Featured Image: Live Nation New Zealand
Live Nation New Zealand has been selected to operate the new Waikato Regional Theatre in partnership with Waikato Regional Property Trust.
The venue is set to open in late 2025 in the Kiwi city of Hamilton and will have a capacity of 1,300 with standing and seated configurations.
Live Nation will bring a range of local and international acts to the region, while also creating a programme of comedy, theatre and family entertainment. There will be a focus on community access for cultural organisations including kapa aka, orchestras, ballet and local performing arts.
“We can’t wait to bring some top-tier local and international talent to the stage in Hamilton. It’s a diverse and growing city and we relish our role in contributing to the regional arts and entertainment communities across Aotearoa as custodians of this venue,” said Mark Kneebone, managing director of Live Nation New Zealand.
The aim of the project is to expand the region’s night time economy and domestic tourism, create new employment opportunities and facilitate partnerships with local hospitality and accommodation providers.
Alex Klos, chief operating officer of Live Nation Australasia, said: “Live Nation is thrilled to contribute to the effort to elevate arts and entertainment in the Waikato while bringing our global network and venue management expertise to what will be a world-class theatre. This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible belief and investment from the Waikato community and Waikato Regional Property Trust to make this venue a reality.”
Ross Hargood, chairman of the Waikato Regional Property Trust, added: “Our partnership with Live Nation is the single most effective way to realise the vision for the Theatre project, as it guarantees the top international and national touring shows can and will visit, that local productions have a top-of-the-line fully resourced venue on their doorstep, and that community, cultural and civic access is affordable and well supported logistically.
“This agreement with Live Nation delivers on our promise to ‘Share the Stage’ and means the Waikato Regional Theatre now has a sustainable and resilient business model that will offer fantastic experiences to audiences, hugely invigorate the Hamilton CBD, and realise substantial economic benefits and advantages for the wider city and region.”
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