During the holidays, some of our students had the opportunity to attend a range of courses and events.

Louis Scott (Year 13) attended NYDS, or National Youth Drama School, which is a one-week experience that took place in Napier during the school holidays.

NYDS collects and nurtures students who are interested in the performing arts and brings in tutors from the industry to teach and inform them about their chosen subject.

Louis chose the Director course and over the week they worked from 9am-9pm learning, experimenting, and implementing different directing techniques.

There was a teacher’s night where tutors showed students their talents, amazing them with their technique and skill.

The student night was just as incredible.

Set up like a talent show of sorts it allowed a select few students to come forth and express themselves in front of everyone.

Louis said, “NYDS was, without exaggeration, the most awesome experience of my life.”



Nina Menegatti Zink participated in the Blake Inspire, which was based at St Peter’s College in Cambridge.

During the week Nina took part in a five part amazing race, testing stamina, determination, general knowledge, teamwork and trust in one another; attended a workshop on Mātauranga Māori; visited Sanctuary Mountain – a 3400-hectare forest surrounded by a 47km long pest-proof fence; meet New Zealand’s National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing, and she was elected Prime Minister for the policy simulation. 

Nina said, “I watched the introductory video, and a participant said it changed his life. I remember thinking, how can five days change your life? Now I know.”



Mia MacRae had the opportunity to attend the Lions’ Leadership Camp at Borland Lodge.

This camp was a unique bonding experience where high-risk activities such as abseiling down a cliff face, rock climbing off the side of a cliff or jumping off high rocks into the turbulent waters of the Waiau River were everyday happenings.

They also tramped from Borland to Green Lake and then to Lake Monowai, just non-stop excitement for an entire week.

The camp catered to all the participants and helped to grow their own skills and goals.

This encouraged the students to take charge of the group and run the activities themselves.

Mia said, “This camp taught me excellent life skills and important philosophies around leadership. I learnt that adaptability is a key quality in any leader and is essential to be able to work as a productive team.”



Nicole Green & Madie Wilson attended the School to Skies week-long course at the Ohakea air base just out of Palmerston North.

The course was for Year 13 girls from around New Zealand who were interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and wanted to learn more about what the Defence Force involves and offers.

Throughout the week they got to see around the base and how it ran on a day-to-day basis.

They had a deeper look into the trades available in the Air Force and even had a go at some of them!

For example, avionics, communications, technicians, and piloting.

There were many air base personnel showing participants what their jobs entailed, and students could see how much they loved their careers from the smiles on their faces.

Ohakea - Madie Wilson

Ohakea - Nicole Green

ANZAC Day saw a large contingent of College students at the annual ANZAC Day commemoration on Tuesday 25 April.

More obvious were the outstanding contributions from our Head Students and several other students who had key roles.

Head Students - Alice Newcombe, Louis Scott, Josh Ruddenklau and Sophie Willans completed a reading and laid the school wreath.

Lily Newcombe and Ava Chapman (also representing Scouts Te Anau) were the proud flag bearers while Gwylam MacMillan Armstrong amazed all with his playing of the bagpipes.

Gwylam MacMillan Armstrong

Alice Newcombe and Louis Scott

Lily Newcombe

Ava Chapman

Fiordland College proudly supported by Milford Road Alliance