History

The Turner Centre has been open and operating since August 2005, but our story starts in the early 1980’s.

Recognising the need for a modern centre to serve the community, a group of highly motivated individuals worked for years to realise their vision. The collective and visionary minds of Doug Turner, Martyn Evans and John Dalton and the integral support and assistance of a group of Directors, Trustees, Business minds and Volunteers got us to where we are today.

In 1992 local architect Martyn Evans started to produce concept drawings for our multipurpose building.

By 2003, contributions from Julian Robertson, FNDC, Foundation North (ASB Trust), NZ Lotteries, The Dalton Trust, Oxford Sports Trust, local businesses, individuals and other charitable trusts deemed sufficient to proceed with Stage 1 of the building. Stage 1 included the build of our Auditorium, Theatre Bar, Foyer and Event Centre.

In August 2005, The Turner Centre was officially opened by the Prime Minister The Right Honourable Helen Clark.

Further fundraising led to the build of Stage 2, nowadays known as The Plaza.

About

The Turner Centre today is a major asset to the district. Bringing together both performing and visual arts, the Centre is creating a vibrant, safe and friendly environment for all lovers of the arts. It is run with a dedicated team of largely volunteers and the huge variety of events and shows being staged throughout the year brings many visitors to Kerikeri.

The Turner Centre is designed to accommodate any and every type of event. Not only for community groups, but it also caters for commercial hirers – generating a substantial part of our revenue. This is given back to the community by giving all community groups discounted rates.

Governance

The Turner Centre is 100% owned by Kerikeri Civic Trust.
Our board members are:

  • Carol White – Chair
  • Robyn Terlesk – Trustee
  • Joanne Roberts – Trustee
  • Mariao Tehuranga Hohaia – Trustee
  • Kylie Mooney – Trustee
  • Cara Pinny – Trustee
  • Tim Crawley – Trustee
  • Rachel Smith – Trustee
  • Babe Kapa – FNDC Council Observer
    Babe sits on our board table because FNDC has a vested interest in the Turner Centre.