Trust Horizon supports upgrade of iconic Ōpōtiki theatre

The Ōpōtiki Deluxe Theatre is set to receive a facelift.

Trust Horizon is supporting the upgrade of the iconic theatre with a grant of $100,846 to ensure the facility is energy-efficient and fit-for-purpose.

Run by Ōpōtiki Community Theatre Trust, the Ōpōtiki Deluxe Theatre has proudly been an entertainment, cultural and education hub for the local community since it opened in 1926.

The Ōpōtiki Community Theatre Trust was established in 1982 when it bought the theatre and took over its daily operations. For the past 41 years, the Trust has focused on providing Ōpōtiki with a venue that meets the community’s needs.

“This focus is particularly important now, given that Ōpōtiki is undergoing a significant growth and development phase with many local projects underway,” says Ōpōtiki Community Theatre Trust Board Chair, Ellie Collier.

“Our mission now and into the future is to ensure that we continually improve, upgrade and adapt our theatre facilities to optimise the customer experience.”

The Deluxe Theatre has wide community use. Schools, clubs, organisations, and businesses hire the facility regularly for events, and locals come to the theatre to enjoy movie screenings and stage performances.

The duplex includes the main theatre, which seats approximately 450 patrons, and a mini theatre with seating for 42 movie-goers.

Trust Horizon’s funding support will allow for the purchase and installation of two heat pumps, insulation, LED lighting in the front-of-house areas, and specialist, commercial-standard sound and lighting equipment in the large theatre.

“Currently, the large theatre has only very basic lighting and sound capacity; the lighting can only highlight a specific area and we are reliant on some borrowed basic sound equipment,” says Collier. “We are excited to soon be able to utilise the theatre to its full capacity and potential for the benefit of our community.”

Trust Horizon is pleased to lend its support to a project that closely aligns with the Trust’s aim of seeing the region’s people thrive.

“The Deluxe Theatre is an iconic historic building and an integral part of the Ōpōtiki community,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Kevin Hennessy.

“The upgrades will ensure the building is fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient, and able to meet the growing community’s needs.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon community funding here.