Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School is pleased to announce a new partnership with Whitireia and WelTec, which will see the delivery of their suite of Performing Arts programmes at Toi Whakaari from 2026.

From February 2026, both new and returning tauira enrolled in Whitireia and WelTec’s New Zealand Diplomas in Drama, Dance, and Performing Arts (Musical Theatre), as well as the final year of the Bachelor of Creativity (Performing Arts), will be welcomed into te whānau whānui o Toi Whakaari — our extended creative family.

Under this subcontracting arrangement, learners are enrolled with Whitireia and WelTec (the TEC-funded providers), and Toi Whakaari will deliver the programmes on their behalf at our whare in Newtown, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, within Te Whaea – National Dance & Drama Centre.

“Our creative sector is under pressure, and it is our responsibility to tautoko and educate the next generation of creative practitioners,” said Tanea Heke, Tumuaki of Toi Whakaari. “We’re proud to be working alongside Whitireia and WelTec to ensure these performing arts programmes continue to thrive.”

This partnership ensures the continuation of vital performing arts pathways for students across Aotearoa, building on the strong legacies of all institutions and supporting the future of the creative industries.

“Mā te rangatahi te ao e ārāhi – it is our youth who will lead.”

Enrolments for Whitireia and WelTec’s Performing Arts programmes are open now. Learn more here.

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For media enquiries:

Taylor-Rose Terekia - Kairuruku Kōrero, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

E: taylor-rose.terekia@toiwhakaari.ac.nz | P: +64210394200

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