By Anna Bowden
Western Bay schools are pumping more than $12 million into the construction of first-class performing arts auditoriums and multi-purpose facilities.
There are 10 Bay schools involved in the massive spend up - all approaching exciting stages of development nearing the close of the school year.
Schools say drama and music are important parts of their curriculums as they foster creativity and self-esteem among students.
Greenpark School is leading the way for primary-school level arts programming by appointing what is believed to be the first full-time music and drama specialist teaching position for the region.
Construction of Greenpark's dedicated $130,000 performing arts suite is due to finish this month, with teacher Helen Pringle taking control of the suite from next year.
At present a teacher at Oropi School, Ms Pringle said her appointment to the role had already prompted interest from teachers all over the North Island looking at her programming model.
"As part of my interview I designed a proposal of what I envisaged for the school ... I designed a programme that would integrate drama, dance and music," she said.
"Personally I think (performing arts) is extremely important, little children love it and it's very good for creativity, self-esteem and even literacy and numeracy. It has spin-offs in all areas."
Soon to meet principal Graeme Lind to discuss the $40,000 instrument budget to be spent locally - she hopes to equip the suite with full class sets of keyboards, guitars, recorders and percussion instruments before it officially opens next year.
A move to better equip the arts is a Bay-wide focus with Tauranga Boys' College aiming to build its $2.5 million performing arts centre next year.
Principal Graham Young said the school carried out a feasibility study in 2002, looking into community youth theatre - but most schools had now opted to build their own.
Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell is now awaiting final designs for a $2.1 million building, including a drama facility and 12 music practice rooms. It is intended to be used by the wider community also.
"The school is renowned for its music productions and we have 250 students having individual music lessons ... it'll be a first-class facility."
Like other most other schools developing this area of their facilities, Otumoetai has saved up property funding grants from the Government to pay for the project.
Te Puke Intermediate's $1.3 million arts centre is hoped to open in time for their final school assembly for the year, thanks to a ministry cash injection last year.
A multi-million dollar venue envisaged by Mount Maunganui College is being discussed at Tauranga City Council - the school approached the council to create a partnership for a joint community facility.
Bethlehem College's board last week agreed to proceed with plans to construct an arts centre tagged between $2-3 million.
Principal Phillip Nash said the board would continue to refine the concept to fit classroom and co-curricular needs.
At Omokoroa No 1 School, principal Chris Broadhurst received a $439,168 funding boost this time last year. Now in the process of construction, the multi-purpose building - including stage, kitchen, double class teaching space, library and resource room - is hoped to be complete for next year's intake.
At rural Te Ranga School, building is poised to begin for a $240,000 multi-media suite, while Te Akau ki Papamoa School is awaiting Tauranga City Council consent for a $725,000 multi-purpose hall.
Pongakawa School underwent an $800,000 makeover this year, which included the opening of an arts block and other buildings in May.
Otumoetai Intermediate also opened a dedicated suite this year as part of its $2 million revamp of buildings.
