Cultural enrichment

Inspiring creativity. Celebrating culture. Building character.

Life at lindisfarne

Our cultural programme helps boys build creativity, confidence, communication skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Through music, performance, visual arts, kapa haka, debating and public speaking, students discover talents, develop passions, and learn to express themselves in meaningful and authentic ways.

Developing talent and character

We nurture passion, talent and excellence across the arts, enriching each student's educational experience through a diverse range of cultural opportunities.

Lindisfarne encourages students to participate in a wide variety of activities, from art, music and performance to kapa haka, debating and drama. Whether performing on stage, creating in the studio, speaking before an audience, or representing the College in competition, boys are encouraged to challenge themselves and pursue their interests.

Music is a vibrant part of College life, supported by expert tutors who inspire creativity, discipline and excellence.

Students also enjoy a wide range of co-curricular opportunities to develop and showcase their talents, including concerts, productions, performances and cultural competitions.

Music

Music is an integral part of life at Lindisfarne College, giving students opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, discipline and teamwork through performance and collaboration.

With guidance from specialist tutors and experienced conductors, students can learn an instrument, refine their skills and pursue excellence. A wide range of ensembles, including concert, symphonic and jazz bands, pipe band, chamber groups and rock bands, perform regularly at College events, festivals and competitions.

Through music, students develop technical skill, artistic expression and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Performing arts

Lindisfarne College offers a diverse range of ensembles that cater for musicians at every stage of their development.

From the Junior Concert Band for emerging musicians to the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pipe Band, Chamber Music groups and Rock Bands, students have opportunities to perform, collaborate and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.

Many ensembles participate in regional and national festivals and competitions, while also contributing to the rich cultural life of the College through performances at assemblies, special events and community occasions.


Visual arts

The Visual Arts programme encourages students to explore, create and communicate through a diverse range of artistic disciplines.

Students develop skills in drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, sculpture, printmaking and digital media. Junior students experience a broad range of techniques, while senior students have opportunities to specialise and refine their practice.

Students are encouraged to exhibit their work, participate in competitions, and learn from visiting artists. Through Visual Arts, they develop creativity, problem-solving skills and the confidence to express their unique perspectives.

Kapa haka & cultural groups

Lindisfarne College celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand through kapa haka and kaupapa Māori opportunities.

Students participate with pride and respect, developing a deeper understanding of te ao Māori while building confidence, leadership and cultural awareness. Highlights include kapa haka performances and the prestigious Manu Kōrero speech competition, where students have achieved success at regional and national level.

These experiences strengthen connections to culture, identity and community while fostering pride in personal and collective achievement.

Bands & ensembles

Lindisfarne College offers a diverse range of ensembles that cater for musicians at every stage of their development.

Many ensembles participate in regional and national festivals and competitions, while also contributing to the rich cultural life of the College through performances at assemblies, special events and community occasions.


An ensemble for beginner students of wind, string and percussion instruments.
Conductor: Mr Simon Schofield.



The Concord Symphonic is a joint band with Hastings Girls' High School for proficient players, performing at the NZCBA National Concert Band Festival and College events. Conductor: Mr Simon Schofield.

Modern jazz repertoire under woodwind tutor and jazz expert Mr Anton Wuts, performing at the Hawke's Bay Jazz Club's School Night, festivals and College events.

Bagpipers and drummers with established proficiency travel to the RNZ Pipe Band Nationals and play at many events on the College calendar. Tutors: Mr Ross McNabb and Steve Leigh.

Mentored by local musicians, our rock bands write and perform original songs and regularly compete at the regional Smokefree Rockquest.

Dedicated, classically trained musicians are coached on chamber works for the Hawke's Bay round of the NZ Chamber Music Competition.

Senior production

Each year, senior students have the opportunity to audition for major theatrical productions in partnership with Iona College and Woodford House. These productions bring together talented performers, musicians and production crews, creating memorable experiences both on and off the stage.

Past productions have included West Side Story, Mamma Mia!, The Addams Family, Godspell, Beauty and the Beast, Disney's The Lion King Jr., Les Misérables and Fame.


Speech, drama & choir

The College's Speech and Drama programme is aimed at building knowledge in all aspects of Speech and Drama. This includes elements of characterisation, poetry, talks and impromptu exercises. Students will build on general communicative skills while increasing their imagination and confidence in a supportive environment.


Itinerant Staff

Students have access to specialist tuition across a wide range of instruments through our itinerant music programme.

Delivered by expert music teachers during the school day, these lessons provide personalised instruction that helps students develop their musical skills and confidence. Individual tuition plays an important role in preparing students for participation in bands, ensembles and performances throughout the year.

Simon Schofield (Brass)


Helen McPherson (Piano)
Francis Te Weehi (Piano)
Jocelyn Ludlow (Keyboard)

Dave Boston (Guitar)
Thalita Magalhaes (Violin)
Elizabeth McDougall (Cello)

Steve Leigh (Bagpipes)
Dennis Maunder (Drums)

Anton Wuts

Simona Kristensen (Junior voice ensemble)