Turner Centre’s community focus ensures success
The Far North’s ‘go to’ arts venue performed a balancing act of its own last year when it hosted 460 events which drew international and local performers to the district, while also supporting local artists, community activities and developing a strong partnership with mana whenua.
The last financial year was successful for the Turner Centre with 96 commercial bookings contributing to the local economy and 364 events booked by local groups, who benefited from community discounts of almost $118,000.
The community focus of the biggest performing arts centre in the region, based in Kerikeri, ensures local stories, youth programming, and accessible events are prioritised, as well as pay-what-you-can and free events being offered.
The council took ownership of the venue on 1 July 2024. Council ownership of the performing arts centre was given the thumbs up by ratepayers during a consultation last year, when 92 per cent of participants supported the move.
Turner Centre General Manager, Gerry Paul says trustees of the centre felt lucky to have community support.
“Many wonderful ideas from the community have helped us develop a programme that is reflective and relevant. Having the council on board with building ownership means we can focus on community activity and engagement and bring more vibrant events to the Far North.”
The venue hosts a huge range of artistic endeavours – from music, dance, theatre and Toi Māori to comedy, visual arts and festivals. A successful partnership with Ngāti Rēhia has seen the addition of community kapa kaha as well as a commissioned musical composition, written by Ngāti Rēhia composer Ruben Rameka, included in the centre’s programming. The centre’s new vision, Te Ranga Toi Waka, aims to weave diverse arts together to engage with the local community.
The centre finished 2024 on a high, winning the Ticketmaster Small Venue of the Year at the 2024 Event Venues Association of New Zealand Awards.
The 20th anniversary of the Turner Centre opening will be celebrated later this year with a range of special events. A revitalisation and rejuvenation project is currently in the design phase and plans to future-proof the centre’s success for the next twenty years.
Under the ownership agreement the council’s responsibilities include maintenance of the building and car park, while the centre’s General Manager and Trustees are responsible for day-to-day operations and delivery of arts and cultural events for the benefit of the community. This includes providing spaces for hire.
The council and trustees of the Turner Centre would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Doug Turner, a founder and original trustee of the centre who passed away last year.
Main photo - cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors, a musical production by Kerikeri Theatre Company that sold over 1300 tickets at the Turner Centre in 2024.