Latest news with #PaulaSouthgate
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Retractable Seats Set To Unlock More Revenue For Waikato Regional Theatre
Press Release – Hamilton City Council Council confirmed the additional funding yesterday (29 May 2025) after the theatre owners, Waikato Regional Property Trust, explained they had exhausted all other funding options. Waikato Regional Property Trust will receive $1.3 million from Hamilton City Council to install retractable seating in the Waikato Regional Theatre, increasing its community use and revenue options. Council confirmed the additional funding yesterday (29 May 2025) after the theatre owners, Waikato Regional Property Trust, explained they had exhausted all other funding options. Following discussions with Live Nation New Zealand this year, the world-leader for entertainment bookings and operator of the Theatre, new retractable seating was added to the $80 million facility to have the option of a large flat floor space. Mayor Paula Southgate said ratepayers are expecting a theatre that is top quality and will last for generations. 'Live Nation is a world-class events promoter and we are so lucky to have secured them to run the Theatre. It speaks volumes about the confidence they have in Hamilton as a top-class events city. 'This Theatre will be an incredible asset, and will bring significant economic and community benefits to our city and region. Not only will it attract visitors, it will be a special part of the central city revitalisation riverside development, opening our city up to our beautiful river, which is what Hamiltonians have always wanted.' The funding has come from existing budgets, where money earmarked for the annual property, equipment and asset maintenance funding grant had not been spent due to the delay in opening. Angela O'Leary, Deputy Mayor and Creative Ambassador, said funding is more than just bricks and mortar, it's about supporting the heart and soul of the community. The retractable seating will make the Theatre a more flexible space with a quick turnaround between 600 seats on the lower level and a space for 1000 standing people. When extended, the floor will create a flat space for gala dinners, standing concerts, ballroom dancing, and other performances where people could stand or dance. Yesterday's funding decision is in addition to the $25 million Council contributed towards the new Theatre's construction, development contributions relief, an event sponsorship fund contribution towards opening events, and the annual property, equipment and asset maintenance grant. Council made the decision through a split vote of eight for and four against (Councillors Bydder, Pike, Taylor and Wilson). Councillor Macindoe declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in the discussion or vote.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Retractable Seats Set To Unlock More Revenue For Waikato Regional Theatre
Waikato Regional Property Trust will receive $1.3 million from Hamilton City Council to install retractable seating in the Waikato Regional Theatre, increasing its community use and revenue options. Council confirmed the additional funding yesterday (29 May 2025) after the theatre owners, Waikato Regional Property Trust, explained they had exhausted all other funding options. Following discussions with Live Nation New Zealand this year, the world-leader for entertainment bookings and operator of the Theatre, new retractable seating was added to the $80 million facility to have the option of a large flat floor space. Mayor Paula Southgate said ratepayers are expecting a theatre that is top quality and will last for generations. 'Live Nation is a world-class events promoter and we are so lucky to have secured them to run the Theatre. It speaks volumes about the confidence they have in Hamilton as a top-class events city. 'This Theatre will be an incredible asset, and will bring significant economic and community benefits to our city and region. Not only will it attract visitors, it will be a special part of the central city revitalisation riverside development, opening our city up to our beautiful river, which is what Hamiltonians have always wanted.' The funding has come from existing budgets, where money earmarked for the annual property, equipment and asset maintenance funding grant had not been spent due to the delay in opening. Angela O'Leary, Deputy Mayor and Creative Ambassador, said funding is more than just bricks and mortar, it's about supporting the heart and soul of the community. The retractable seating will make the Theatre a more flexible space with a quick turnaround between 600 seats on the lower level and a space for 1000 standing people. When extended, the floor will create a flat space for gala dinners, standing concerts, ballroom dancing, and other performances where people could stand or dance. Yesterday's funding decision is in addition to the $25 million Council contributed towards the new Theatre's construction, development contributions relief, an event sponsorship fund contribution towards opening events, and the annual property, equipment and asset maintenance grant. Council made the decision through a split vote of eight for and four against (Councillors Bydder, Pike, Taylor and Wilson). Councillor Macindoe declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in the discussion or vote.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Power cuts after possible tornado rips through Hamilton
Emergency services and council staff are helping with the clean up after a possible tornado ripped through suburbs in Hamilton on Thursday night. Tiles have been ripped off roofs and power lines brought down in Nawton and Dinsdale. Power was cut to nearly 100 homes there at about 9.30pm, but had since been restored. A further 300 homes in and around the southern suburb of Bader lost power at midnight but this was restored within an hour and a half. Early on Friday more than 170 properties remained disconnected. Civil Defence Waikato said it had received reports of a tornado, although MetService could not confirm that. It said there would be lingering showers as the thunderstorms moved eastwards. Mayor Paula Southgate said emergency services and city arborists were helping with clean up and repairs, and asked people to stay away from the area. Photos posted to social media showed fences blown over, a trampoline stuck in power lines and emergency services attending to a hole in a roof. Emergency services attended more than a dozen weather related calls overnight. Fire and Emergency were also called to trees blown down in Clevedon and Mangatangi, south of Auckland. High winds have been battering the region. Earlier on Thursday two homes in the city lost roof tiles and some trees were downed in the suburb of Dinsdale. One business had minor flooding. Severe thunderstorm warnings for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney issued earlier in the day by MetService had since been lifted. Elsewhere, Waipā District Council said a sudden hailstorm may have caused surface flooding in some areas. St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge posted a video of the aftermath to its social media account. Hail at St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge, Waikato this afternoon. Photo: Screengrab A Cambridge resident also posted "scary hail storm ... never seen anything like it" on social media. A low was moving eastward across the North Island, bringing possible severe gales, MetService said. It said there was also a low risk of a small tornado, which could occur with or without a thunderstorm. MetService said during Friday and over the weekend, a strong west to southwest flow would affect the country. Watches for the possibility of severe gales were in place for several areas, including Hawke's Bay, Southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin. There was a high chance these watches would be upgraded to wind warnings. A strong wind watch was also in place for Chatham Islands with a moderate chance of an upgrade. "Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures [are] possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService said. The forecasting agency advised residents in these areas to secure items that could be picked up by strong winds and drive cautiously. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney. Photo: MetService Meanwhile, road snowfall warnings were in place for three roads in Southland and Central Otago. Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road and Milford Road (SH94) were expected to have snow accumulate on Friday. In Bay of Plenty, State Highway 25 north of Thames was closed due to a slip early on Thursday. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the highway would remain closed while it awaited a technical evaluation and there was no detour available. It said motorists should avoid the area. Lanes on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki were also blocked due to multiple slips on Waioweka Gorge. Motorists can still travel on this route, however, they are advised to take care. NZTA's System Manager for Waikato Andy Oakley said it knew the state highway needed increased resilience and this was a focus for the agency. Fortunately, the wild weather is likely to clear up just in time for the weekend. During Friday and Saturday a strong west to southwest flow affects the country, MetService said. "We will still have the hangover from the current low pressure system that's moving across the country. So, strong southwesterlies persist through to Saturday," MetService's Heather Keats said. A ridge of high pressure over the North Island until Monday will calm the weather, with clear skies for most of the weekend, she said. However, there will be some showers in the south and west of the South Island. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Clean up begins after possible tornado rips through Hamilton, dozens without power
Emergency services and council staff are helping with the clean up after a possible tornado ripped through suburbs in Hamilton on Thursday night. Tiles have been ripped off roofs and power lines brought down in Nawton and Dinsdale. Power was cut to nearly 100 homes there at about 9.30pm. A further 300 homes in and around the southern suburb of Bader lost power at midnight but this was restored within an hour and a half. Early on Friday more than 170 properties remained disconnected. Civil Defence Waikato said it had received reports of a tornado, although MetService could not confirm that. It said there would be lingering showers as the thunderstorms moved eastwards. Mayor Paula Southgate said emergency services and city arborists were helping with clean up and repairs, and asked people to stay away from the area. Photos posted to social media showed fences blown over, a trampoline stuck in power lines and emergency services attending to a hole in a roof. High winds have been battering the region. Earlier on Thursday two homes in the city lost roof tiles and some trees were downed in the suburb of Dinsdale. One business had minor flooding. Severe thunderstorm warnings for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney issued earlier in the day by MetService had since been lifted. Elsewhere, Waipā District Council said a sudden hailstorm may have caused surface flooding in some areas. St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge posted a video of the aftermath to its social media account. Hail at St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge, Waikato this afternoon. Photo: Screengrab A Cambridge resident also posted "scary hail storm ... never seen anything like it" on social media. A low was moving eastward across the North Island, bringing possible severe gales, MetService said. It said there was also a low risk of a small tornado, which could occur with or without a thunderstorm. MetService said during Friday and over the weekend, a strong west to southwest flow would affect the country. Watches for the possibility of severe gales were in place for several areas, including Hawke's Bay, Southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin. There was a high chance these watches would be upgraded to wind warnings. A strong wind watch was also in place for Chatham Islands with a moderate chance of an upgrade. "Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures [are] possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService said. The forecasting agency advised residents in these areas to secure items that could be picked up by strong winds and drive cautiously. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney. Photo: MetService Meanwhile, road snowfall warnings were in place for three roads in Southland and Central Otago. Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road and Milford Road (SH94) were expected to have snow accumulate on Friday. In Bay of Plenty, State Highway 25 north of Thames was closed due to a slip early on Thursday. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the highway would remain closed while it awaited a technical evaluation and there was no detour available. It said motorists should avoid the area. Lanes on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki were also blocked due to multiple slips on Waioweka Gorge. Motorists can still travel on this route, however, they are advised to take care. NZTA's System Manager for Waikato Andy Oakley said it knew the state highway needed increased resilience and this was a focus for the agency. Fortunately, the wild weather is likely to clear up just in time for the weekend. During Friday and Saturday a strong west to southwest flow affects the country, MetService said. "We will still have the hangover from the current low pressure system that's moving across the country. So, strong southwesterlies persist through to Saturday," MetService's Heather Keats said. A ridge of high pressure over the North Island until Monday will calm the weather, with clear skies for most of the weekend, she said. However, there will be some showers in the south and west of the South Island. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Possible tornado damages properties in Hamilton, dozens without power
A tornado is reported to have torn through the Hamilton suburb of Nawton on Thursday evening, damaging property and trees. Power was cut to nearly 100 homes there at about 9.30pm. A further 300 homes in and around the southern suburb of Bader lost power at midnight but this was restored within an hour and a half. Early on Friday more than 170 properties remained disconnected. Civil Defence Waikato said it had received reports of a tornado, although MetService could not confirm that. Mayor Paula Southgate said emergency services and city arborists were helping with clean up and repairs, and asked people to stay away from the area. Photos posted to social media showed fences blown over, a trampoline stuck in power lines and emergency services attending to a hole in a roof. High winds have been battering the region. Earlier on Thursday two homes in the city lost roof tiles and some trees were downed in the suburb of Dinsdale. One business had minor flooding. Severe thunderstorm warnings for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney issued earlier in the day by MetService had since been lifted. Elsewhere, Waipā District Council said a sudden hailstorm may have caused surface flooding in some areas. St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge posted a video of the aftermath to its social media account. Hail at St Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge, Waikato this afternoon. Photo: Screengrab A Cambridge resident also posted "scary hail storm ... never seen anything like it" on social media. A low was moving eastward across the North Island, bringing possible severe gales, MetService said. It said there was also a low risk of a small tornado, which could occur with or without a thunderstorm. MetService said during Friday and over the weekend, a strong west to southwest flow would affect the country. Watches for the possibility of severe gales were in place for several areas, including Hawke's Bay, Southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin. There was a high chance these watches would be upgraded to wind warnings. A strong wind watch was also in place for Chatham Islands with a moderate chance of an upgrade. "Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures [are] possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService said. The forecasting agency advised residents in these areas to secure items that could be picked up by strong winds and drive cautiously. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Kaipara, Far North, Whangārei and Rodney. Photo: MetService Meanwhile, road snowfall warnings were in place for three roads in Southland and Central Otago. Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road and Milford Road (SH94) were expected to have snow accumulate on Friday. In Bay of Plenty, State Highway 25 north of Thames was closed due to a slip early on Thursday. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the highway would remain closed while it awaited a technical evaluation and there was no detour available. It said motorists should avoid the area. Lanes on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki were also blocked due to multiple slips on Waioweka Gorge. Motorists can still travel on this route, however, they are advised to take care. NZTA's System Manager for Waikato Andy Oakley said it knew the state highway needed increased resilience and this was a focus for the agency. Fortunately, the wild weather is likely to clear up just in time for the weekend. During Friday and Saturday a strong west to southwest flow affects the country, MetService said. "We will still have the hangover from the current low pressure system that's moving across the country. So, strong southwesterlies persist through to Saturday," MetService's Heather Keats said. A ridge of high pressure over the North Island until Monday will calm the weather, with clear skies for most of the weekend, she said. However, there will be some showers in the south and west of the South Island. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
