26 May 2010 - Trish Giddens

As Waipawa M&D prepare for the final show of Oliver at the Waipawa Municipal Theatre, the Theatre Redevelopment Committee are in full swing for the final stretch of the fundraising.  The Council and Committee have been blown away by how the community has got in behind this project.

The stock drive saw an amazingly positive response from the rural sector and the tally is at nearly $40,000.  I'm so grateful to all those farmers for their contribution.  It's very encouraging to see that people can see through the financial gloom and droughts that have affected our district for the past three years, in order to make sure that an important project for the community succeeds.  And I'm pleased to see our generation making the same sort of commitment that our forebears did in creating civic and community facilities for all to use and appreciate.

Council voted to begin redevelopment based on the success of the fundraising to date.  Once construction begins, we will be eligible for other sources of funds.

Thanks to the Central Hawke's Bay Consumers Power Trust, who with support from the Centralines Board, has signed on as the theatre's platinum sponsor - a 10 year sponsorship package of $350,000.  The Trust felt the redevelopment project was a fantastic way to recognise a significant milestone in Central Hawke's Bay's history - Waipawa's 150th year.  Their commitment is also a measure of how valuable the Trust sees the theatre as a community asset that has to be maintained and developed for the benefit of our future generations.

Since the project started, the theatre has received sponsorship of $350,000 from the Central Hawke's Bay Consumers Power Trust; $180,000 from the Eastern & Central Community Trust; donations of $10,000 from Waipawa M&D and $25,000 from Waipukurau Rotary; grants from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council of $500,000 and $500,000 from the Lottery's Community Facilities Fund.  The Council has allocated $430,000 through its Long Term Council Community Plan.

Now we need to focus on raising the last $900,000, so I want to ask you to contribute. There are sponsorship packages still available with a range of benefits for sponsors, make a donation to the project and please support one of our upcoming fundraising events.  All proceeds go to the Theatre Redevelopment Fund (Waipawa Municipal Theatre Society Incorporate, Registration No: CC43481).

On 28 May, the international Poinsett Piano Trio will be performing pieces from Rachmaninoff, Beethoven and Shostakovich.  The Trio approached us to play, having read about our Theatre refurbishment project online.  Cellist, Christopher Hutton is a New Zealander who has trained and performed extensively both here and overseas.  He is joined by his wife Deidre on violin and David Gross on piano.  Their concert will see the theatre used to great effect.  The acoustics are perfect for this type of performance.

Then on 5 June, get a group of friends together and let loose to the sounds of the Hawke's Bay Jazz Club Big Band.  This Swing Ball will be sold out quickly, so book your tickets as soon as possible.  The Ball will be plenty of fun for practised dancers or beginners who will be given a tip or two on what to do.

Tickets for these events are available at Waipawa Fish Supply or phone 06 857 8018; or CHB Promotions, Railway Esplanade, Waipukurau, phone 06 858 6488.

And for schools, families and local groups - get together and raise some money to donate, and we will record your donation for posterity in an artwork to be created by award-winning local artist Cefyn Gauden. The artwork will be installed in the redeveloped Theatre.

For more information about the project, or if you would like us to come and talk to you or your group about the redevelopment and sponsorship opportunities, please contact John Freeman at Council on 06 857 8060.

The Waipawa Municipal Theatre/Waipawa Town Hall will be closing on 16 August for the commencement of the refurbishment project.

Events to take place before the theatre closes are:

• Poinsett Piano Trio on Friday 28 May, 2010
• Swing Ball on Saturday 5 June
• Oliver from Wednesday 7 July to Saturday 17 July
• Waipawa 150th Centennail Ball on Saturday 14 August

Trish Giddens

MAYOR