Waikato Times: Entertainment titan Live Nation supercharges Regional Theatre

Originally published in Waikato Times, Saturday 14 December 2024.

By Mike Mather.

Waikato Regional Theatre general manager Gus Sharp says the new deal “puts Hamilton on the map of the intenational touring circuit with a nail, not a thumbtack”. PHOTO: Mark Taylor / WAIKATO TIMES.

The biggest acts and the brightest stars are on their way to Kirikiriroa.

A non-stop cavalcade of top international talent is now guaranteed for the city with the world’s biggest live entertainment company signing a 15-year lease to run the Waikato Regional Theatre.

The deal is with Live Nation, which operates top Auckland venue Spark Arena and, among other feats, recently brought Coldplay to New Zealand.

The partnership was recently signed and sealed between the Waikato Regional Property Trust and the global giant, which has its headquarters in Beverley Hills, California.

It will involve Live Nation taking over the day-to-day operation of the new 1300-seat theatre when it opens in the second half of 2025, providing management and programming, while maximising its marketing clout and vast reach into the international performing community to bring world-class shows to the city.

“It effectively plugs the theatre into a massive conduit of touring bands, shows, musicians, comedians and other top level performers,” said general manager Gus Sharp.

Spark Arena - seen here hosting a show by OneRepublic - is Live Nation’s other major venue in Aotearoa. PHOTO: Caroline Williams / WAIKATO TIMES.

“It’s hard to overstate how big a deal this is ... We are talking about a veritable firehose of international talent coming right here.”

A peek at the acts currently zooming their way through Live Nation’s international networks includes the likes of Keith Urban, Shakira, System of a Down, Sting, Nelly, Mary J Blige, Linkin Park and Kendrick Lamar.

“This really is a game-changer,” said trust chairman Ross Hargood.

“Like all projects of this scale, pulling in the final stages of funding is a big challenge and in this environment it’s harder than ever. We’ve also been very mindful of not placing additional financial pressure on the community. So I’d describe this deal as a win, win. A win for the theatre and a win for the community.

Coldplay’s recent shows at Auckland's Eden Park were another recent Live Nation project. PHOTO: Tom Grut / WAIKATO TIMES.

“On top of that, it’s also a great result for audiences in the Waikato who will benefit from the wide array of top-tier acts that Live Nation work with.”

The deal also comes with a significant commitment to Hamilton’s arts scene, meaning local performers - be they kapa haka, orchestras, or theatre - are guaranteed to not be shouldered out of their fair share of the limelight by the big international stars.

Community groups based in the Waikato will receive a 40% discount on venue hire and free use of all technical equipment (valued at $20,000 per day). Additionally, 30c from every ticket will go to a community fund to help subsidise future community use.

“There are plenty of operational details to iron out,” Hargood said. “But a key focus has been ensuring that the local performing community benefits.

“We are totally committed to giving equal priority to community events alongside major commercial performances, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive program for all. This has been central to our discussions with Live Nation.”

Live Nation New Zealand managing director Mark Kneebone says the time was right to make an investment in elevating arts and entertainment in the Waikato. PHOTO: LIVE NATION.

The deal will also involve Live Nation contributing to the the addition of a flat floor with moveable seating. This will provide standing and dancing space where required, and add to the diversity of acts that can be attracted.

“What it means is that you can have a fully-seated crowd for an orchestra one night, a punk rock show with a mosh pit the next night, and back to having opera the night after,” Sharp said.

It will be staffed by around nine local full-time employees.

Live Nation already has a strong presence in New Zealand and Australia. The company operates many venues of varying scale from club venues like The Tuning Fork and San Fran to the 13,000-seat Spark Arena.

“This year alone Jerry Seinfeld, Teddy Swims, Jonas Brothers, Queens of the Stone Age and Tate McCrae have performed at Spark Arena alongside many other local and international acts.

“This partnership brings Hamilton into the mix for attracting big-name artists, elevating the city’s entertainment scene and driving positive economic impact for local businesses,” Hargood said.

“The best part? The community won’t have to shoulder any financial risk related to the operation of the Theatre. This deal guarantees the city is protected from future financial contributions.

“Eliminating this risk will also ensure there will be sufficient funding for reinvestment and further opportunities to support the community.”

Live Nation New Zealand managing director Mark Kneebone said he and his colleagues couldn’t wait to bring top-tier local and international talent to the stage in Hamilton.

“It’s a diverse and growing city and we relish our role in contributing to the regional arts and entertainment communities across Aotearoa as custodians of this venue.”

Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said she was overjoyed when she was told about the Live Nation deal.

“This is a really significant development. I know that company has a huge history of success, and it will be amazing to have so many more big acts and stars and performers coming through to play here.

“The other thing I’m really excited about is not having to drive to Auckland and dealing with the traffic and the parking and the drama of getting about that city any time I want to see a major show.”