By Shelly Warwick
Ōtaki’s beloved Civic Theatre is boarded up once again for an extended time for Earthquake
strengthening work.
The work is necessary for the safety of those inside and outside the building, but a test for the Ōtaki
Players Society who have no home at present due to the work. Another disruption to their ability to bring us local theatre entertainment following a refurbishment that began in October 2020 and was not completed till June 2021.
The refurbishment work was bought forward thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF). Works included replacing the roof, upgrading the toilets, partially rebuilding the stage, replacing damaged seating and flooring, and repairing the exterior of the building and gutters. While the building was not rated as earthquake-prone, Council was committed to continue to plan for future earthquake strengthening work.
And at the end of 2024 the theatre was once again boarded up for the Earthquake or Seismic strengthening. The primary scope of work is to seismically strengthen the existing theatre structure to achieve an agreed percentage New Building Standard (greater than 70% NBS) – whilst maintaining the integrity and character of the existing Heritage Art Moderne building.
The scope of work will also address the provision of accessible toilets(s), fire safety upgrade, electrical system upgrade, and accessibility into the building. All this necessary so our beautiful old Theatre has a future.
The Ōtaki Civic Theatre as we know it now is the second theatre on the Main Street site. The first theatre, known as Brights, was built by Fredrick and Arthur Bright in 1913 for the princely sum of £3000.
As one the largest theatres between Palmerston North and Wellington, it was the venue for many events from skating to flower shows, concerts and balls, while still serving as the community’s picture theatre. Early films were silent; the first talking film played at the theatre in 1929, and drew such a large crowd that people had to be turned away.
Tragedy struck when fire completely destroyed Brights Theatre on Christmas Eve 1935.
Three years later, in 1938, the Borough Council rebuilt the Ōtaki Civic Theatre. Initially, it was used mainly as a picture theatre, but over the years also hosted a range of other events, including patriotic concerts during the war years such as concerts by the world-famous Ōtaki-born opera singer Inia Te Wiata.
Ōtaki Players started on Wednesday the 7th May 1947 and moved around town putting on performances in many different venues, including the Civic Theatre.
In 1991 The Ōtaki Players had the chance to return to the Civic Theatre, 40 years after the first performance there. The Council of the time and the Ōtaki Players agreed to a lease and finally they had a permanent home for their large number of props, costumes, and equipment. From this point they have not looked back producing a range of quality performances for the Ōtaki Public.
The Players, a volunteer group, poured their hearts, and their money into the theatre and for over 30 years have been like guardians of our Grand old building, doing maintenance and upgrades with the money earned from plays to keep the theatre going. Without the players we may not have had a theatre to refurbish as it most probably would have been a ruin.
The Ōtaki Players have, for decades, been a theatre experience that is very local and accessible, not only to the audience but also to the participants. Many locals, and importantly many local youths, have had the opportunity to be part of a working theatre right in town. Very important if you don’t have the money to travel out of town several times a week to be part of this experience.
Many get the impression that the theatre is not being used a lot. However, the players usually put on three performances a year, each one taking 3-4 months of rehearsals and preparation before the doors are open for the public to enjoy. So, although the doors may be closed, there is a hive of activity happening inside most days of the year. The players will try and accommodate others, but as you can imagine there is not a lot of time in the year’s calendar that the theatre is not being used.
A working theatre is such a fantastic asset to our little town and we can only say a huge
Thank you to the wonderful Ōtaki Players volunteers past and present, who over many decades, have kept the theatre local and upkept the building. Your patience is being tested but we look forward to your return in 2026.
