Kia Ora from the Theatre Manager
Gus Sharp
Construction of the Theatre is well advanced, with the foundations currently being laid.
It's a crucial step that paves the way for the rest of the project. We're genuinely thrilled to see the physical work beginning to take shape.
Over the next few months, construction work will be focussed on installing structural steel and pouring concrete. It might not sound glamorous, but it's necessary to make sure everything is solid and sturdy. Trust us, we're making sure the theatre goes the distance!
In addition to the progress on the build, we've been having some productive discussions about our vision, mission, and overall identity. We've been asking ourselves important questions about who we are and what being a cultural hub in the Waikato means. It's an inspiring, and ongoing, journey and we can't wait to share the outcome with you.
We're also exploring how we can incorporate the unique Waikato culture into every aspect of the Theatre - it's all about creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. We're determined to make people proud of their region when they visit us!
Stay tuned because we'll be sending more updates as things progress. We can't wait to share this incredible adventure with you.
Waikato Times: The stories behind the names on the seats in the new Waikato Regional Theatre
By Mike Mather
Originally published in the Waikato Times, Saturday 6 May 2023.
Jill and Warwick McWha have bought a named seat in the Take a Seat initiative, part of the Share the Stage campaign to raise funds for the new regional theatre under construction behind them. Photo: WAIKATO TIMES
An expression of appreciation for the performing arts, a yearning to leave your mark on your home city, or just a simple giving of a gift.
The reasons people have chosen to have their names – or the names of their loved ones – inscribed on plaques that will be affixed to chairs in the main auditorium of the new Waikato Regional Theatre are as many and varied as the shows that will be staged there.
Carol Snaddon, for example, wants to memorialise the memory of her late husband Ron. For Ron and Janice Smith it was an unexpected – but very welcome – anniversary present.
And for Jill Rodgers and Warwick McWha it’s a form of voicing their support for the $80 million facility, now under construction on Victoria St in downtown Hamilton.
The new theatre will be a venue for the quality shows and performances by big-name entertainers who have been largely absent from the city in recent years.
Momentum Waikato is busy raising the final $5m required to complete the project, so the facility and its operations can open debt-free in mid-2024.
Part of that campaign is the Take a Seat initiative, which aims to raise around $1m of the outstanding amount by seeking donations for at least 670 of the 1300 seats in the theatre.
By donating $1500, either in one go or over several scheduled payments, the names of people, their families, or their business or group title will be permanently displayed on a plaque on a seat in the main auditorium.
Up, up and away!
The Waikato Regional Theatre site one morning in late March, seen from the Kirikiriroa-Hamilton balloon operated by the Kiwi Balloon Company.
New World Rototuna joins Theatre's Business Collective Support
New World Rototuna opened in April 2006 as that north-eastern suburb of Hamilton was first being built around it.
To mark its 17th birthday, New World Rototuna made a significant donation to the Waikato Regional Theatre as part of our Business Collective Support programme - a huge thank to Suresh and the team on Horsham Downs Road!
Your business can invest in the cultural and economic development of Kirikiriroa and the Waikato by also becoming a Business Collective Supporter for the Waikato Regional Theatre.
To find out more please contact Janice via janice@momentumwaikato.nz or 07 834 0404.
Waikato Regional Theatre in the media
Theatre Upgrades Around the Country - CX Magazine
Meet Gus Sharp - The New General Manager of the Waikato Regional Theatre - CX Magazine
Waikato Theatre connects to river - Architecture Now
Regional theatre worries at latest lifeline thrown to Founders backers - Waikato Times
City set to soar with riverside refresh - Waikato Times (paywall)
Hamilton nipping at Wellington's heels - Waikato Times (paywall)
Fear as bulldozers loom in CBD riverside development - Waikato Times (paywall)
Stories behind names on seats in new Waikato Regional Theatre - Waikato Times (paywall)