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Survivors of the Mangatepopo canyoning tragedy are dedicating their senior ball to the six classmates and a teacher who lost their lives this year.
Elim Christian College considered cancelling the annual event after April's tragedy, but students are calling on their deep Christian faith to ensure it goes ahead.
Head girl Jessica Mulder said students picked a "luminous" theme for fun and poignance.
"Luminous is to do with light, light is about joy and it's like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel - even through tragedy."
Jessica lost her 16-year-old cousin, Anthony Mulder, in the tragedy. Students Tara Gregory, Portia McPhail, Huan (Tom) Hsu, Floyd Fernandes, Natasha Bray and teacher Tony McClean, 29, were also swept away in the flash flood at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Turangi.
"We feel it's important to celebrate this gift that we've got of life," said Jessica. "Life is worth celebrating even when times are difficult.
"We see this as a way of celebrating the life God has given."
Love had allowed the Year 12 students to cope with the loss, said Jessica. "You will see that shining through at the ball."
Anthony Mulder and Tom Hsu had already invited dates from another school, who will attend as guests. The school has booked the Ellerslie Event Centre and plans to decorate the room green and blue with fairy lights.
