2246 days ago

Theatre Society celebrates 70 years

Annette Lambly-Robinson Reporter from Whangārei Leader

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 14% No
    14% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1326 votes
1 day ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 hour ago

Sunday 1.Dec. Basin City Big Band at Flames Hotel Onerahi 2-4.30 pm

Silke from Tikipunga

Northern Jazz Society invites to an afternoon at Flames Hotel with the Basin City Big Band, vocals Jasmin Fisher-Johnson, Estevez Gilliespie, Peter Minson and Ellen-Rose Calvert. General Admission, cash only $15,

Jazz-Poster-Dec-2024.pdf Download View