Rangi Ruru Alumnae

👒 Alumnae Spotlight: Keren Mitchell (née Gardner) class of 1958

It was a pleasure reconnecting with Keren at Summerset and seeing her original Rangi school hat from the late 1950s. What a special piece of Rangi history. 💙

Charlotte Rozen (Class of 2010) is a swimming star and has helped pave the way for swimming athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities in New Zealand. Charlotte and her mother, Tracey, caught up with RROGA correspondant Charlotte Gray to share what Rangi Ruru's first student with Down Syndrome has been up to since graduating. 🏊‍♀️

Read the full story from the latest Wide Sky magazine here: https://rangiruru.school.nz/news/charting-new-waters/

We are also looking for more alumnae stories for our next magazine, please DM us with your ideas or email [email protected].

🐎 Rising through the ranks!

Class of 2015 Riley Harrison is featured in The Rise of Riley, showcasing an inspiring journey through the harness racing industry. Congratulations on your success and the impact you're making in the sport.

Read the full article here: 🔗

The rise of Riley - Harnesslink Riley Harrison admits that harness racing wasn’t on her radar at all as a young person. Nor was she aware that her distant relative Kelvin Harrison was a

🌟 From Christchurch to the world stage! 🌟

Huge congratulations to Georgia Waddington (class of 2015) on being crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2026. 👑

Georgia's achievement is a testament to her confidence, resilience, and determination, and we couldn't be prouder to see her representing New Zealand on the global stage.

We're cheering you on as you head to Puerto Rico to compete against contestants from more than 100 countries. Go show the world what you're made of Georgia!

Miss Universe NZ hopes to ‘debunk misconceptions’ plaguing pageantries A Christchurch pageant queen is off to represent New Zealand at Miss Universe later this year - and she wants you to know there’s more to it than just beauty.

📖 Have you caught up with the latest issue of Wide Sky yet? If not, check it out here: https://isu.pub/Xqy6aGi
💪This edition follows the school's theme for the year, Courage to Grow, and is full of inspiring alumnae strories. From articles about our oldest old girls reminiscing on their time at Rangi Ruru, and how life has unfolded since to snippets from The Catch Up.
🎖We also celebrate Charlotte Rozen (Class of 2010), Rangi Ruru's first student with Down syndrome, who continues to challenge expectations and break records in the pool; Liz Alden Wily (Class of 1961) the political economist and inaugural recipient the school’s new Founders’ Medal, and scientist and artist, Amelia Pascoe (Class of 1984), who designed the medal.
✨We hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we did pulling them altogether!

✨ We're so excited to see Lucy Ward (Class of 2020) featured in The Press! Lucy is pursuing her passion for music while sharing an important message of hope through her latest song, Luck. 🎵✨

From the classroom to the Christchurch music scene, Lucy is proving that hard work, courage, and authenticity can make a real difference. Her music is inspiring others and helping to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing.

We couldn't be prouder of all that you've achieved, Lucy, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next! 💙

Congratulations, Lucy! 🌟

🔗 Read the story: https://www.thepress.co.nz/culture/361041307/christchurch-singer-songwriter-lucy-ward-working-hard-spread-message-hope

Ruru Music

Christchurch singer songwriter Lucy Ward is working hard to spread a message of hope When guests at Christchurch’s Crowne Plaza hotel are served by helpful staff member Lucy Ward, they may get a glimpse of the creative flair that emanates from the hospitality worker.

🏇💙 Rangi Ruru alumnae continue to achieve incredible success in equestrian sport. We love celebrating these talented riders and the passion, dedication, and determination that drive them forward. ✨

Join us in celebrating Polly Lee and her incredible achievements - we wish you all the best and can't wait to follow along with your next steps 💙💛

How amazing to see Leah Zydenbos (Class of 2015) featured on Hyundai Country Calendar on Sunday evening!

The show features Leah working at Game Lodge Racing, where she is making her mark as a talented horse trainer. It's fantastic to see Leah pursuing her passion and achieving success in the racing industry.

Congratulations, Leah – we're proud to see all that you have accomplished and look forward to following your journey! 🐎👏

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/tvepisode/country-calendar-s2026-e19-every-opportunity

🎶✨ A Special Farewell for a Rising Star ✨🎶

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Holly Evans (Class of 2014) as she prepares for an exciting new chapter abroad; studying at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in the United Kingdom — an outstanding opportunity and a testament to her talent and dedication.

You’re invited to experience Holly’s musical talent one last time before she departs, while helping her take this exciting next step onto the world stage.

📅 Event Details:
Date and time: Sunday, 26th July, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
🎟️ Get your tickets here:

From Aotearoa to Abroad - A Farewell Recital for Holly Evans - Christchurch From Aotearoa to Abroad - A Farewell Recital for Holly Evans, Soprano Holly Evans (Ngāti Mutunga) is ..., The Piano, Christchurch, Canterbury, 26 July 202