TOI WHAKAARI: NZ DRAMA SCHOOL IS MAKING HISTORY – LITERALLY.View GalleryHide Gallery

As part of the yearlong celebration the students and staff of the School have put together a Time Capsule, which will take greetings from the current Toi Whakaari crew to the future one in 2050. The burial of the Capsule and planting of a kowhai tree to commemorate the 40th Anniversary took place on Monday 14 June. The event was attended by The Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand and his wife Lady Susan Satyanand. The Time Capsule is marked by a bronze plaque with inscription:

This kowhai tree was planted by the Governor-General of New Zealand,
Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, on 14 June 2010, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of
Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

Ma mua ka kite a muri, ma muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow; those behind give life to those ahead.

Time Capsule contributions include something from each year of all the six of the School’s courses and the staff. The Director of Toi Whakaari, Annie Ruth, and two past Directors have written letters to the School’s Director in 2050 and a recording of a typical Friday staff meeting will be included.

Students have contributed by inserting transcripts of tutorials, photos of the building they inhabit today, stories and photographs of themselves and Wellington in our time, music videos and recordings of their memories. Some students have written letters about what they think will happen in the future and included equipment list of their tools today to compare with those of the future. Also a handmade patchwork quilt will be buried in the Time Capsule along with a self-made jigsaw with hopes and tips written on the pieces. Even a miniature model of Head of Design Penny Fitt and a written dedication to her will be buried underground for the next 40 years.

Click here to read the Speech given by the Governor General.