All students at Ruapehu College are assigned to a whānau group upon their arrival in year 9. Siblings are usually placed in the same whānau, and students who have had previous family connections with one of the whanau will be placed there.

The 4 whānau, named after native New Zealand birds, are: KIWI, TUI, WEKA and HUIA. Throughout the year students are encouraged to take place in a range of inter-whānau events and competitions that range from the tug of war to Kapa Haka to debating to Squash.

Students gain points for their whānau by participating in events as well as by placing and the whole system is set up to encourage students getting involved and trying new things.

Updated August 28, 2025