Georgea Tindall Performing Arts Centre
Grand Opening Friday May 5th 2006
The first stage of Takapuna Grammar’s property development plan had its formal opening on Friday May 5. The Performing Arts Centre was opened by the Right Honourable Helen Clark and was blessed by Ngati Whatua elder Takuta-Moana Wikiriwhi, with the help of Takapuna Grammar School's Kapa Haka group. Photo by Chelsea Bridgman (Yr13)
To the delight of the school and community, the building was named after Georgea Tindall. The gesture was unknown to both of Steven Tindall's parents until Helen Clark unveiled the plaque on the building. Georgea was overwhelmed, as she stood before an audience of her family, honoured guests, Takapuna Grammar staff and students. Georgea attended Takapuna Grammar school in 1942 and 1943 and was involved in performing arts. She has continued to show support to this aspect of the school ever since.
The Performing Arts Centre will provide specialist teaching spaces for dance and drama. The building has been designed to be versatile, catering for small theatre, dance and music performances which are common events in the school, as performing arts are a very successful and popular choice for the students. The ground floor will also be ideal for community use.
Takapuna Grammar's development plan was funded 9.1 million by the Ministry of Education in September 2005. As well as government funding the school have incorporated other community contributions for stage one. Some of this money was raised back in 2002 in conjunction with the Jubilee Celebrations.
Future developments for the school will include; an extension on the hall, refurbishment to the special needs unit, new sporting and physical education facilities and development to the main building. Apart from the historic main building of Takapuna Grammar many of the schools buildings will be replaced.
By Ruth Keeling