ABOUT US

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The Civic Theatre was opened on the 12th of November 1981.  Prior to this, movies were shown at the old theatre in Kitchener Street (the site of the current carpark across from the Waipukurau Library).  For a time movies were shown in the old St John's Hall, which was located near the Plunket Rooms.

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George Mitchell was the Civic's first manager when it was run by the local Council.  In 1999, the Islington Trust, run by Jim & Sandra Shand took over the operation, until 2014

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Today, the complex is run by Sereena & Donald Parkinson, showing movies, and also operating Latitude 40 South Cafe and Roaring Forties Takeaways.

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The main cinema seats 260+ people, and is equipped with the latest digital-cinema technology, the largest screen in Hawke's Bay, dolby surround sound, and has a system for the hearing impaired.

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Plans are in place later this year to re-open the 30-seat second cinema, with an investment in a new digital projector and improved audio equipment. This will allow the Civic Theatre to show two brand-new movies at the same time.

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We have also invested in an inflatable screen, with plans to utilise this for community fundraisers showing both older movies and new releases.  Watch this space!

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We also run a number of movie fundraisers, and if you are interested in running a fundraiser for your club or group, please contact us. We have a number of options available, and are happy to work in with you.

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