Theatre Royal Waimarino Charitable Trust

As the oldest provincial cinema in the country the theatre Royal was built in 1915. It had some remedial work done in the early 2000's but this was never completed. As part of that work a new roof was installed, which has leaked for the last 10 or more years. The trust owns the building and wants to repair and develop the building, so the vision for the theatre is for it to become a multi use complex with live entertainment, returning the movies and supporting the local schools, youth and the community by having the venue available for their use too.

Our community is rural and often felt to be out of the way, a little neglected and needs a venue that can bring the community together for celebrations, sharing fun and laughter. We hope to return the theatre to it's glory days as a grade 2 listed building. It also needs earthquake strengthening too, for which we do have a report. We hope to make the theatre a destination place that becomes self funding with movies of yesteryear, shows, productions, concerts that brings not only community together, but encourages visitors from out of the region too. The place has a lot of history that we'd love to share. Once the theatre is repaired and financially viable then the trust will seek to be able support the community through donations for youth and the arts.

Please help us repair this iconic, historical theatre, we receive NO government funding unlike other city based theatres so need YOUR support please.