Theatre Society celebrates 70 years
Next month the Whangarei Repertory Society will celebrate its seventieth anniversary.
In April 1948, a small band of theatre enthusiasts got together at a private residence to form the society. Little would they have ever dreamed their successors would continue to attract sell-out houses some three score years and ten later.
After a series of different make-shift venues in the first 30 years, the society set up permanent residence at 13 Aubrey St in 1978 and, with the addition of a new octagonal auditorium (hence "The Octagon"), new life was breathed into the old villa.
Each year around 2,200 patrons enjoy the shows thanks to an ever-growing band of individuals passionate about the performing arts. They give freely of their time to source, research, direct and produce popular plays.
Topped off with affordable menus and a tipple or two served by dining and bar volunteers, it is a recipe for success that has stood the test of time.
The Society embraces the challenges to keep pace with millennium demands and, continually, rejuvenates itself with new faces, new ideas and new technology in order to future-proof its longevity.
As a non-profit charitable organisation managed by volunteers it relies heavily on donations, grants, membership fees and even bequests. The theatre and land are now freehold but insurance premiums and rates bite hard. And while a heroic treasurer constantly juggles the finances, it's the dedicated band of volunteers and loyal patrons that ensures the shows continue to go on.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.6% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.3% Critical thinking
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30.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.8% Other - I will share below!
Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday February 26th, 2026
Good People
Welcome to 2026!
The film night for our first WFS screening for the year will be on Thursday 26th February in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei.
Please note: There will be one screening only for the evening. It will follow the WFS AGM at 6pm.
We will be screening the NZ doco, Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke at 7:15pm.
Thanks to all for your continued support of WFS and hope to see you there.
NOT ONLY FRED DAGG BUT ALSO JOHN CLARKE
New Zealand, 2025, Documentary, 103 mins
Cast: Sam Neill, Ben Elton, Bryan Dawe
Director: Lorin Clarke
When satirist John Clarke died in 2017, the world mourned an icon. He was a defining comedic voice who wrote and appeared in numerous films and TV productions, and who – in a beloved double act with Bryan Dawe – skewered political hypocrisy for almost 30 years on current affairs shows.
In a series of recorded conversations with his daughter, writer/director Lorin Clarke, John traces his steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood and offers delightful insights into his four decades in the entertainment industry.
Weaving together personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, tales from international comedy greats and riches from Clarke’s work and letters, this is a deeply personal insight into a legend of the antipodean screen and a tribute to the disruptive power of creativity.
"In New Zealand, he was bigger than The Beatles." - Sam Neill
Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday, 26th February at 7:15pm following the WFS AGM at 6pm.
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. Non-members pay $5 extra as an Associate Membership fee per film (Total of $15).
WFS members from 2025 who register and attend the WFS AGM will be admitted to the film screening that night for free.
All welcome. Cash only please – NO EFTPOS AVAILABLE.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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