KAPA HAKA - MAJOR PRODUCTION - STAGE CHALLENGE - SENIOR BALL
SCHOOL SOCIALS - ZENITH

Students who want to participate in the cultural life of the College have a range of possibilities.

• The Kapa Haka group perform to a high standard at festivals, competitions and on special occasions, and the recently formed Pacific Island Group goes from strength to strength.
• Drama continues to have a high profile at College. Students have the opportunity to be involved in the Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare in Schools, NZTF Festival of Community Theatre, Smokefree Stage Challenge, school productions and various class performances, which often include a public performance. Our own Shakespeare Festival at the end of Term I is emerging as a valuable opportunity for drama students at all levels to explore and experiment with Shakespeare. The College fosters a strong relationship between professional performers and students. Each year there are a number of opportunities for students to attend specialist workshops, eg CIRCO Arts from Christchurch and Footnote Dance Company from Wellington have been tutors in residence at Taupo-nui-a-Tia.
• Musicals provide a further opportunity for large groups of students to work together and achieve great things. School productions combine students from all levels to display their acting and musical talents. Students are involved in all aspects of production including lighting, sound, set, costume and make-up. Recent productions have included ‘Dracula Spectacula’, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ and ‘Barnum’, a circus spectacular. 2005 saw Taupo-nui-a-Tia College performing ‘Fame: The Musical’, a dance extravaganza.
• To complement our drama and music success, we boast an extensive Instrumental Music facility with specific tuition available in a range of instruments, including wind group and vocals. A combined secondary schools Concert Band is directed and administered at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, as is a String group open to all string playing students.
• The Zenith Club is designed to enhance communication and public speaking, confidence and leadership skills. The group meets fortnightly and annual competitions in debating and speechmaking are keenly contested.
• Social events include school socials for all students held once or twice a year. A formal Senior Ball for our Year 12 and 13 students and a Graduation Leavers Dinner for our Year 13 students.