New Gaiety Theatre manager Rewa Harker is drawing on a 30-year film and television career to put the spotlight on Wairoa’s vintage taonga.

The self-confessed film enthusiast is thrilled to be home and able to bring her industry knowledge, connections, and background to the job.

Rewa’s work experience was Auckland-based and began with South Pacific Pictures, where a highlight was working on the acclaimed Whale Rider film, before moving into television production. Rewa says the majority of her career was in programming and acquisitions for Whakaata Māori, formerly Māori Television, helping bring diverse stories to screens throughout Aotearoa.

Coming home to Wairoa has allowed her to spend more time with her parents, Raiha and Brian Harker, and connect with the community.

While movies are the heart of the Gaiety, the aim is to push the venue as a vibrant entertainment hub attracting touring shows, live performances, concerts and community events to the iconic venue. Rewa is working to get the Gaiety on touring circuits so performers can make Wairoa and the Gaiety a stop-off destination between Gisborne and Napier and create an exciting future for the historic theatre and town.

“As a venue, the theatre has so much potential, and I’m hoping to tailor affordable packages so local groups can use the theatre and keep the Gaiety buzzing with activity. The theatre is a taonga for the town, and to keep it alive and flourishing, my role is to turn ideas into action so more people can experience everything the Gaiety has to offer.

“I’m looking forward to working with the community, collaborating with groups, marae and kura to showcase this amazing venue. We want the Gaiety to be alive with people, whether it's artists, designers, exhibitions, quiz nights, fashion shows, live music or theatre performances – the possibilities are endless.”

Rewa says she will watch any genre of movie – as long as it’s good, and her role now is to ensure the movie range is meeting the community needs.

“Wairoa is a wonderfully diverse community, and I want our movie line-up to reflect that. I’m looking to trial a broad range of films from blockbuster hits and family favourites to independent films, New Zealand productions and arthouse cinema. I value feedback from the community to make sure we are screening what our audience genuinely want to see.”

With fresh ideas already rolling out, including the popular new 8pm Friday horror screening, Rewa says there's plenty more on the way. “I've got lots of thoughts, and it all starts with building connections and exploring what's possible. I’m fortunate there is a strong foundation to build on thanks to the hard work from former Gaiety staff Roz Karangaroa and Rangiatea Tahuri-Cotter and kaimahi.”

The Gaiety is open Wednesday to Sunday, with additional screenings recently added to the schedule. At just $12 a ticket, it's an affordable way to relax, be entertained and rediscover one of Wairoa's greatest community treasures.

Caption: New Gaiety Theatre manager Rewa Harker is putting the spotlight on Wairoa’s community taonga.

4 August 2026

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