Jasmax photos show the splendour of the BNZ Theatre
Jasmax, its architects, have released some stunning photos of the brand new BNZ Theatre, some of which are remarkably true to their equivalent concept renders from years ago.
Here's a taste, click the image or line below to see the full set...
See Jasmax photos of the BNZ Theatre.
Haere raa from the Theatre Project Manager
By Gus Sharp, Manager, Waikato Regional Property Trust.
A fortnight ago we opened the doors of the Theatre, and it went really well.
That’s a relief, and it’s also just the beginning. A theatre isn’t proven by a launch night, it’s proven over years of programming, participation, and repeat audiences.
For me personally, it’s been three years of figuring out how a bold idea and a beautiful design would survive contact with reality. That road has been winding at times, but it’s also been a real privilege to be part of turning it into something the public can actually use. And honestly, I enjoyed it a lot. Not every day, and not every moment, but enough to know I’ll miss it.
A huge thank you is owed to everyone who backed the project when it was still an idea. To our donors, funders, and sponsors: you didn’t just help build a venue, you helped build capability for the region. Your support has created something Waikato can use and be proud of for decades to come.
The opening also put Waikato’s creative community front and centre, which is exactly where it should be. The building matters, but it matters because of what it enables: local work on a bigger stage, national and international artists coming through the region, and more opportunities for people to be in the room, whether as performers or audiences.
I’ll also be carrying the lessons of this project forward and sharing them wherever they’re useful. Not as a victory lap, but as proof that New Zealand can still do big, hard things when people are willing to show up, back each other, and do the mahi. Waikato’s generous spirit made this possible, and I hope other regions can take confidence from that.
Over its life, countless professional performers will pass through its doors and onto its stage. Big tours. National companies. International guests. That’s exciting, and it’s what many people will notice first.
But at its core this theatre is civic infrastructure. It exists to improve the cultural life of the region over the long term, and to be used by the community, both on stage and in the seats.
If you want to help ensure it succeeds, the most meaningful thing you can do is simple: buy tickets and keep coming back. Go to big shows, go to small shows, go to things you’ve never heard of. Bring someone with you. Make it a habit.
Foster Group's Theatre playlist on YouTube
"Meet the people, learn about the project, take a tour behind the scenes of the Waikato Regional Theatre with the Fosters' team."
Fosters' Theatre playlist on YouTube is eight short videos, just one to three minutes each, that tell their construction story.
See the Theatre story in short videos.
Take a Bow!
By Janice Lapwood, General Manager Endowments, Momentum Waikato (pictured with Dave Middlemiss, Fosters Site Manager).
We sincerely thank every donor, large or small, whose generosity and belief helped bring the BNZ Theatre, formerly the Waikato Regional Theatre, to life.
Over the past eight years, the hard work by Momentum Waikato, supported by a passionate and well-connected fundraising team, has marked a major milestone for our community foundation.
The friendships formed, lively discussions held, numerous asks of the site team for visits and help fulfilling grant reports, the many, many cups of tea, shared cakes, and heartfelt tears have made every step of this journey truly special.
Our community has wholeheartedly embraced this project, and you all should feel a tremendous sense of pride.
The dedicated main contractors Fosters have shown unwavering commitment to creating a world-class venue right here in Waikato, highlighting the incredible team effort involved.
The kindness and support from everyone have been noticed and appreciated by all across New Zealand and beyond. This venue could be anywhere in the world – it’s that good!
As Momentum’s involvement comes to a close, fundraising plans shredded, hard hats down, a new adventure for the Theatre begins.
With the Waikato Regional Property Trust now owning the asset and Live Nation taking on the role of operator, we look forward to seeing the Theatre breathe a life of its own.
Again, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
The donor board inside the BNZ Theatre.
Farewell from the Share the Stage Update
By Mark Servian, Communications and Marketing Manager, Momentum Waikato.
You’re reading the final issue of the Share the Stage Update email!
It has been a delight and a privilege to bring you the remarkable stories of the fundraising and construction of the BNZ Theatre (née the Waikato Regional Theatre) since we moved Theatre’s news from the Momentum Waikato Update newsletter to this one in November 2021.
As you will have observed, since early 2023 the majority of what we have brought you here has been Waikato Times stories. Initially this was simply to make them available outside their then-new paywall, which they were happy to allow as a function of their media partnership with the project.
Then as time went on, it became apparent they were willing to act on all the story ideas I put to them, so there was no point doing our own versions of their articles.
A big thanks therefore to Jonathan MacKenzie, the Times’ Editor, and the Mike Mather, their Arts Reporter, and the other Times journalists who have written about the Theatre project since its inception in 2016.
That effort culminated in their special BNZ Theatre issue on Monday 19 January, which carried 13 Theatre-related stories, collectively chronicling the journey of the Theatre project over the last decade.
Therein it included interviews I arranged with a range of key players who had not previously been spotlighted, all of whom I thank for their wisdom and good humour.
In total, the Waikato Times has run 27 Theatre stories since the start of January and the last issue of this newsletter just before Christmas. So, in the interests of not having a VERY long email, here they are linked below in a simple summary list, please click through to the Share the Stage site to read them.
Finally, as your local community foundation, Momentum Waikato would like to keep you informed of our other work across the region, so if you’re not already subscribed, please sign-up to our main bi-monthly MW Update newsletter.
Waikato Times' BNZ Theatre stories since Christmas
As explained above, this would be a long email if we gave these stories their usual room, so here they are below as an unillustrated list, in reverse order of publication, OR you can see them with their headline photos at sharethestage.co.nz/updates.
National orchestra brings stars to BNZ Theatre
2 Feb - The NZSO is coming to the Theatre three times later this year.
Hospo owners give BNZ Theatre mixed reviews
30 Jan - Most are happy and optimistic, but one continues to be sceptical.
Lots of love in the room for Sir Dave Dobbyn in Hamilton
27 Jan - Dave could have played three or four different sets of crowd pleasers.
Teeks woos and wows with soulful, stripped-back selection of songs
25 Jan - If not a Teeks fans already, they will be now.
The theatre effect: Landlords and business owners under scrutiny over state of buildings
24 Jan - What’s happening to the buildings around the Theatre?
Live Nation leaders ‘thrilled at the opportunities’ offered by BNZ Theatre
24 Jan - The entertainment giant says Hamilton has the youngest potential audience in the country, but also older people will appreciate high culture in a top venue.
Punters pack out Waikato’s BNZ Theatre hospo hot spots
21 Jan - The Theatre’s opening nights were busy for the adjacent bars and eateries.
Theatre of 'Phwoar!': Rave reviews for new city venue
20 Jan - Audible gasps of astonishment are the best review for the new auditorium.
Star attraction: Exciting times as BNZ Theatre hosts first show To The Stars/Ki Ngā Whetū
20 Jan - Lots of pictures of the opening night.
Big boost for region's arts with establishment of new Momentum Waikato fund
19 Jan - The Theatre opening is an opportunity to announce further support the arts.
Stars align for BNZ Theatre’s big stage dream
19 Jan - The Share the Stage campaign got everyone involved in making it happen.
‘We deserve the best’: Property trust not willing to accept compromises on new theatre
19 Jan - Margi Moore and Glenn Holmes tell the story of the Waikato Regional Property Trust’s push to get the Theatre built.
‘A fabulous thing to be involved in’: Waikato’s new theatre will be just what the doctor ordered
19 Jan - Julie Rademaker reflects on her involvement in Momentum Waikato’s fundraising ‘campaign cabinet’.
City council chiefs prepare to respond to ‘the theatre effect’
19 Jan - The Mayor and Deputy Mayor expect further development around the Theatre.
Hotere and a royal staircase rise again in Waikato’s new theatre
19 Jan - Artistic vision and quality crafting enabled the heritage elements in the Theatre.
‘A visionary approach’: Architecture firm found inspiration in theatre brief
19 Jan - Architect David Pugh says Jasmax was impressed by the “incredibly aspirational” brief for the Theatre.
From out of the ground and into the sky
19 Jan - The key challenges during the Theatre’s construction.
‘A coalition of the willing’ the secret to our theatre's success
19 Jan - Former Chair Neil Richardson looks back on Momentum Waikato’s decision to initiate the Theatre project.
Lots to look forward to at New Zealand's new premier venue
19 Jan - There’s lots of shows coming to the Theatre this year.
A new stage for Hamilton: The story of the BNZ Theatre
19 Jan 2026 - The history of the Theatre project.
Editorial: A standing ovation for a city’s vision
19 Jan - Why the Waikato Times backed the Theatre project.
BNZ Theatre ‘has been a project like no other' - project leader
19 Jan - Graeme Ward from RDT Pacific reflects on a job well done.
A challenge that became an opportunity’: How the Waikato got its new theatre
19 Jan - Leonard Gardner of Fosters, and formerly of Momentum Waikato, put a lot on the line to realise the Theatre.
Our theatre to open with showcase of local talent in ‘totally Waikato’ production
17 Jan - Jeremy Mayall and friends prepare for To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū.
‘This theatre is now yours’: BNZ Theatre blessed ahead of opening night
15 Jan - The blessing ceremony gets the Theatre opening underway.
Naming rights deal remains a mystery as BNZ branding virtually attached to theatre
14 Jan - The value of the naming rights deal has not been revealed.
BNZ secures naming rights to Waikato Regional Theatre ahead of opening
13 Jan - Live Nation announce the official name for the Waikato Regional Theatre.
Theatre Project History_FINAL
Since the Share the Stage website was launched in 2021, its has included a Project History page, which has been periodically updated over time.
Now you can read the entire saga of the Waikato Regional Theatre project at sharethestage.co.nz/project-history.
See you at the Theatre!