Toi Whakaari 40th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is has just turned afternoon (Sign).

I then specifically greet you: James Johnston and Jon Fokerd, members of the Board of Trustees; Annie Ruth, Director of Toi Whakaari  and your predecessors, George Webby, Andy Noble, Sunny Amey, and Robin Payne; current and former students and staff; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to this 40th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting which celebrates Toi Whakaari’s life, now spanning four decades.  I have been asked to lay the time capsule and Susan to plant a kowhai tree to mark the event.  However, before doing so, I would like to speak about the significance of Toi Whakaari in New Zealand’s tertiary education landscape.

At the outset I mention my predecessor, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, who opened the complex that is now home to the New Zealand Drama School and the New Zealand School of Dance twelve years ago, in 1998 – Te Whaea.  On that note it is a pleasure to be here today, following in the role as Governor-General and keeping the connection alive.

Forty years ago, in 1970, The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, now known as Creative New Zealand, established Toi Whakaari – School of performing arts. The School had I understand humble beginnings based on Cuba St and starting with eight students, one full-time director, and four part-time tutors.

Today, the School has more than 150 students, one director, two associate directors, and a significant number of staff.   This all illustrates the significant growth here.

Toi Whakaari fulfils an important role in New Zealand’s tertiary education landscape. The unique learning and teaching environment that drama demands is well met by the New Zealand Drama School and reaching the 40th birthday is testament to enduring success.

Those achievements include graduates such as Marton Csokas better known as Celeborn in Sir Peter Jackson’s film adaption of Lord of the Rings, Rawiri Paratene, best known internationally for his role in the New Zealand film Whale Rider, and Chelsie Preston Crayford, who played her grandmother in Gaylene Preston’s Home by Christmas.

It is of course dangerous to pick just a few, when there are so many successes to boast.   Again, this is a telling tale of Toi Whakaari’s excellence as a national drama school, and as one that consistently develops the outstanding talent of individuals in our country.

Drama, as an art form, plays an important role in our country’s culture and society. Not only does it tell New Zealand’s stories, but it has a way of holding a mirror up being a reflection of our society’s hopes, aspirations and foibles. 

Like all forms of art, drama can stir the full range of emotions. It can make us laugh, make us angry and make us cry.   Whether with a subtle choice of words or emotion of the performer, drama can literally provide a window into a soul, forcing individuals and communities to reflect on what they might hold to be true. 

That there are countries where it has been known for the governing regimes to censor and sometimes imprison playwrights and other writers for their work, reminds us of the power of drama.

Turning forty is an important anniversary in any person or organisation’s life. The days of youth are long passed and the mature years are at hand.

Today I am burying a time capsule that is a mark of Toi Whakaari in 2010.  The contents comprise contributions from staff and students. Objects within it are statements of Toi Whakaari as it is now, and the hopes staff, and students have for their successors forty years from now.

My wife Susan will be participating, in planting a Kowhai tree.  New Zealanders plant trees to mark important occasions because they are a living reminder, both of the past, present and the future so it is fitting to do so today.

That notion is well summarised by the inscription on the commemorative plaque which reads as follows:

“Ma mua ka kite a muri, ma muri ka ora a mua.

Those we lead give sight to those who follow; those behind give life to those ahead.”

I congratulate everyone on reaching this important milestone.  May the time capsule  and kowhai tree be here when you celebrate your next milestone.  And so to close, first in English and then in our country’s first language:-

Distinguished people, board members, directors, managers, staff, students, and supporters of Toi Whakaari, I greet you all,on this important day, the 40th birthday.  Greetings to you and good health and fortitude to you all.

Rau rangatira mā,
Ngā Kaiwhakahaere,
Me ngā Tauira,
O Toi Whakaari,
Aku mihi miharo ki a koutou,
I tēnei rā whakahirahira,
Te huritau whā te kau,
Tēnā koutou tena koutou kia ora kia kaha katoa.

 For more photos of the event, please click here.