About & Contact, The Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre-Te Whare Toi ō Kaikōura
About & Contact
Welcome to The Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre-Te Whare Toi ō Kaikōura!
The Mayfair is a not-for-profit, community-owned theatre screening the latest blockbusters and art movies. The Mayfair hosts live music, theatre, art exhibitions and community events. The Mayfair is available for hire for functions, weddings and performances as well as conferences and corporate events.
After an amazing fundraising effort following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, we reopened in November 2020 following a major rebuild, retaining the original 1934 art deco façade but with new facilities including two auditoriums, a gallery space, and conferencing facilities.
Find Us & Contact
We are located at 80 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300
Phone 03 424 9272
Email info@themayfair.org.nz
Facebook facebook.com/mayfairkaikoura
A Brief History of the Mayfair
1934
The Mayfair Theatre, designed by W Melville Lawry of Christchurch, was built in 1934. Colin Ford and his wife owned and operated the theatre for many years.
1970
In 1970 Kaikōura High School leased the business as a school fundraiser and it was purchased for $13,000 on behalf of the community. When the school relinquished the lease in 1983 the Kaikōura Community Theatre Inc. (KCT) was formed.
2013
The Mayfair Theatre moves to digital with $120,000 raised by the community for the new projector, sound system and screen. The theatre became increasingly popular as a centre for community entertainment, including “Live at The Mayfair” which showcased local talent.
2016
The November 2016 earthquake damaged the building to such an extent that it must be completely rebuilt. The digital projector purchased in 2013 survives the earthquake.
2017
A feasibility Study funded by The Lottery Board established a viable plan to preserve the original Art Deco façade of the building and to create an eco- friendly, future proofed Arts and Culture Centre.
2019
With the old building demolished, the iconic façade preserved, and the new design finalised fundraising begins to make the ambitious vision a reality. Major funders pledge their support; including the Lottery Board, Southern Trust and the Kaikōura Op Shop Trust and combined with the numerous individual donations enough funds are raised to begin construction of the new building.
Nov 2020
Despite construction being paused during March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the building and fit-out is completed on-time. The Mayfair Arts and Culture Centre – Te Whare Toi ō Kaikōura is officially opened.
2020
Successfully delivering a quality arts, theatre and cinema experience so that the Kaikōura community and its visitors can be entertained, educated and inspired.
The Mayfair Board of Directors
John Wyatt QSM, President Tāhūhū Rangapū
Linda de Vine, Vice-President
Joey Paterson Operations Director
Sandra Wyatt QSM, Secretary
Concillor Lisa Bond-Kaikōura District Council representative
Jan Dasler
Diane Rossiter
Nicky McArthur
Dot Halliday
Patron: Melville Syme QSM
Stuart Grant, Acting Treasurer