mrs Keryn Bindon has been appointed to the role of Headmaster, Southwell School, commencing at the end of Term One, 2025.

Marsden welcomes Connah Podmore as 2025 Artist in Residence

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is delighted to announce Connah Podmore as its Artist in Residence for 2025.

Diana Patchett joins board of Independent Schools of New Zealand

We are pleased to welcome Executive Principal Diana Patchett to the Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Board.

ISNZ PLD 2025

ISNZ has landed on a programme that can be broadly categorised into three groups for its 2025 Professional and Learning Development programme: Teaching and Learning, Leadership Development, and Network Sharing.

TryBooking: Making School Events Easier

Events are pivotal to building a thriving school community. They build community, encourage participation and support school growth. However, they can become a logistical headache, how can we make them easier?

St George's School Celebrates Newly Formed Campus Layout

The newly formed campus layout has truly transformed the School.

Introducing St Andrew’s College’s New Rector

Mark Wilson began his tenure as Rector (Principal) of St Andrew’s College at the start of 2025, becoming the 11th Rector since the College was founded in 1917.

Scots College Welcomes a New Junior School Principal

Scots College is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Huggins as the new Principal of the Junior School.

Six Medbury School Staff Receive ISNZ Long Service Awards

Medbury School celebrates an astonishing achievement with 6 of its staff members receiving ISNZ Long Service Awards.

Circumnavigating Lake Whakatipu

Two high school students are raising money for local reforestation by hiking 250 kilometres around New Zealand's third-largest lake.

ISNZ Long Service Awards at Medbury School

An astonishing six staff members receive ISNZ Long Service Awards at Medbury School.

Inspiring Journey to Nepal

During the 2023 summer holidays, Queen Margaret College's 2024 Service Prefect, Avin Khajehzadeh, and Deputy Head Prefect, Divya Srinivasa, journeyed to Nepal for a service trip that deepened their passion for medicine.

Exceptional academic results for Kristin School students

It has been a very positive start to 2025 for the Kristin community with some exceptional academic results received for its 2024 International Baccalaureate (IB) and NCEA students.

Scots College Wellington Welcomes Rachel Huggins

Scots College is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Huggins as the new Principal of the Junior School. Rachel will officially take up her position at the beginning of Term 1, bringing a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep passion for curriculum development.

The Serious Business of Play

Ask children what their favourite subject is, and you’ll often get a cheeky smile and the answer, ‘Lunchtime!’ They grin because they know it’s not really a subject with a book or device in front of them.

23 Months and 52 Schools Later

Guy Pascoe, Chief Executive of ISNZ set himself the mission of visiting every member school in the country. Last week, 23 months and 52 schools later he finally completed his mission.

Generous for Julia

The QUEENDOM Stands Together

CGA Celebrates First Sporting Event: A Humble Milestone for Our Community

Crimson Global Academy (CGA) reached a special milestone celebrating its fourth year of operation and the debut of its first-ever CGA sporting team.

Co-education reinforces Huntley School’s commitment to developing well rounded individuals

Huntley School reflects on its transition to co-education.

Our new website and portal are GO!

In September, ISNZ launched its new website and ISNZ members' portal.

Christ's College Farewell to Garth Wynne

Christ’s College Executive Principal Garth Wynne has taken his final walk around the Quad, flanked by a guard of honour of students and staff, culminating in an emotional Chapel service and a powerful school haka.

Outstanding individuals receive ISNZ Honours Awards

Independent Schools community connects at 2024 ISNZ Conference

ISNZ hosts largest conference to date in Te Pae, Christchurch.

Huanui College Annual inter-whānau Haka Competition

The annual Haka Competition between each of our College whānau groups went off with a bang on the last day of Term 2! Each year, this event showcases an increasing effort from each whānau in their execution and presentation of the school haka.

Rangi Ruru Girls' School welcomes Tracy Herft

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School recently welcomed Tracy Herft as their new principal. Tracy joins Rangi Ruru from Strathcona Girls Grammar in Melbourne, where she was Deputy Principal, and had previously held positions including Acting Principal, Head of Mathematics and Dean of Studies.

Future Problem Solving: St Andrew’s College Third in the World

A group of 11 Year 8–9 students travelled with Preparatory School Future Problem Solving coach, Sonia Lewis, and Preparatory School teacher Kelly McBride, to the International Future Problem Solving Competition held at Indiana University Bloomington, USA. The teams qualified in the New Zealand national finals in October 2023 while in the Preparatory School.

St Margaret’s College Makes History at South Island Secondary Schools Netball Tournament

St Margaret’s College has achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning both the Year 9 and Year 10 divisions at the South Island Secondary Schools Netball Tournament. This historic achievement marks the first time in the tournament’s recorded history that a single school has claimed victory in both competitions.

Kristin wins back-to-back National Spanish Debate titles

The Kristin Spanish debating team made up of Miriam Alshaar (Year 12), David Luo (Year 13), Emma Gunn (Year 13) and Stefan Thompson (Year 13) have been crowned National Spanish Debate champions after defeating Rangitoto College in an enthralling final held in the Kristin Auditorium.

Medbury School’s Whole School Community Service Day

Medbury School recently organised a Whole School Community Service Day, an event that brought together boys, parents, and staff, and was a significant milestone in Medbury’s developing Leadership and Service Programme, which aims to assist in the character development of the boys by promoting leadership as service to others.

Ngā Huarahi Pūtaiao – The Science Pathways at Selwyn House School

An oven tray designed for people with arthritis, an AI application to help blind people recognise when a bus approaches their stop, and a longer lasting ice cube are amongst the ingenious creations that have come out of a new programme that Year 7 Selwyn House students are undertaking this year.

FUJIFILM Business Innovation: Shaping Future Leaders through Experience

At FUJIFILM Business Innovation, we’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of Kiwi leaders, which is why we take part in AUT’s Shadow a Leader programme each year.

St Andrew’s College opens $21m performing arts centre

St Andrew’s College officially opened its impressive new $21 million Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre incorporating the Gough Family Theatre, on Sunday 12 May, with the celebrations including a stunning student performance of the hit musical Legally Blonde.

Tapping Along to Anything Goes

Teaching 50 teenagers to tap dance in 12 weeks is no mean feat, but choreographer Hannah Clarkson has managed to get everyone in step in time for a fast-moving Christ’s College production of Anything Goes.

Strengthening bonds: Marsden School embraces visit from Xiamen Shuangshi Middle School

From left to right: Marsden Principal Paula Wells, Mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau and Xiamen Shuangshi Middle School Principal Ouyang Ling

Sea-ing the world from a different perspective

Huanui College alumni member Connan Wiegersma gives us a wave, telling of his experience joining the Royal New Zealand Navy.

New Zealand Lit Quiz Champions!

The Cathedral Grammar School is absolutely thrilled to announce that its talented team of Heather, Emily, Kohei and Bea competed recently in the National Finals held in Wellington and won!

Boarding Blog – St Cuthbert’s College

St Cuthbert’s College Boarding is a truly special place.

Latest ISNZ newsletter, hot off the press!

Read about our upcoming ISNZ Conference and insightful Sponsor thought-leadership pieces. Plus, find out the latest School news.

Mid-term microbreaks are increasing student success

Just as industry leaders are re-evaluating the standard 9 to 5, 40 hour a work week, Huntley School in Marton has reconsidered the number of weeks in a row that students effectively learn without a break.

Charlie and Cole share princely role at Court Theatre

Setting the scene for their flourishing stage careers, Christ’s College students Charlie Wood and Cole Moffatt have secured their first leading roles for The Court Theatre.

Southwell School’s New Boarding House

In 1921 Southwell boarding started with a gift and since then the Southwell Boarding House has sat at the heart of the school and served thousands of students as a home away from home.

Boat Day

Matahui School held its annual Boat Day recently at the Omokoroa Domain. Boat Day is a highlight in its school calendar and a cherished school tradition.

Marsden welcomes renowned artist Lori Davis as 2024 Artist in Residence

Deemed the ultimate creative masterclass, Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme offers Visual Art students and students in the wider school the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with practising artists.

Great Start to 2024 at St Cuthbert’s College

2024 is off to an amazing start at St Cuthbert’s. From sport to performing arts, music, visual art and so much more – it has been a productive and happy time.

Whitby Collegiate Student Off to Yale

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Ishaan Badiyani, who will be spending two weeks of the upcoming July holidays at Yale University in the USA, having won a place at the Yale Young Global Scholars programme.

Welcoming Jane Harris: Fostering Excellence and Authentic Action at Our St Mark’s School and Preschool

With great pleasure, we introduce Jane Harris, the new deputy principal of St Mark’s School and Preschool. With over thirty years of experience in teaching and leadership roles within independent schools across the Wellington Region, Jane brings a dynamic blend of expertise, passion, and innovation to our St Mark’s community.

Bringing ethics into the classroom – introducing Rebecca Berry Eden

The new director of Diocesan’s Centre for Ethics, Rebecca Berry Eden, is keen to encourage students to think critically about ethical issues and align them to topics taught in everyday teaching.

Embracing Creativity – Introducing Toi Manawa by Emma Featherstone, Director of Music, Head of Department of Performing Arts, Head of Culture

Excitement buzzes in the air as we unveil the newest gift in our community’s crown – Toi Manawa, the King’s College Music and Performing Arts Centre. With a name meaning ‘The heart of the arts’, this isn’t just another building; it’s a vibrant hub pulsating with creative energy, poised to enrich our lives in countless ways.

At St Margaret’s College we don’t like cricket – we love it!

With over one hundred girls now proudly participating in the game at various levels, SMC has been announced winner of the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Outstanding Female Engagement Award for 2024.

St Cuthbert’s College Sherilyn White Scholarship

St Cuthbert’s College is delighted to announce that the prestigious Sherilyn White Scholarship has been awarded to Kate Irwin, for her outstanding sporting achievements, and ‘By Love Serve’ approach in giving back to the College, and students.

Taking note of pianist Ryan Gu

Ryan Gu has delivered an exceptional performance to be named the runner-up at the 2023 Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition in Auckland.

Beyond COP21 Symposium

Principal & Environmental Lead Teachers are invited to attend a full day Beyond COP21 Symposium, kindly hosted by Green School New Zealand, on Tuesday, 9th April 2024 from 9.00am to 4.00 pm.

Three scholarships for Whitby Collegiate

Congratulations to Leo Cao and Bailey Symons for achieving scholarship awards in 2023.

Discovering Hong Kong with Christ College’s Benson Geng-Wang

Seeking to broaden his horizons through Round Square exchange opportunities, Year 12 student Benson Geng-Wang eagerly signed up for a taste of Hong Kong. He joined the prestigious St Paul’s Co-Educational College (SPCC) for two weeks in early December 2023.

Christ’s College star AJ Madondo leaps to a national title

AJ Madondo, 17, won the national senior triple jump title, set a personal-best (PB) 10.64sec in the 100m quarter-final, and finished 3rd in the 100m final at the 2023 New ZealandSecondary Schools Athletics Championships and Road Race at Ngā Puna Wai.

From the Blue Dorm to Director of Boarding

St Margaret’s College is pleased to announce the appointment of two key staff to enhance their already comprehensive offering for international and domestic students. Rachel Clemenger as Director of Boarding and Valerie Eves (Inset) as International Baccalaureate Coordinator.

DIO Student is top in the country for Scholarship History

Sixteen-year-old Amelia Frear, who moved to New Zealand from Cambridge, UK, when she was in Year 9, has topped the country in Scholarship History.

Matahui School takes learning outside at ‘one-day school’

Matahui School starts the new academic year with its highest student numbers since 2020.

Independent schools seek staff for new academic year

Check out the job vacancy listings to find a teaching job that interests you.

St Cuthbert’s Top Scholars of 2023

St Cuthbert’s is delighted to celebrate and congratulate its top scholars of 2023!

St Andrew’s College annual Prizegiving performance of Stairway to Heaven goes viral

At the St Andrew’s College annual Prizegiving this year, held on Sunday 26 November at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena, the spotlight shone on various talented individuals and groups as the College celebrated the many successes of its students in 2023. However, the highlight of the evening came during the grand finale performance, a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven that left the packed auditorium of around 3,500 students, parents, and staff astounded by the musical talents of St Andrew’s College students.

Celebrating Success: ACG Strathallan Excels in Cambridge Learner Awards

ACG Strathallan fosters excellence in education by producing students who excel on the global stage – and the school’s recent success in the June Cambridge Learner Awards is a stellar example.

Christ’s College pair secure front-row seats for world titles

Fergus Johnston and Charlie Poulter have ‘rowed’ their way to France, lining up for New Zealand in the eight and the pair, respectively, at the World Rowing U19 Championships.

Saint Kentigern’s Awards-Winning Learning Spaces

At the 2023 Auckland region Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards held recently, 57 architectural project winners spanning 12 categories were recognised for their visionary designs.

Rangi Ruru’s World Record attempt for World Vision

Students at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School attempted to set a world record on Friday, for the most water transported by hand over 1km, in aid of World Vision’s 40-hour Challenge.

Medbury School Scholarship Winners 2023

Medbury School have announced their Scholarship Winners for 2023, acknowledging the boys for their balance of talent and efforts:

Green School New Zealand wins education architecture award

Green School New Zealand was honoured to recently win a top architecture award for its Kina building at the Western NZIA Local Architecture Awards.