OUR STORY
2 – 3 April 2027 · Nelson, New Zealand
In 2027, Garin College celebrates 25 years. For a quarter of a century, this school has been a place where young people are shaped by faith, challenged to grow, and sent into the world with purpose.
The Silver Jubilee is a chance for everyone who has been part of that story — past and present students, staff, whānau, and friends — to come together and celebrate what Garin has built in the top of the South.
Join us for a weekend of celebration: Mass on Friday 2 April, and a student-led open day and our Jubilee Dinner on Saturday 3 April 2027.
THe founding
Garin College takes its name from Antoine Marie Garin — a French Catholic Marist Priest, missionary, and educationalist who arrived in New Zealand in 1841. He reached the mission station of Nelson in 1850 and spent 40 years developing Catholic education in the region: schools, boarding schools for boys and girls. He died in Nelson on 14 April 1889 and is buried in the Nelson cemetery, where his chapel still stands today.
In 2002, the college that bears his name opened its doors — the only Catholic secondary school for the top of the south.
Our College Values are:
Generosity: Service and Community
Aroha: Love and Compassion
Rangimarie: Peace, Respect and Dignity
Integrity: Truth and Justice
New Life: Hope, Forgiveness and Reconciliation