Waiheke On Stage
Waiheke On Stage: local voices, local stories, centre stage.
The Waiheke On Stage Foundation was born from a simple belief. That the performing arts aren’t a luxury —they are the lifeblood of all thriving communities. Theatre tells our stories, reflects our struggles, celebrates our triumphs, and brings us together in ways few other things can. And right here, on Waiheke Island, there are so many voices and talents waiting to be heard, nurtured, and shared.
Vision and Aspirations
To support and grow the performing arts in our community — by providing opportunities, funding, and resources to local actors, community theatre groups, writers and creatives – young and old - who dream of seeing their family, their friends, their stories on stage.
Our Objectives:
- Establish an endowment fund to support the Waiheke On Stage Foundation in perpetuity
- Provide financial support to local actors, directors, and theatre groups
- Fund performances, workshops, scholarships, and school holiday programmes
- Support the creation of new works that reflect our local stories and histories
- Increase community participation in the performing arts
Why this matters
In small communities like ours, resources for the performing arts are often limited. Yet theatre and live performance play a vital role in:
- Maintaining community identity
- Fostering social connection
- Improving individual wellbeing
On Waiheke, there’s a clear and growing need for investment in:
- Performing arts infrastructure
- Actor and director development
- Study scholarships
- High-quality, accessible live performances
Without support, we risk losing not just performances, but the shared moments, stories, and sense of belonging that only live theatre can provide.
Case for Support
This initiative will create meaningful opportunities for local performers, directors, technical crew and audiences; increase participation in the performing arts; improve community engagement and wellbeing; and enhance the vibrancy and reputation of Waiheke Island as a creative, inclusive, and culturally active place to live and visit.
How you can help
We seek financial support to launch our inaugural year of activities and establish a sustainable, long-term community performing arts fund for Waiheke Island. We will distribute funds annually while building an endowment so our legacy lives on.
Help us bring more stories to life on our local stages and venues. With your support, we can offer opportunities to actors of all ages, give emerging directors and writers a platform, and keep our island’s creative heart beating strong.
Every donation — big or small — makes a difference.
Let’s work together to build something special so we can all see more of Waiheke On Stage for many years to come.
Our Advisory Committee
The Waiheke On Stage Foundation has an Advisory Committee whose role is to select projects, groups and individuals to receive support. The members of the Advisory Committee are all Waiheke residents with backgrounds in philanthropy, theatre, and community service.
Pictured: Jackie Havercroft (Left), Janis McArdle (Middle), Tim Kay (Right)
Janis McArdle – Advisory Committee
Former television journalist, then marketing and funding director for several large charities and senior public sector manager, now working as a business and career coach, and volunteering as a theatre director.
Jackie Havercroft – Advisory Committee
Swapped an international corporate and finance career for primary school teaching, initially in Singapore and the on Waiheke Island, now firmly embedded in community volunteering.
Tim Kay – Advisory Committee
Founder of Variety, the Children’s Charity, with 30+ years raising funds for some of New Zealand’s largest charities. Currently the Philanthropy Director for the Auckland Foundation and a Waiheke resident.
