About US

Hawkins Theatre was built in 1990 by the former Papakura District Council. Then-mayor of Papakura George Hawkins, for whom the theatre is named, saw the development of a performing arts venue as vital to a thriving local community and a healthy theatre scene.

The Hawkins Theatre began life essentially as a venue for hire but has steadily evolved over the past 22 years into a community cinema and performing arts venue. Over the years it has hosted everything from local theatre to touring shows such as Men In Tutus, the Royal NZ Ballet, the South Auckland Performing Arts Festival and Kelvin Cruickshank from TV’s Sensing Murder. It also hosts a season of films, with a particular focus on New Zealand, overseas festival and 'arthouse' films.

2012 also saw the launch of the Hawkins Youth Theatre Company which has been hugely popular with local youth.

Hawkins Theatre is a 270-seat performing arts venue suitable for all kinds of dance and music shows as well as cinema. In the past as well as community theatre projects and films the Hawkins Theatre has also played host to large scale, commercial touring music shows, regular comedy shows and dance shows.

The Hawkins Theatre is a modern, up-to-date performing arts venue available for hire. It offers good access, off-street parking, and good quality comfortable seating, all with unobstructed views. Some disabled seating is also available.