Ōtaki Civic Theatre seismic strengthening
We’ve strengthened the Ōtaki Civic Theatre so the heritage building can better withstand a potential future earthquake.
Background
The theatre has high local heritage significance, value to the Kāpiti Coast community and as place of public gathering it is important the building can withstand a strong shake.
Between 2025 and 2026, work to seismically strengthen the existing theatre structure, while maintaining its integrity and character as an Art Moderne building, has been completed.
The work included:
- an upgraded fire system,
- a new accessible unisex bathroom facility
- and an extension to the rear of the building to accommodate storage and mechanical services.
The estimated value of the project including construction and professional fees is $3.5m.
This project follows the refurbishment work co-funded by the Provincial Growth Fund through its COVID19 response and completed in 2021.
Kia Maumaharatia Mural
With the blessing of the original artist and the Ōtaki community board, the Kia Maumaharatia mural will be redesigned on the western side of the theatre building at a later date.
History
The Civic Theatre in Otaki is a place of high local heritage significance, which is recognised by its scheduling in the District Plan, item B116, and a wide level of interest in the local community.
The present Civic Theatre was built in 1938. It was constructed as a purpose-built live theatre and retains that use today, although it was also used to screen movies, from its very early days up until the early 1990s (this mixed use was fairly common in the era). Ownership was taken over by the Otaki Borough Council in 1955, and the building has been leased ever since by the council and its descendant organisation (Kāpiti Coast District Council), to various theatre and community groups.