To The Stars

To The Stars / Ki Ngā Whetū - A Spectacular Community Celebration to Open the Waikato Regional Theatre

The much-anticipated opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton will be marked by a world premiere performance, To The Stars / Ki Ngā Whetū, an original stage production that celebrates the people, places, and creative spirit of the Waikato region.

The official civic opening performances will take place on Monday the 19th, Tuesday the 20th, and Wednesday the 21st of January 2026, where invited audiences can expect to experience a colourful explosion of storytelling, music, dance, and visual artistry.

Directed by Jeremy Mayall and Courteney Mayall, To The Stars / Ki Ngā Whetū is a story of family and dreaming, loss and joy, told through a collaboration of local voices alongside creative and cultural communities. It is both an intimately personal narrative and multi-layered spectacle that showcases the physical and auditory range of the new space.

“To The Stars / Ki Ngā Whetū is a celebration built through the hands, voices, and imaginations of the Waikato community. It has been a collaborative process throughout. Featuring contributions from a range of local writers and creatives, our story brings together whānau, neighbours, schools, kapa haka groups, choirs, musicians, dancers, and makers of every kind in a shared act of creation,” says Director, Jeremy Mayall.

The production exemplifies the collaborative spirit within the Waikato, a collective effort that could only be achieved through support from stakeholders and the energy of hundreds of local individuals and participating groups.

The performance has been commissioned by the Waikato Regional Theatre Property Trust to mark the end of the epic construction process and to herald the opening of this wonderful new creative space for the Waikato. Ross Hargood, Chair Waikato Regional Property Trust shares “The opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre marks the beginning of a new chapter for our region. This building represents what’s possible when we work together with a shared vision. To The Stars | Ki ngā Whetū captures that spirit perfectly, it’s a story created here, for here, performed by our own people. It’s a celebration of what we can achieve together.”

The performance not only celebrates the opening of a world-class venue but also reflects the purpose of the Waikato Regional Theatre to provide a platform where community, creativity, and culture come together. A place where people can share the stage. 

To The Stars / Ki Ngā Whetū highlights the vibrancy of the Waikato region and promises to set the stage for an exciting new era of artistic and creative opportunities in New Zealand’s fastest growing city.

If people are interested in attending the opening performances, you can join a waiting list to get an invite in the ticket draw.