Karitāne School's 150th Jubilee Celebration

Karitāne School is celebrating 150 years with a special jubilee weekend honouring the history, memories, whānau, tamariki, and community spirit of this small but strong school. Held with support from Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the weekend will bring together past and present students, whānau, staff, supporters, and the wider community for shared stories, school history, tamariki artwork, waka tours, kai, live music, and a formal farewell.

The celebration begins with a Karitāne School Open Day, including a mihi whakatau, morning tea, commemorative tree planting, time capsule display, memorabilia and merch stall, class photos, history displays, and a chance to add photos and memories to the school archive.

There will also be a Matanaka Meats sausage sizzle and bacon butties available by gold coin donation, with the official Jubilee group photo at 12:00 pm. In the afternoon, complimentary waka tours will run from the Karitāne Boat Ramp, with rolling tours every 20 minutes. These tours are tide dependent.

The Saturday evening Gala Dinner will be held at Karitāne Community Hall, with a complimentary drink and canapés on arrival, a two-course meal, guest speakers, live music, and a cash bar. Tickets are $80 per person. The weekend concludes on Sunday 27 September with the Hui te Rangiora Church Service at 10:00 am, followed by Poroporoaki, a formal farewell, at Karitāne School at 11:30 am. RSVP is recommended so organisers can plan the best possible experience for attendees and their whānau.