Law firm’s $250k gift to new theatre
From To Kill a Mockingbird to 12 Angry Men to The Merchant of Venice, the world of law and the courts has always made for good theatre.
The prosperous relationship of those two institutions is being continued in Hamilton with top city law firm Tompkins Wake forging a close alliance with those behind the new Waikato Regional Theatre – a bond now cemented with a $250,000 contribution to the theatre’s coffers.
The gift – made under the auspices of Momentum Waikato’s ongoing Share the Stage campaign – comes as the firm celebrates its 100th birthday this month.
Located at the south end of Victoria St, the theatre will be a multipurpose performing arts centre with a 1300-seat auditorium, circle balconies and flexible staging. It will be able to host drama productions, kapa haka, orchestral concerts, rock-pop-and-rap gigs, musicals, ballet, opera and community ceremonies.
The project started in August 2021 and is expected to be completed about June 2024.
Chief executive Jon Calder said the theatre would be a world-class facility and a valuable community asset.
‘‘The theatre is one of several projects, many being led by other Tompkins Wake clients, that will be the catalyst for transformational change in the heart of Hamilton.
‘‘We were particularly drawn to Momentum Waikato’s . . . vision for the theatre to give every child the opportunity to perform on the same stage as the best acts from New Zealand and across the globe.’’
Tompkins Wake had been in partnership with Momentum Waikato since the latter’s inception in 2013, providing pro-bono legal services and support. Calder said the gift was a substantial way the firm could ‘‘give back’’ to the people of Waikato who had supported them over the last century.
‘‘Hamilton and the Waikato region are where Tompkins Wake was founded. It will always be a place of special significance for our firm and our people, past and present.
‘‘We are proud to be making this gift to the theatre . . . and to be working alongside other generous donors, many of whom are our clients, to make sure we can all enjoy this world-class facility for many generations to come.’’
Momentum Waikato chief executive Kelvyn Eglinton said the foundation’s ability to contribute to the wellbeing of Waikato residents depended on the generosity of its donors and supporters.
‘‘That generosity is not just about financial donations coming from individuals or companies. It is also very much about those who give their personal time, energy and commitment to important charitable causes.
‘‘Momentum Waikato appreciates the support that Tompkins Wake has given to us over the last nine years, and the expertise and care provided by their partners and staff. The firm is an important resource for us, supporting all our activities, particularly during the long and challenging journey to build the new Waikato Regional Theatre.’’
The Share the Stage campaign to raise funds for the Waikato Regional Theatre aims to get all sectors and all ages of the region’s community involved in their new asset.
It needs to raise $5 million to ensure the $80 million facility in downtown Hamilton opens on schedule – and debt-free – in mid2024.