BNZ Theatre - About Us
The brand-new, purpose built, state-of-the-art BNZ Theatre sits on the banks of the Waikato River in central Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. The theatre respectfully integrates the 1923 heritage façade of the Hamilton Hotel and acknowledges mana whenua: Ngāti Wairere, Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa, and local iwi Waikato-Tainui.
Managed by global live entertainment leader Live Nation, operators of Spark Arena and The Tuning Fork in Auckland, and San Fran in Wellington, the BNZ Theatre is poised to become a cornerstone of the national performing arts scene. The BNZ Theatre hosts a diverse range of performances across all artforms, from flagship New Zealand performing arts to international artists and local community groups.
PROJECT TIMELINE
2016: Closure of Founders Theatre due to safety concerns, prompting the need for a new regional venue.
2016: Momentum Waikato proposes a new theatre, and subsequently coordinates, plans and fundraises for this transformational project for Hamilton.
2017: After a review of 25 potential locations, the Hamilton Hotel site is chosen for the new theatre.
2018: Preliminary and developed designs are completed by architects Jasmax and Charcoalblue.
2018: Waikato Regional Property Trust is formed.
November 2021: Official sod-turning ceremony with then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
December 2024: Waikato Regional Property Trust enters into an operating lease with Live Nation for the new venue.
February 2025: "Topping off" ceremony marking the placement of the final structural steel on the 33m fly tower.
January 13 2026: A 5-year naming rights partnership is announced. The theatre is renamed BNZ Theatre, reflecting Live Nation and BNZ’s shared commitment to supporting arts, culture and community.
January 14 2026: Tangata whenua, community leaders and project stakeholders gathered to bless the theatre, led by representatives of Ngāti Wairere, Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā.
January 19 2026: Community opening with three days of community celebrations titled To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū.
January 23 2026: Official Launch Event featuring an inaugural performance by TEEKS.