A 1980s vision by two local men for a new cultural hub in the country's northernmost district becomes a reality on Friday when a $7.5 million performing arts, entertainment and events centre opens in Kerikeri.
Known simply as The Centre, it already has advance bookings from performing arts and conference users into 2007, with groups including NZ Opera and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The centre, funded and built through a Kerikeri Civic Trust formed in 1995, has a 400-seat auditorium, a 350sq m subdividable function and events hall, theatre bar and reception with breakout rooms and service suites.
The idea of replacing the town's old memorial hall took hold when John Dalton and Doug Turner successfully lobbied the former Bay of Islands County Council for a new cultural and events centre. A site was identified and bought in 1989.
Architect Martyn Evans' design led some local critics to describe the building's flowing, organic shape as a beached whale or a ski ramp.
Centre for Kerikeri culture
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