Theatre would have ‘Hamilton focus’

Morrinsville Ward councillor Neil Goodger believes Matamata-Piako district ratepayers should not be asked to fund the new Waikato Regional Theatre project at all.

And while Matamata-Piako District Mayor Jan Barnes has made it very clear that district rates will not be used for the theatre, she said it will be a regional facility and asset and should be funded solely through Waikato Regional Council rates contribution.

Though there was no mention of funding allocation for the new $73 million theatre in the council’s10-year-plan, it was still a hot topic of conversation at the submissions hearing.

The proposed theatre, complete with an art gallery, boutique hotel and retail space, will overlook the Waikato River on Victoria St in Hamilton and if all goes according to plan, would be up and running by 2021.

Creative Waikato chief executive Sarah Nathan also presented at the hearing and said that seeking a financial contribution towards the theatre from council, was not part of their submission.

Philanthropic organisation Momentum Waikato had not yet approached other district councils for funding, she said.

Instead she identified their desire to continue meaningful partnerships with local government and other organisations for the betterment of communities.

Matamata-Piako District Mayor Jan Barnes said she was interested in seeing Morrinsville’s Wallace Gallery recognised as a regional art gallery.

‘‘We will spend time with you (the council) and come with a strategic plan,’’ Nathan said.

Barnes, after the hearing, in a statement provided, also spoke about the proposed regional theatre and said she believed it would be a regional asset.

‘‘We believe that the proposed theatre would be a regional facility, that everyone in the Waikato would benefit equally from, therefore, the funding should be split evenly across everyone in the Waikato,’’ she said.

People in the Matamata-Piako district should pay no more, or no less than those in any other towns in the Waikato, Barnes said.

‘‘Council was very clear on this matter, and provided this feedback to the Waikato Regional Council as submission to their Long Term Plan.’’