Arts and culture are integral parts of school life. Whether performing or producing art for public performances or exhibitions or simply for personal fulfilment and enjoyment, we believe creativity is vital to education.

  • Visits to art exhibitions, galleries and theatre performances – as well as hosting performance groups in the school – ensure that students have broad exposure to the arts. On-stage or backstage, there is an arts and culture experience for everyone.

  • Students can express themselves in music and drama – from Shakespearian productions to barbershop and rock bands.

  • Kapa Haka is an essential part of the school culture and arts programme, and Waikato Diocesan is committed to mutual enrichment and tangata whenua (people of the land), offering cultural assistance and opportunities for our Maaori students.

  • School productions highlight the arts calendar, and music, speech and drama lessons are available to all students.

  • Involvement in the creative and expressive arts, both in the classroom and through the wealth of extracurricular opportunities we provide, helps to boost students’ confidence and self-esteem and is a key element of the special Dio spirit.

Curriculum Arts and Technologies on offer at Dio

  • Dance (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA, Scholarship by negotiation)

  • Drama (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA, Scholarship by negotiation) 

  • Music (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA, Scholarship by negotiation)

  • Visual Art (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA)

  • Design (Level 2-3 NCEA) 

  • Photography (Level 2-3 NCEA) 

  • Design and Visual Communication (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA)

  • Textiles and Design (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA)

  • Food Technology (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA)

  • STEAM Studio (Y9 rotation, Y10/11 full course, Level 2-3 NCEA)

Co-Curricular Arts on offer at Dio

  • Pixie Kickers (Guitar Ensemble)

  • Jazz Band

  • Orchestra

  • Worship Band

  • Barbershop

  • Cantiamo Choir

  • Auditioned Choir (Bel Suono Choir)

  • Dance Groups

  • School Production

  • Sheilah Winn Shakespeare

  • Theatre Sports

  • Debating

  • Kapa Haka

  • Library Helpers

  • Techy Angels

  • NOISE Student Magazine

  • Philosophy and Ethics Club

  • Performance Lessons and Instrumental Music Groups

To find out more about Arts and Culture opportunities at Dio, check out our Co-Curricular Guide
* Students please sign up using your WDSG email address.

2025 School Production - The Prom

Our 2025 School production of "The Prom" in April 2025 was a roaring success with over 98% of seats sold.
Many thanks to the wonderful cast, crew, musicians, staff, and also the parents/caregivers who played taxi drivers. And of course many thanks to our wonderful supportive audience. 

If you have any messages you would like to pass onto the creative team or cast, please email arts@wdsg.school.nz 

Arts Honours

Students who receive an “Arts Honour” are clearly recognised as excelling in their area of expertise. The student will consistently display ability, commitment* and service to the school in the selected Arts activity/discipline. They will have shown enthusiasm, outstanding involvement and spirit as a member of an extra-curricular Arts activity and will be role models for the Arts.  Out-of-school activities/achievements will be considered, but students MUST be involved in school activities.

The Arts Honours are presented at the Arts Awards evening each year. Junior Honours are awarded based on the same criteria for Years 9 & 10 students.

Due to the nature of arts-related disciplines, students must nominate themselves.

*NB: Attendance and contribution will be checked with the person/teacher in charge of discipline.

Arts Awards 2024

Congratulations to all our award winners at the 2024 Arts Awards. A full list of winners can be found here and a link to the photos can be found here

Waikato Diocesan School Arts Laureate

2008: Abby Dutton
2009: Nathalie Harrington
2010: Tina Sun
2011: Beth Elder
2012: Gwen Lyon
2013: Kelly Greer

2014: Ruby Lyon
2015: Remy Garrett and Keeha Oh
2016: Katherine Garvey
2017: Olivia Thomas
2018: Matiria Moleni
2019: Kate Seager

2020: Lucy Thomas                                            2021: Isabella Reid                                 
2022: Alexandra Newman-Jacobs 2023: Julia Sharratt
2024: Ava Germaine

Contacts (Arts and Culture)

DIRECTOR OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Darlene Karena

Email: sports@wdsg.school.nz

Phone: 07 981 5562

Mobile: 021 521 503

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Anna White
Email: sports@wdsg.school.nz
Phone: 07 855 2038 (select option 3)

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Georgina Hewitt-McGrail
Email: arts@wdsg.school.nz
Phone: 07 855 2038 (select option 3)

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Maria Colvin
Phone: 07 855 2038

HoD KAUPAPA MAAORI

Faith Tautuhi
Phone: 07 8552038