To The Stars Ki Ngā Whetū

31/03/2026

At the core of our show was an ensemble of some of the finest local musicians set together in the orchestra pit at the BNZ Theatre providing the musical foundation for the whole performance.
This group of 30 musicians led by conductor Adam Maha provided the soundscape for the show, and while you may not have seen them (unless you had a chance to look into the pit!), you definitely heard them and felt the energy and passion they put into each performance.

Again, a selection of photos by Mark Hamilton.

27/03/2026

World Theatre Day.
A great day to remember our time in BNZ Theatre sharing this unique local story.
A range of shots from the show.

Photos by Mark Hamilton

25/03/2026

A huge part of what made the premiere performances of our show at BNZ Theatre a success was the awesome stage managers with their backstage and technical crew who helped make sure everything and everyone were in place, setup, safe, and ready to perform as the show continued to flow. This awesome crew are a skilled asset for any production.
Here are a selection of behind the scenes photos from Mark Hamilton.

01/03/2026

Still buzzing about the premiere performances of our show at the BNZ Theatre. It was a joyous celebration of the creative talent that thrives in our region. Here are a few images from Mark Hamilton of the show.

02/02/2026

Still buzzing about our community coming together to open the BNZ Theatre with a powerful display of local creativity!

Originally published in Waikato Times, Tuesday 20 January 2026.By Mike Mather.As the audience made their way into the main auditorium in Ham...

23/01/2026

A review of our performance as the opening of BNZ Theatre. Thanks Write On for the Arts!

Directors: Jeremy and Courteney MayallConductor: Adam MahaStory and script writers: Aimee Anderson-O’Connor, Scott Granville, Alexis Holmes, Maria Huata, Dan Inglis, Benny Marama, Courteney Mayall, Jeremy Mayall, and Cian ParkerChoreographers: Alexis Holmes, Lauren Mann, Mikey Sorenson and Kelly W...

18/01/2026

Getting everything ready for our premiere tomorrow night at BNZ Theatre.
The cast, crew, and creatives from so many different realms have been doing an amazing job bringing this show together ready to share in this beautiful new venue.

An ensemble cast will take to the BNZ Theatre stage on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in a unique (and entirely Waikato-made) production.

11/01/2026

Exciting to chat to SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music about the premiere of To The Stars Ki Ngā Whetū on next week as the opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre.
Exciting times!!

06/01/2026

Momentum is building towards the premiere of To The Stars Ki Ngā Whetū at Waikato Regional Theatre on the 19-21 January.
A celebration of creativity with over 450 artists, creatives, performers, technicians, crew and more bringing their artistic skill together in a unique world premiere!

23/12/2025

We have been having a wonderful time rehearsing with lots of different groups and bringing the show together.

Looking forward to moving from different rehearsal rooms, school halls, community halls, and other venues into the Waikato Regional Theatre in January!

There is still a chance to go in for the chance to get two tickets to see the performance: https://airtable.com/appUb6nydkk8b12MS/shrNKSQEo77SKVF1C

05/12/2025

Things are coming together for our opening performance at Waikato Regional Theatre. We are very excited to share this brand new story which brings together a broad range of performing art forms into a celebration of creativity and place.

This collaborative production has been shaped and written by a creative team who each brought their perspectives and skillsets into making something that weaves voices together. The creative minds of Aimee Anderson-O’Conner, Alexis Holmes, Benny Marama, Cian Parker, Courtenéy Mayall, Dan Inglis, Jeremy Mayall, Maria Huata, and Scott Granville helped shape our story of family and creativity providing the material to guide the show. We also worked with Michael Moore, Nick Braae, Kyla Greening and Rosalie Norton who made additional contributions to the writing of this show.

This is a collective celebration of Waikato creativity made specifically for the opening of the theatre.

Thanks also to Alan and Area Design for their contribution to our design and this video.