Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School 2026

The First year intake for Toiu Whakaari is highly contested with only 20 auditionees selected.

This year Ocean Michael, Addison Matagi-Pritchard and Vi Poutukua-Rua were successful in auditioning for the 2026 intake at Toi Whakaari, where they will join Wiremu Kingi and Tia Ormsby, both in their second year.

Eve Galbraith has also been successful in getting into the costume design course at Toi Whakaari for 2026. The school is awash with Ngā Puna o Waiōrea students!

I was privileged to see Wiremu and Tia perform their end of year Solo Shows in the Basement space of Toi Whakaari. Both were absolute standouts. Their work was original, authentic and inspiring. They tell me they are having a fabulous time at the school and look forward to ocean (who was in their class last year), Addison and Vi joining the course in 2026.

We wish all of them every success!

Feature Picture Caption – Mr Pollock flanked by Wiremu Kingi and Tia Ormsby. Jayda-Rhyme McKenzie and Rawinia Kanuta-Walker (also in Year 13 drama last year) showed up to support their friends’ mahi.

Robert Pollock
HOD Drama