The first voice to echo through Hamilton’s brand-new BNZ Theatre belonged to one of Aotearoa’s most loved artists.
Singer-songwriter Teeks has officially opened the $80 million venue, becoming the first public performer to take the stage as the curtain finally rose on the region’s long-awaited cultural landmark.
“It’s stunning. It’s beautiful,” Teeks said after stepping inside the theatre for the first time.
“I’m really impressed by the space. I can’t wait to see it filled with people and hear what it sounds like.”
For the artist, the moment carried special weight.
“It’s a huge honour and privilege to be the first public performance in this theatre,” he said.
“I take it as a big responsibility. I want to give people an experience and make a good impression.”
The opening marked a major milestone for Hamilton, which has been without a large-scale performance venue since Founders Theatre closed in 2016, effectively taking the city off the touring circuit for nearly a decade.
Venue manager Michael Gilling said the loss was deeply felt across the community.
“When Founders shut, we lost a lot of touring shows – ballet, orchestras, major productions – but also community performances,” he said.
“It really affected Waikato hugely. This brings all of that back.”
What followed was years of planning, funding and construction – an $80 million project backed by local and central government, along with the wider Waikato community.
Walking into the finished space, Gilling said the scale and symbolism were immediately clear.
“To have everything that represents Waikato in the building... the stone from the Waikato River, the woodwork, the artwork... and then combine that with world-class stage technology is really special,” he said.
The theatre’s design allows it to transform within hours, shifting from a 1300-seat auditorium into a standing-room concert venue, making it capable of hosting everything from opera and kapa haka to international music acts.
For Teeks, that kind of access was exactly what made venues like this one so important.
'We didn't have theatres where I grew up'
Raised in rural Northland, he said growing up without theatres nearby meant travelling long distances just to experience live performances.
“We didn’t have theatres where I grew up,” he said.
“I wish we did, because it would have made such a difference.”
“That’s why venues like this in regional towns are so important... especially for young people. Having access to music and the arts can be life-changing.”
Asked how he hoped audiences would feel walking out after his performance, Teeks said connection mattered more than anything.
“I hope people feel inspired,” he said.
“This show is very stripped back and vulnerable... there’s nothing to hide behind. I want to connect with people in a really intimate way.”
Beyond opening night, the BNZ Theatre was already reshaping how major tours think about Hamilton.
'Once in a generation' venue
Live Nation New Zealand managing director Mark Kneebone said venues like this are rarely built – and even more rarely outside major cities.
“They’re built once a generation,” he said.
“For something like this to land in Hamilton is transformational.”
Kneebone said the theatre was expected to inject around $13 million a year into the local economy, driven largely by after-hours activity, from hospitality and accommodation to the night-time economy.
“This gives people a reason to be in the city after 6pm,” he said.
“That’s incredibly hard for city centres, and this theatre is a huge part of that regeneration.”
While some future acts remained under wraps, Kneebone confirmed the pipeline was strong.
“There are some jaw-dropping names coming,” he said with a smile.
“But more importantly, we’ve created a space where top-tier New Zealand artists can sell thousands of tickets in Hamilton.”
For Gilling, the dream booking would be a major theatrical production.
“I’d love to see something like Les Misérables in here,” he said.
“Seeing that big wall come down on this stage – that would be incredible.”
But for now, the focus was on what opening night represents.
“It’s rare that the reality exceeds the dream you had at the start,” Kneebone said.
“This feels like one of those moments.”
As the lights dim and the first performance begins, the message is clear: Hamilton is firmly back on the touring map.
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