Megan Peacock Coyle to be Hawke's Bay Opera House and arts precinct manager

Megan Peacock Coyle has been appointed Hawke's Bay Opera House and arts precinct manager. Photo / Supplied

A familiar face to the local arts scene has been appointed to the role of Hawke's Bay Opera House and arts precinct manager – Megan Peacock Coyle.

Peacock Coyle was born and raised in Hawke's Bay, is currently manager of Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Tauranga and was manager of the Oamaru Opera House prior to this.

She has a long association with the Hawke's Bay Opera House, going back to her days as a student when the EIT Drama School was based there.

Peacock Coyle then went on to be a part-time tutor for the school before taking a role as the Opera House technical and operations co-ordinator and later the arts and programming manager.

"I truly believe that arts and culture in any region can be responsible for helping to build community identity and pride which in turn leads to positive community norms, such as diversity, tolerance and free expression, which ultimately leads to a progressive and balanced society," she said.

"It is a special building that I hold partly responsible for many of my life's successes, due to the passion, integrity and perseverance of the many respected arts practitioners and leaders that have been a part of the building over the years."

Alison Banks, group manager of community facilities and programmes, said: "As the manager for this iconic venue, Megan's role will be focused on promoting the Hawke's Bay Opera House and arts precinct as a local, regional and nationally recognised home for performing arts, reflecting the diversity of cultural interests, and as a national venue for conferencing.

"This role will also develop the Opera House precinct for future generations of artists, audiences, visitors and local communities. Megan will be a significant member of the community facilities and programmes team and I look forward to working with her."

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst is looking forward to having Peacock Coyle lead the Hawke's Bay Opera House and arts precinct at a very exciting time.

"By the end of next year we will have a wonderful new facility to host major events and conferences in our region," she said.

"Having someone of Megan's experience and expertise, who has strong ties with the arts community and with the Hawke's Bay Opera House, will ensure the facility meets the variety of needs of local, national and international performers and events."

Peacock Coyle will start on July 23.