Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre

Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster creativity, learning, and artistic expression was officially opened in 2024. Ngā Toi, which incorporates the Gough Family Theatre, represents a significant milestone for the College and promises unparalleled opportunities for students.

Years of fundraising efforts culminated in the realisation of this visionary project. St Andrew’s College expresses immense gratitude to all our supporters who contributed to bringing the Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre to life.

The Grand Opening | Sunday 12 May 2024

On Sunday 12 May 2024, St Andrew’s College celebrated the official opening of the $21 million Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre. The festivities included a captivating student performance of the hit musical Legally Blonde as part of the Senior Production opening performance night. The official opening welcomed special guests, including mana whenua (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) and College Chaplain Rev. Paul Morrow. Rector, Christine Leighton, expressed her excitement about this ambitious development, which stands as the most expensive project undertaken by the College to date. She emphasised that Ngā Toi would serve as a space where young people could immerse themselves in creativity across various cultural pursuits for many years to come.

The Gough Family Theatre

A highlight of Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre is the Gough Family Theatre, a premier performance space. With sophisticated acoustic design, advanced lighting capabilities, and seating for 266, the Gough Family Theatre is poised to host a wide range of productions and events. Beyond performances, the Gough Family Theatre will become a hub for artistic exploration and community engagement, as well as offering fantastic teaching and learning opportunities.

Generous Sponsors

The Gough Family Theatre owes its existence to the generosity of major sponsors Ben and Pen Gough, along with their family. Their support, alongside that of other contributors, has made it possible to create a facility that bridges students, parents, and the wider community. Ben Gough expressed his delight at being part of a project that would ignite laughter, joy, and creativity.

Dedicated Spaces

Our Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre features dedicated spaces for specific artistic disciplines:

• Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio: Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio supports the College’s exceptional Ballet Academy and co-curricular Dance students. Here, talent can flourish, and students can showcase their skills.

• Fife Dance and Drama Studio: Adjacent to the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio, the Fife Dance and Drama Studio provides an intimate and immersive performance space. It will host dance classes and other creative activities.

• Blair Gough Drama Studio: Designed for Drama classes at all year levels, the Blair Gough Drama Studio accommodates up to 50 people. Its intimate setting encourages powerful performances.

• Jack and Georgia Satterthwaite Dance Room

• PTA Green Room: Located behind the Theatre stage, The PTA Green Room is where students get ready for their performances, with full hair and make-up facilities, kindly supported by the St Andrew's College Parent Teacher Association.

Technology and Backstage Operations

Media students at St Andrew’s College benefit from the Theatre's advanced technology.

• The Westgarth Family AV Room: The central space for the technical operations of the Theatre, The Westgarth Family AV Room along with the overhead gantry system, allows creative use of theatrical lighting, giving students hands-on experience in lighting design, set up and operation.

A Welcoming Entrance

With grateful thanks to the Old Collegians Association, the Old Collegians Foyer provides a warm welcome to allcomers to Ngā Toi and the Gough Family Theatre.