Shows make return to Te Raukura
Opening season a success despite the pressures of Covid
For the past two years, ever since Te Raukura ki Ka¯piti opened, shows have been just the tip of the iceberg for centre manager Sonia Hardie. Unseen has been the work below the surface, juggling the constant changes in Covid-19 rules and regulations.
“We opened with gusto in February 2020 with incredible community support and excitement, but soon had to close our doors in March due to the start of the pandemic,” Hardie said.
“It was a fantastic opening season but probably the most challenging
start that a long-awaited new venue could face.
“The following two years for Te Raukura, like the rest of the country, were up and down, opening, closing, restricting, and going ahead with events when small windows of opportunity allowed.”
The NZ Symphony Orchestra and Royal NZ Ballet managed to get shows in along with local performances by Ka¯piti Concert Orchestra, Coasters and Ka¯piti College with their production of Chicago, among others, from many genres including ballet, choir, orchestral, contemporary dance, theatre, gigs and comedy.
Despite the downtime and restrictions, Hardie said the shows and events that have been staged have, for the most part, been hugely successful.
“Our arts-loving community have supported and attended in substantial numbers, enjoying wonderful events spanning all genres of performing arts.
“After awaiting news of a change at the traffic lights, the news that vaccine passes are no longer required for entry at Te Raukura under the Government’s Covid-19 Protection Framework was welcomed.
“While eagerly awaiting news of a change at the traffic lights, we’ve been busy at the centre.
“We’ve kept up with all important maintenance making sure equipment is up to scratch and busy working with artists and producers to bring more amazing art to the Te Raukura stage for you to enjoy in the second half of 2022 when living and gathering will hopefully be much safer,” Hardie said.
“The most reassuring news is that both community and national companies are re-booking to bring more great performing arts experiences back to Te Raukura for our arts-loving community.”
Events scheduled for later in the year include Indian Ink Theatre Company’s production of Krishnan’s Dairy, TEDx Ka¯piti, Tom Sainsbury and local musician Andrew London.
While international bookings have been quiet Hardie said, “We are looking forward to audiences returning and bringing friends and family to encounter new performance experiences”.
“The opening of Transmission Gully may even mean more Wellingtonians venture up the coast for their performing arts fix.”
With the country’s move to the orange level setting, there are now no capacity limits, however, face masks are still encouraged inside.