Theatre fund ‘hard sell’

Will Matamata-Piako have to chip in to build the new regional theatre in Hamilton? That was the question floated at a recent Waikato Regional Council meeting to discuss the theatre’s inclusion in the council’s 2018-2028 long-term plan, and a request for a $5 million contribution to be collected from territorial authorities around the Waikato.

Hamilton City Council Mayor Andrew King and general manager of venues, tourism and major events Sean Murray presented the Momentum Waikato Foundation funding request.

King said the $72.9-million theatre, proposed for the Hamilton Hotel building site on Victoria Street in the city, will benefit the region.

Should it go ahead, Hamilton will contribute $25m and Waipa, Waikato and Matamata-Piako district councils will be asked to stump up $4.5m in total, as those councils would derive more benefit than others farther from the city.

As such, the other councils will collectively be asked to contribute the remaining $500,000.

Councillors voted in the majority to include the proposal in the 2018-2028 longterm plan, with crs Kathy White, Fred Lichtwark and Barry Quayle opposed.

Waihou Cr Stu Husband said the fervour by which council seemed to support the theatre for the 2018-2028 long-term plan should be shared to regional facilities, too.