School's birthday gift in planning stages

Greg Fenton, Havelock North High School principal, will work with architects to design a new auditorium for the school's 40th birthday. Photo / Paul Taylor

A new auditorium will be the icing on the cake for Havelock North High School's 40th birthday.

Principal Greg Fenton will turn his attention to the anniversary after opening a newly renovated classroom block this week.

Over the next six months he would work with architects to develop plans for the auditorium and devise a fundraising programme.

"The current space is a) small, b) substandard and c) needs work," Mr Fenton says. "It's an opportunity to create a facility where the whole school can congregate, a performing arts precinct, an auditorium to link in with the music school adjacent, some hospitality space for guests, TV studio and outdoor performing space - those are some of the elements I would like to see."

An art exhibition is set to run for a month at the Hastings art centre to raise money, while former drama teacher Ken Keys is running three variety concerts featuring former students.

A grand festival and reunion will be held from Wednesday, September 2, to Sunday, September 6, showcasing nationally and internationally recognised artists, musicians, actors, painters and writers.

Among the performers are Holly Ewens - one half of folktronica duo Rosy Tin Teacaddy and driver behind The Great Songwriting a Slumber Party - a camp for young people 9 to 13 years held each year at Paekakariki Holiday Park.

Next is acclaimed solo acoustic guitarist Ben Fulton, who founded Funkatron and owns Red Witch.

Recognised as one of the world's leading players of the Weissenborn lap-steel guitar - multi-talented guitarist, songwriter and singer Thomas Oliver also makes an appearance, along with Rhonda Browne, a specialist in Wagnerian opera.

Concerts are on Friday, September 4, at 8pm, and Saturday, September 5, 1pm and 8pm, with a cocktail party prior to both evening events at 6pm.

-Tickets cost $45 or $55 including cocktail party; students pay $25.