Considering the eight days of immersive programming (daily classes, lunchtime talks and evening programming / performances), we believe our fees represent excellent value for money and compare very favourably to other immersive self-development experiences and to other professionally-focussed holiday drama programs.

Costs

Course Fees

Earlybird: $575 (Paid prior to 31st December 2024)
Standard: $605 (Paid prior to 31st March 2025)
* A deposit of $110 must accompany your Application Form, with the balance of payment to be made prior to 31 December for Earlybird fees and 31 March for Standard fees.

Accommodation

Private: $0.00
Billet: (8 nights – Sat to Sat, inclusive) $120**
Hostel: (8 nights – Sat to Sat, inclusive) $540***

Meals

Depending on your accommodation option, you may also need pocket money for lunch and/or dinner. The HNHS canteen is open for lunch, morning and afternoon teas during NYDS and offers healthy options for approximately $7-9.

Havelock North village is a 15-20 minute walk from HNHS down a main thoroughfare and offers several takeaway options for dinner as well as a supermarket with deli. On the days there is evening programming, students can walk into the village at the beginning of dinner break and NYDS provides a shuttle to bring them back.

** Billet families are asked to provide daily breakfast as well as dinner on the first Saturday, Tuesday and Friday nights. Your family may also be willing to provide a packed lunch, and depending on where they are located in relation to the school, may be able to offer evening meals, but this is not expected.
*** The hostel fee includes eight breakfasts and seven dinners, but lunch is not provided. Dinner is not provided on the last Saturday night as all students are in Hastings for NYDS Festival Day at Toitoi. There are many affordable dinner options at food outlets near Toitoi, which is in the centre of Hastings. 

Transport

Depending on where you live, you may also need to budget for an airfare or bus ticket to get to Hawke’s Bay. In our experience, these fares become increasingly expensive the closer to NYDS you book. We recommend booking as early as possible.

Fundraising ideas

Many students raise their own funds to attend NYDS – working part-time jobs, organising car washes, holding drama presentations or other fundraising events at school, asking for sponsorship from local businesses, teaching drama workshops for children etc.

Check with your high school as some schools are able to provide financial assistance via scholarships, STAR or Gateway funding.

Refunds / Cancellations

All cancellations must be advised in writing to NYDS at admin@nyds.co.nz.

Refunds will be made based on the following cancellation deadlines:
Before March 31st: Full refund less $110 non-refundable deposit
After March 31st: No refund****

**** After the final deadline, for cancellations resulting from exceptional circumstances, NYDS will consider written requests for a partial refund of Course Fees on a case-by-case basis. However, please be aware that NYDS must provide final numbers to the Hostel one week before the start date and that we are unable to refund hostel fees for cancellations after this date, unless there are students on a waiting list who could take your place.