Wintec widely involved in BNZ Theatre opening night

From directing and composing to performing on stage and carrying out technical jobs behind the scenes, Wintec staff, students, and alumni are widely involved in the official opening of Hamilton’s newest arts attraction.

BNZ Theatre in Hamilton's CBD.

Dubbed the BNZ Theatre, the space is set to open its doors tonight, welcoming theatregoers to its premier performance, To The Stars | Ki Ngā Whetū.

Wintec Group Director - Creative, Foundation, Education, Business, and IT, Sam Cunnane, welcomes the new theatre and recognises the significant role it will play in supporting the region’s creative landscape.

"Wintec has a proud history of being a part of our region’s creative community, and the BNZ Theatre will provide further great opportunities for our involvement.

“Having a world-class space like the new theatre in our backyard creates many opportunities for our ākonga [students] and kaimahi [staff], helping to grow our creative sector,” said Sam.

Sam Cunnane, Wintec Group Director - Creative, Foundation, Education, Business, and IT, leads discussion at 2025 Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators (ANZAAE) event at Wintec's City Campus.

The theatre’s maiden performance will run for three days and is expected to be a colourful celebration of Waikato talent, directed by Wintec academic Dr Jeremy Mayall and Master’s student Courteney Mayall.

“To The Stars | Ki Ngā Whetū is a celebration built through the hands, voices, and imaginations of the Waikato community,” said Jeremy.

More than 20 Wintec students, staff and alumni are set to perform in the show, with others involved off stage in various technical roles.

In addition to co-directing and performing in the show, Courteney also co-wrote one of the songs in the show’s exciting set list, alongside Wintec Music and Performing Arts tutor, Dr Nick Braae.

Dr Nick Braae on the keyboard, rehearsing with other performers.

Nick is confident the opening is going to be “a spectacular event” and was blown away by the volume of local talent involved.

“The show will be epic in the new venue and will truly celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the city’s creative scene. It’s a real privilege to be part of this opening extravaganza.

“It’s an amazing achievement by the creative team, led by Jeremy and Courteney, to bring together so many talented people from the Waikato community.

“Every day during the final rehearsal week, you spot new people backstage who you didn’t know were involved but are contributing in some way!”

Nick will also be performing in the show, playing the keyboards in the pit orchestra at the event.

Audiences can expect a vibrant combination of performances, including music, dance, storytelling, and visual artistry.

For more information on the BNZ Theatre and To The Stars | Ki Ngā Whetū, head to bnztheatre.co.nz