Rangiora High School teacher Kathryn Cunningham dies after cancer battle
Tuesday 22 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Rangiora High School
Rangiora High School is mourning the death of science teacher Kathryn Cunningham, who passed away last weekend. A former student of the school, Cunningham taught there for 16 years before dying following a battle with breast cancer.
Key facts
3 facts
- Cunningham taught science at Rangiora High School for 16 years
- She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in July 2025
- A memorial service will be held at Northbrook Chapel on 28 September
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Rangiora High School is mourning the death of science teacher Kathryn Cunningham, who passed away last weekend. Cunningham, who was 40 years old, died on Saturday.
A former student of the school, Cunningham graduated in the Year 13 class of 2004 and joined the science faculty in 2010. Principal Bruce Kearney described her as an excellent educator who inspired many students with her love of science and the natural world.
Cunningham discovered a lump while breastfeeding her daughter, Tui, in late 2022 and received a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis shortly before Christmas that year. In July 2025, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer that had spread to her liver and bones.
Although she intended to return to the classroom this term, chronic pain and exhaustion prevented her from doing so. A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm on Monday, 28 September at Northbrook Chapel in Rangiora.
How it developed
- Wed 23 Sep, 9:03amThe third report provides the specific date of death as Saturday, Cunningham's age as 40, the name of her husband and daughter, and details regarding her memorial service.
Where reports differ
- Report 1 states she died 'last weekend' while report 3 specifies she died on 'Saturday'.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and The Press.