Future of Civic Theatre to come before the public

The public are being asked to discuss a future vision for the Waipukurau Civic Theatre.
Mayor Trish Giddens says “The digital age has suddenly arrived and we need to review how theatre services are to be delivered to Central Hawke’s Bay before the current Civic Theatre contract expires.”
Council wants to meet with interested CHB residents over the next year to develop clear options for consultation during the 2012-2022 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). The official consultation phase will be held in April – May 2012.

Mayor Giddens is encouraging citizens to let Council know about their ideas. “It is so important to get Central Hawke’s Bay cinema and theatre services right for the future,” she said.

Future options could include:
· one large theatre or two boutique theatres

· the purchase of digital projector equipment

· Future Council services operating out of the Civic theatre building


The Civic Theatre was opened in 1981 by the Waipukurau District Council to provide theatre and conference facilities for the community. The Civic Theatre is owned by the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and since 1999 and has been managed and operated by an independent contractor, Islington Trust. The current contract expires on 30 June 2014. Islington Trust has been in discussion with Council over the need to purchase and install digital projection technology in the theatre.