Rutherford College

Gary Moore

Principal, Rutherford College

A Westie from his birth, Gary grew up in Te Atatu South. Mum and Dad were both from the North East of England. His education passed through Edmonton Primary, Rangeview Intermediate, Waitakere College and Auckland University where Gary completed a commerce degree. While at university, a lecturer who had seen him playing soccer asked him to coach his son’s team for a week. This led to him coaching for the season and through the process and the way he found he loved it this led him to consider teaching. Gary subsequently completed his teaching training at ACE and his first school was Orewa College. Next Gary took off overseas taking seven and a half months to get to England via the Middle East. On returning to New Zealand in 1990 he rang Graham Henry (Kelston Boys High School) looking for work. “I had 9 1/2 great years there and received so many opportunities.” Gary taught accounting and economics, coached the first soccer eleven and in time became careers advisor, dean and head of department. “We had two boys who came first in bursary in New Zealand and first individually in accounting” – Graham then asked Gary to set up the Sports Institute. He then moved to Westlake BHS as Sports Director and Dean in 1999. After setting up their Sports Institute Gary became Jim Dale’s deputy headmaster. In this time he also completed a post graduate diploma in school management. Last year when Cliff Edmeades retired, Gary became Rutherford’s principal. “It is a privilege to return to where I grew up and have the opportunity to lead this school. I feel a great sense of responsibility toward the community and to ensure that our students receive a quality holistic education." He is passionate about West Auckland and ensuring that students receive opportunities to challenge themselves and seek the heights of their potential. “The school motto is ‘To Strive’ and I interpret this as being able to develop the qualities of resilience and perseverance to be the best that you can be.” “The school has a real pulse about it. Rutherford College is student centred and I have found staff fully committed to providing the best for each and every student. My job is to support them.” Gary is married to Jeanette and they have two school age children, Rachel and Adam.