[1] In 1929, Rucroft travelled to London to study piano under Frederick Moore and organ under Stanley Marchant at the Royal Academy of Music.
[3][4] She taught music at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls for two years before returning back to England in early 1936, where she remained until 1947.
[12][13][14] Public support for the petition resulted in restrictions on milling in Te Urewera National Park and protections for Māori land, such as the Manuoha and Paharakeke blocks.
[14] In addition to campaigning, she led tree planting efforts in Whakatāne and taught students about native flora.
[12] In 1971, she was awarded the Loder Cup for her devotion to native New Zealand flora for 20 years, and her efforts in establishing them in public and private gardens in the Whakatāne area.