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.
Cabbage Tree Café moves in at the isite Information Centre
A lovely new feature at the isite Information Centre: The Cabbage Tree Café!
The new owners Anna Xu and Henry Wu are all set up and ready to go. They previously operated The Cabbage Tree Café on Rathbone Street and have kept the same business name.
Reana Te Hei, Whangārei isite Team Leader is ecstatic – “it already feels busy with curious locals and tourists noticing the activity, we are so excited!"
"When the visitor centre was built back in the 1990’s the site was specifically chosen with the visitor’s needs and wants in mind – free parking, a playground for the kids, toilet and shower facilities, an information centre, and of course a café."
“The isite is a one stop shop for the many manuhiri (guests) we welcome to Whangarei 364 days a year. We leverage each other’s customers so it’s a win for all."
Like the isite, the Cabbage Tree will be open 7 days a week, closed only on Christmas day. The cafe will open from 7:00am until 4:30pm.
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