NTi NEWSLETTER
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In this newsletter:
ASB Trusts funding decision brings our vision much closer. Exciting news for NTi supporters: ASB Trusts has recently granted NTi $900,000 to fund our vision of a new theatre for Auckland. This early decision to support NTi is a tremendously important breakthrough for our campaign. The grant supports our running costs as well as the building project. This great support means we are well and truly underway on the capital campaign! ASB's commitment, together with private donations, takes us pass the $1 million mark. In another funding decision of note the Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate pledged $100,000 early in 2005. This was our very first trust grant - extremely fitting given Sir John Logan Campbell is considered 'Father of Auckland'. Over the next few months we'll be aiming to finalise the Auckland City
Council's commitment. We're looking forward to the Council's decisions,
likely to be early Spring, as these will allow us to launch the New
Theatre Initiative campaign publicly. Mayor and Mayoress of Auckland new NTi Patrons In a wonderful show of support, the Mayor and Mayoress of Auckland, Dick and Diana Hubbard, became our Patrons this year. We are hugely excited to have them behind us. At our premier launch event , the Mayor spoke about cultural activity and the theory of "tipping points" - describing how it is the little projects, like NTi's, that tip the big ideas into place. He looked forward to the development of the Aotea precinct and the city's cultural heart and the ways in which Auckland could become a truly C21st "Creative City". The Mayor and Mayoress join a distinguished list of Patrons who have supported us since 2000 including Dame Cath Tizard, Witi Ihimaera, John Gow, Roger Hall, Judith Tizard and Christine Fernyhough. Premier launch of NTi a huge success On Sunday 29 May at South Pacific Pictures NTi hosted a launch event introducing the new theatre to key influencers, funders and supporters. Our aim was to bring everyone together in the same room for the first time. A crowd of 80 gathered to hear from NTi chair Andrew Caisley, patron and playwright Roger Hall, SPP Managing Director John Barnett and Mayor Dick Hubbard. Guests were then treated to a special performance piece created by Michael Hurst for our launch. Our sincere thanks go to South Pacific Pictures for their support of the event. John Barnett spoke of the direct connections between practitioners of film and the performing arts and how this creativity and flexibility across industry was of great benefit to New Zealand. He also spoke passionately about another aspect of the new theatre idea - which was working for South Pacific Pictures - the very real and special benefit of putting creativity, talent and resource together in one space! Testament to that was the excellent performance which made our launch
event truly memorable. Huge thanks must go to Michael Hurst and his
talented team: set designer John Verryt, lighting designer David Eversfield,
sound designer Jason Smith, costume designer Elizabeth Whiting and actors:
Peta Rutter, Charlie McDermott, Leisha Ward-Knox and Michael Morris.
. To get a glimpse of the performance, click on the link to see photos
taken by David http://opticshock.net/gallery/NTI05.
Thanks to stage manager Frith Walker, and the team organising the event:
Exec, staff (Catherine, Tracy and Margaret) and especially the events
sub-committee of the Foundation Development Group: Scott Ashton, Pam
Canning, Janet Clarke, Jan Cormack, Heather Lee, Elaine Spearman and
Margaret Belich. Thanks also to Dawson's Catering for the scrumptious
finger food. Big thanks to all of our current members and those who have supported NTi in the past. We urge you to continue your membership and ask your help in attracting more like minds! A healthy and robust membership is important to us to show the City we have broad-based community support and a strong and clear mandate to achieve our vision. Please spread the word! As a special thanks, all our current members are in a draw to win a
three month subscription to fatso.co.nz
(over 9000 DVD's to choose from, delivered straight to your door!) to
be drawn on the 30th June. The NTI office has officially increased to three! Joining Margaret are newcomers Tracy Warman who is responsible for administration and reception and Catherine Nola who is working part time on events and communications. If you have any queries about your membership information, contact Tracy on 309 8324 or update your details on our site www.nti.org.nz/yourinthedraw.php. Up Close: Executive Member Jason Smith In addition to theatre he writes music for television productions, short films, radio productions, and corporate events. He recently wrote and produced a short animated series for TV3. Jason has played keyboards in various bands about Auckland and is currently working on an album of original music. In 2001 Jason established Platform Studios as a studio resource for local creative artists. Theatre productions, local bands, singer-songwriters, musicians, film and television producers, animators, and radio drama producers all intersect with the studio to create work. Extremely excited by the NTi project, Jason says he is "privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to its development… I see it as a logical extension of the creative environment already thriving in the area."
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The New Theatre Initiative
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