Turner Centre general manager Gerry Paul is celebrating a record year for the Kerikeri-based community arts venue, with more than 45,000 people through the doors in 2025
Turner Centre general manager Gerry Paul is celebrating a record year for the Kerikeri-based community arts venue, with more than 45,000 people through the doors in 2025
After a record-breaking year at the Turner Centre, there are plans to make 2026 even better.
General manager Gerry Paul is promising plenty of entertainment to keep punters coming through the doors.
Paul said 2025 was the Kerikeri venue’s best year in its 20-year history, with 45,000people visiting the centre and 26,000 attending shows and performances. The centre hosted 558 bookings, and local groups made up 83% of usage.
“We removed financial barriers for 10,000 people through free or pay-what-you-can events, including 5000 tamariki and rangatahi, $139,000+ in community discounts went to community groups and non-profits, helping make the arts accessible for everyone.
“Behind the numbers are all the shows, workshops, and events that filled the centre with energy and creativity. That’s what made 2025 such a vibrant, buzzing year,” Paul said.
“Since 2021, event bookings have increased 165% and community bookings have surged by 366%. More than 80% of our use is by local groups, which shows what a community asset the Turner Centre is.”
He said looking ahead “we’ve got a programme we’re really proud of. Expect international acts and gigs that usually only stop in main centres, plus a mix of music, theatre, dance, and more that highlights the creativity of Aotearoa and beyond.
“Whether it’s a night of laughter, awe, or dance-floor energy, there’s something for everyone — and we can’t wait to share it with you under our roof."
He said one reason for the great year was that at the community’s request, the centre changed its operating model from a “venue for hire” to an active programmer and presenter of work.
“We staged 70 of our own events in 2025. This new model means we can diversify our programme, which is attracting new visitors. We’ve partnered with national touring companies and the Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ) to bring up shows that wouldn’t normally come to the Far North,” Paul said.
Kiwi band The Beths are part of The Turner Centre’s exciting programme for 2026, after a bumper 2025 at the Kerikeri venue
He said bookings for 2026 were filling fast.
“We’re particularly excited about our upcoming dance season. We’ve secured three of the top dance companies in the country – New Zealand Dance Company, Atamira and Footnote Dance. We’re also excited to be hosting The Beths later in March, who are an act we have been trying to get to Kerikeri for four years.
“Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand come in June, as well as an event called Winterless on June 27 ... which will be announced soon,” Paul said.
Paul’s personal highlights of 2025 at the centre include its 20th anniversary celebration show and the Matariki Celebration, with Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka Group, Pacific Dance New Zealand and the local Vanuatu String Band.
“Both of these community events booked out well in advance. They demonstrated the power of arts and creativity to connect and inspire communities. We’re really looking forward to our programme of Toi Māori events coming up this year – which will include music, dance and kapa haka performances, talks and workshops."
Paul recently visited India as part of an arts delegation organised by PANNZ and was working hard to bring more Indian talent and culture to the Turner Centre.
“Arts and culture play such an important role in connecting us as humans and defining who we are as a community.
“They allow us to share stories, express emotion and understand each other’s cultures more deeply. Our vision, Te Ranga Toi Waka - to be the waka that weaves together arts and culture for our community - captures exactly what we set out to do.
