Sir Jerry reunion star guest

SMILE PLEASE: Athol Corrett takes a group photograph PHOTO/Bevan Conley

Jubilee mixes pupils past and present

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae thrilled fellow former pupils at the Rutherford Intermediate Jubilee by mixing and chatting with them on Saturday night.

"One lady was in tears this morning, she was so happy to catch up with him. They used to play together and he used to push her on the swing," reunion chairwoman Kristen Ashworth said.

The school began 50 years ago in 1963. It was renamed Rutherford Junior High in 2010.

Other guests of honour at the weekend celebration were rower Ross Tong and foundation teachers Baden Rountree and Len Cannon.

The jubilee began on Friday with an afternoon tea for past teachers, followed by a mix and mingle.

On Saturday, there were tours of the school, group photographs, and a ceremonial cake was cut by one of the school's first pupils and one of its current ones.

Sir Jerry was at the jubilee dinner at Wanganui Racecourse. "His speech was great. He was really social and went and sat at different tables." Miss Ashworth said.

On Sunday, a jubilee plaque was unveiled at the school. The names of each year's dux will be added to it.

About 200 people attended the reunion, nine from Australia and one from Cambodia.

"Everyone was very excited to be there and catch up with their old school mates."