Pakuranga College offers international students a range of co-curricular opportunities. Get amongst Kiwi culture with various sports, arts, and cultural activities.
What are Co-Curricular Activities?
Co-curricular activities are an essential part of an authentic Pakuranga College experience. These activities take place outside of the regular classroom setting and are designed to complement learning. At Pakuranga College, numerous co-curricular options cater to a wide range of interests, passions, and talents.
Sports and Athletics
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’re in for a treat at Pakuranga College. The school offers a variety of sporting activities, including rugby, soccer, basketball, hockey, and cricket, just to name a few – we have over 20 codes! All you need to do is choose your sport and sign up. You’ll be put in a team where you can meet lots of people and make new friends.
I play a lot of sport at home in Germany, but I never had a chance to try rugby. When I came to New Zealand I wanted to keep my sport up, and it was a great opportunity to try a new sport, especially in New Zealand where everyone is rugby-mad. I trialled and was selected for the top team, which has been fun. I’ve learned lots of new skills and made friends.
Jonas, Germany
Cultural Groups
We offer a huge range of cultural clubs and activities. You can join a cultural group to learn more about cultures that spark your curiosity or, perhaps you might like to join the cultural group of your homeland to keep you feeling connected to your culture while you’re away. We’ve got 14 different cultural groups to choose from, including Māori kapa haka, for a real taste of New Zealand.
I didn’t expect to connect with my Chinese culture while I was in New Zealand, but I have! Pakuranga College has a Chinese Dance Group and I love to dance, so I decided to join. It’s been a great way to feel connected to home and make friends with other students like me. I really like that the group does traditional dances, plus dances from the top Chinese artists right now. We even have a Chinese Rap Club!
Katherine, China
Performing Arts
For those who have a passion for the stage, our school’s performing arts opportunities are exceptional. You don’t need to audition, just go along to a practice and see what you like – we have improv drama, musical theatre, and lots of dance styles from contemporary to hip hop. Our hip hop programme is very strong, with students from the college competing internationally each year.
We also offer a fantastic music programme from classical to contemporary. We have a year-round concert, jazz, and orchestral music programme, with our bands performing successfully in competitions and at college events. Contemporary music is nurtured here, with many of our students recognised at Auckland-wide competitions. If you can sing, drum, or strum a guitar, why not give our contemporary bands a go?
Clubs and Councils
Got a passion for sound and lighting? Want to advocate for Amnesty International? Want to protect the environment? Keen to experiment in science? Would you like to try your hand at pottery? You can do all this and more! We have up to 40 different groups for students, catering to everyone’s interests – all you need to do is join! Our groups are lots of fun, with lots of new people to meet and friends to make. So don’t be shy, give it a go!
My advice is to join lots of clubs. There are so many you can join and they make the whole experience so much more fun, plus you’ll meet lots of new friends. I’ve been at Pakuranga College for five years and even though that’s a long time, it’s gone so fast thanks to all the groups I’ve joined and friends I’ve made.
Sabrina, China
Your time at Pakuranga College is not limited to the classroom. Our co-curricular activities are a gateway to personal development and new friendships! So, embrace these opportunities, get involved, and make the most of your international student experience in New Zealand. Your journey at Pakuranga College is a chance to explore, learn, and grow in ways you never thought possible.
My advice to other international students is to give things a go – join groups, meet people, and experience the fun of New Zealand! I joined up to two very Kiwi activities – rugby and kapa haka – and everyone was really welcoming. I think Kiwis are just waiting for a chance to show off their culture, so don’t be shy, join and learn some new things.
Jonas, Germany
