Guest editorial: Theatre of dreams a winner

Three cheers for Kath Frost and her letter regarding a larger and more comprehensive theatre for Whangarei.

The best idea we have heard yet. All her reasons are valid - size, multiple possibilities, and a great money spinner.

New Zealand does not stop at Auckland. A large catchment of theatre-goers north of Auckland could be served by such a facility.

Vibrant and growing communities exist throughout the north. These communities miss out on many excellent events because of distance and cost of travel, on top of tickets, and sometimes accommodation on top of that.

The big shows that many people travel to Auckland for - and it is extremely difficult for older people - would easily draw great response from the population south of Whangarei right up to the far north - so many people who miss out events they would dearly love to attend.

Good restaurants and shops at hand would also attract northern people.

Northland does not have adequate venues for modern productions and events of a varied nature.

Many tourists pass Whangarei by in their efforts to visit the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga. We need them to stop here!

A comical art gallery does not fit the bill. The Hundertwasser could still be built later - if the art world has the need for it.