'Billy T - Te Movie' for grand opening of Te Ahu Cinema

Movie goers in Kaitaia will get to see a long-awaited film about the life of famous Kiwi comedian Billy T James before most New Zealanders.

Te Ahu Trust and Cathay Cinema have secured the right to screen ‘Billy T - Te Movie’ at a gala opening of the Te Ahu Cinema on August 16 at 8pm.

The screening will be one day after the film’s world premier at a new cinema complex in Hamilton, but two days before it screens elsewhere in New Zealand.

Te Ahu Trust member Monty Knight says the trust is very excited to be able to officially open the cinema with the film which celebrates Billy’s extraordinary talent as a comedian, actor, writer and musician.

“It’s a very special New Zealand film for a very special New Zealand theatre.”

The opening promises to be Kaitaia’s social event of the year, with a two-hour soiree at the cinema getting underway at 6pm.

“Mayor Wayne Brown and his wife Toni are going to open it. There’s going to be canapés and bubbles.”
The trust will hold a charity auction of memorabilia and collectors’ items before the movie to kick-start a final fundraising phase for the Te Ahu project.

“We’ve got the money to finish the facility, but we need to add finishing touches.”
New drapes, additional lighting and a better sound system for the newly-refurbished Far North Community Centre are among the items on the trust’s wish-list.

“We’d like to have a children’s play area outside in the plaza and landscaped gardens.”

Mr Knight asks people to support the centre by donating items to the auction.

“It’s a beautiful facility. Let’s finish it off properly.”

Items donated so far include, a cricket bat signed by former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming and a limited edition magnum of Kaz Cabernet 1996 from Mr Knight’s Okahu Estate winery.

People can also buy a $75 ticket for the movie premier and gala opening and have their names recorded on a plaque that will be displayed in the theatre foyer.

“We’re going to issue an invitation that will be a keepsake to show you were there.”

The gala opening won’t be a black tie event, but the trust is encouraging people to dress up.

“We don’t want people to come in their gum boots. Ladies might like to wear a gown.”

Phone Monty Knight on 09 408 0888 or call at his 100% appliance store at 24 Commerce Street, Kaitaia, during business hours if you would like to donate an item for the auction.

Tickets for the gala opening are limited to 100 and available from the Far North District Council’s Redan Road service centre or by emailing Bev Crene at bev.crene@fndc.govt.nz