Despite the challenges presented by New Zealand’s recent shift back to Alert Level 2, the Oamaru Opera House remains unrattled.
Changing alert levels were just part of life now, director Frances McElhinney said, and the Oamaru Opera House would simply adapt, move forward and change dates when it had to.
“We are unable to control it, so we’ll adapt to it.”
The recent Covid-19 alert level change led to the disruption of three shows at the Opera House, including the “frustrating” postponement of its Marlon Williams concert, scheduled for March 3.
About three-quarters of the concert venue was booked, but under Level 2 the Opera House was unable to socially distance the audience.
Residents hoped information on the alert system and plan could be officially shared with other similar communities.
Bejon Haswell/Stuff
The aftermath of the Lake Ohau fire. (File photo) The response and care from agencies throughout the event and following it was appreciated and acknowledged at the meeting. Waitaki District mayor Gary Kircher thought the meeting was productive. “For us, [the council] I believe their [residents’] feedback will allow us to respond better in future,’’ Kircher said. “Overall, there were many compliments about what happened and how our council, FENZ, and other organisations responded, and we will continue to do what we can to improve further, when inevitably another event happens again.”
The community decides . . . An artist s interpretation of the proposed new St John Oamaru building at Awamoa Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/WAITAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL
Waitaki district councillors have made it clear – it’s up to the community to decide on Awamoa Park’s future.
Earlier this month, St John formally sought the opportunity to lease part of the park from the council to build a new emergency ambulance base, as its Coquet St premises are no long fit for purpose.
Councillors were asked at a full council meeting last week to agree in principle to make the council land available for a potential lease to St John.