150 Years of Faith, Foundations, and Future

In October 2026, our Trinity Catholic College whānau will gather to commemorate an extraordinary milestone - 150 years of Catholic secondary education in Dunedin. While the Dominican Sisters laid our early foundations in 1871 with the establishment of St Dominic’s College on Tennyson Street - a legacy celebrated in 2021 - our 2026 milestone marks a combined acknowledgment of our rich, shared history. The arrival of the Christian Brothers in 1876, establishing the boys' secondary school, completed the network of Catholic secondary education in the city. The vital contributions that originated from the influences of Venerable Catherine McAuley, Blessed Edmund Rice and St Dominic, established the core pillars of our faith and learning. The October 2026 Anniversary Weekend weaves these distinct threads of our heritage into the vibrant Trinity Catholic College community we treasure today.

Standing proudly on Rattray Street, St Joseph’s Cathedral remains the spiritual heart of this journey. For over 150 years, this sacred hill has witnessed generations of young people grow in faith, unity, and purpose. As we gather for our Anniversary Weekend, the Cathedral serves as both an anchor to our past and a beacon for our future - distinct legacies of our founding schools coming together to give thanks, celebrate our resilience, and look ahead with hope. 

As we reflect on this history, we do so with both pride and humility, acknowledging that our past includes experiences where our schools were not always places where everyone felt safe or was protected. We honour survivors and those affected, and remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, care, accountability, and safety for all.

To mark this 150-year milestone, we look to the kōwhai, reflecting who we are and who we strive to be. A symbol of resilience and growth, its deep roots and hardy nature reflects our own journey through shifts and mergers while reminding us that true strength comes from learning together. Rooted in traditional rongoā, the kōwhai’s restorative properties represent healing and whanaungatanga. Its healing legacy and role in sustaining our native birds mirror our commitment to honour our founding legacies, care for our whānau, and act as guardians for future generations. Its brilliant golden blossoms offer a signal of renewal that honours our origins as we step confidently into the future.

Like the deep-rooted kōwhai, our community’s story is defined by strength, adaptation, and growth. The October 2026 acknowledgements are a gathering on Rattray Street to honour every thread of our shared ancestry - acknowledging where we have come from while nurturing the bright, golden promise of generations yet to come, Te whetū tīrama i te puke, the shining light on the hill.

To find out more about our Anniversary Weekend, click here.