From Opera House celebrations through October, to news from HDC on popular reserves, to news from The Knowledge Bank and the HB Music hub for history and music buffs, and from HBRC on regional water situation, to Hastings Youth Awards, to HB Water Services getting organised, here are some noteworthy items you might have missed.
HB Opera House celebrated 110-year anniversary
Hastings’ iconic Hawke’s Bay Opera House will mark its 110th anniversary this October with a special art exhibition and live auction, offering the public a rare opportunity to own a piece of the venue’s storied history.
The 110 Years of the Opera House Exhibition opens Friday, 10 October and runs until Thursday, 30 October at Arts Inc Heretaunga’s Community Art Centre, culminating in a live auction on Friday, 31 October held on the Opera House stage.
The exhibition features eight of 10 original artworks created by some of Hawke’s Bay’s most celebrated artists—each painting representing a decade of the Opera House’s history. These works were digitally reproduced and displayed on the hoardings surrounding the Municipal Building during its earthquake strengthening.
Now, the original works by Freeman White, John Eaden, Kate Mackenzie, Mauricio Benega, Cinzah Merkens, Jo Blogg, Timo Rannali and the late Fane Flaws will be available to view during the exhibition and purchase at the live auction on 31 October.
Interesting e-newsletters
From HDC, latest news on two popular reserves – Tauroa Reserves fully reopens and massive planning at Tainui Reserve.
From the HB Music Hub, everything current you need to know about the HB music scene, whether you’re professional muso or an inveterate gig-goer.
From The HB Knowledge Bank, latest update on collection activities and links to fascinating content bringing HB’s past to life.
From HBRC, latest Monthly Environmental Report – details on rainfall, soil moisture, river flows and more.
Hastings Youth Awards
Hastings’ Ngā Tohu Aumangea – Youth Potential Awards were held this week, an opportunity to recognise local young people between 11 and 24 years who have achieved against the odds – showing commitment, hard work and resilience.
The candidates were nominated by local service providers, youth groups, community members, marae and schools.
The awards ceremony also celebrated those who this year received Youth Grants and Annie Aranui Scholarships to help them pursue their goals and aspirations.
In total 22 individuals and three groups received Youth Potential Awards, there were nine Youth Grant recipients and six wāhine received Annie Aranui Scholarships.
The annual Scholarships are funded, managed and administered by the Youth Futures Trust, with the grants supporting mana wāhine aged between 17 and 24 to progress their development and careers in the public sector.
HB Water Services governance settled
Central Hawke’s Bay District, Hastings District and Napier City councils have convened a Governance Group to oversee the next phases of establishing a new water services organisation jointly owned by the three Councils.
The Hawke’s Bay Water Services Joint Committee consists of the three mayors, one additional elected member from each council and an independent Chair.
At its inaugural meeting, the Joint Committee appointed Jon Nichols as Independent Chair, with Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise named Deputy Chair.
Nichols brings extensive governance experience to the role. Currently Chair of Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd, he also holds directorship positions in several organisations, including Unison Networks Ltd, ETEL and Eastland Generation. He has previously been a director of Napier Port.
The Committee’s immediate priority is to appoint an Establishment Advisory Board that will provide strategic oversight and direction to the project, including through the process of moving the water services from the three councils to the new combined entity. The Councils three Chief Executives will also play a key role in the formation of the new entity.
