Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre

Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre has a wide range of spaces on offer for events of any size. Located in Hastings CBD, Toitoi is situated for both convenience and accessibility.

Toitoi reopened in February 2020 after completion of the first stage of a six year earthquake strengthening and refurbishment programme. 

Heritage architecture meets modern convenience

With the historic Opera House at its heart, alongside a brand new 660sqm modern events venue – Functions on Hastings, Toitoi offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and the latest technology. It truly is a venue unlike any other in Aotearoa.

The second stage of the restoration project includes the Municipal Building. This complex will be linked to the Opera House by a laneway and will include fully modernised venues, such as the Assembly Ballroom and a range of small to medium-sized venue spaces. The second stage of Toitoi’s refurbishment is due to open in 2022.

More than just a venue

Toitoi’s vision is to be the most vibrant and significant arts, culture and events facility in New Zealand. Toitoi is not just a venue, it is a 4^th Generation Venue. That means it is more than just a “hall for hire” or even a community events centre. A 4th Generation Venue is a learning environment through which new experiences are generated and new knowledge which enhances cultural awareness, expression and understanding is created.

Through this viewpoint, and by seizing this bold position in the market, Toitoi will enable community access and participation in performing arts, events of all types and cultural activities, facilitating opportunities for youth employment, cultural expression and pride.

We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weave te ao Māori throughout our business. 

In-house expertise

At Toitoi we understand that your business is our business. From the moment you book your show, conference, meeting or dinner, we will work collaboratively with you to create a bespoke total event solution that exceeds your expectations and ensures all your goals are met.

The Toitoi team is committed to going the extra mile – our dedicated and experienced technical operations, catering and event co-ordination teams will pay attention to every detail. No request is too big, small or strange, as our creative thinking will ensure you get a solution that is uniquely tailored to your needs.

Venues & Event Services

Functions On Hastings

Modern and multi-use

Hawke’s Bay’s newest venue, Functions on Hastings, encompasses 660sqm of floor space with ground level access. The ceiling’s breath-taking artistic representation of the Mākirikiri Stream, which runs beneath Toitoi, cleverly conceals rigging systems and utilities designed to make our largest venue a genuine multi-use facility, whilst offering modern style and easy accessibility.

Exceptional all-weather space

Functions on Hastings is completely indoors and can hold large banquets, expos and events. With up to 500 guests theatre-style, 400 for a banquet or 600 for cocktails, this is a truly exceptional space.

Capacity Chart

Cushing Foyer

Modern industrial

Adjoining both Functions on Hastings and the Opera House, the Cushing Foyer can be used in concert with either venue, or as a venue in its own right.

Technology meets architecture

Modern design, including digital screens, art features and two mezzanine floors, combines to create a truly unique venue which blends the best of technology and architecture.

Flexible use

At 219m2, the Cushing Foyer ground floor comfortably accommodates up to 200 theatre style, 120 for banquets, or 250 for cocktails. As a classroom, Cushing Foyer can hold up to 90 people.

Its first floor mezzanine, with breath-taking views of the surrounding Hawke’s Bay landscape, is 130m2 and holds 80 people for theatre, 48 for banquets, 100 for cocktails and 30 as a classroom

Capacity Chart

Ground Floor

First Floor Mezzanine

Second Floor Mezzanine

The Opera House

Awe-inspiring proportions

With seating for 979 people and 240sqm of stage space, surrounded by an opulent Art Nouveau interior of awe-inspiring proportions, the Opera House theatre guarantees your guests a memorable experience. 

Historic beauty

The Opera House was built in 1915 and is one of the top lyric theatres in Australasia and can be used as a plenary or for a small banquet on stage. It can accommodate up to 150 people for banquets, 200 for cocktails and 105 as a classroom. In addition, the Opera House Green Room is 74m2 and can accommodate up to 80 guests.

Toitoi’s beating heart

With state-of-the-art technology and a full range of services available, from event management to technical expertise and catering, the Opera House is the beating heart of Toitoi.

Capacity Chart

Opera House Auditorium – Theatre Style

Opera House Stage

Green Room

Municipal Building

Unlocking Toitoi

The second stage of the refurbishment, focusing on the neighbouring Category 1 historic Municipal Building, will be complete in 2022 and unlocks the full potential of Toitoi. 

Something for everyone

The Municipal Building offers a ballroom, business centres and additional fit-for-purpose meeting rooms.

The second stage of the development also includes a laneway, as well as a mix of retail tenants and newly created additional spaces available for public hire and educational providers on the ground floor.

Event Services

Bespoke event solutions

At Toitoi we understand that your business is our business. From the moment you book your show, conference, meeting or dinner, we will work collaboratively with you to create a bespoke total event solution that exceeds your expectations and ensures all your goals are met.

Creative thinking

The Toitoi team is committed to going the extra mile – our dedicated and experienced technical operations, catering and event co-ordination teams will pay attention to every detail. No request is too big, small or strange, as our creative thinking will ensure you get a solution that is uniquely tailored to your needs.

Full tech solutions

With state-of-the-art lighting, sound, audio visual equipment and expert technical and support staff based on-site, technical packages of any size or description can be designed and installed to suit your exact requirements. Our creative backgrounds mean you won’t get cookie-cutter solutions – your event and its technical package will be unique to you.

Contemporary Cuisine

Dish Catering is the exclusive caterer at Toitoi. Dish is a diverse and highly successful catering company, which specialises in contemporary cuisine. The Dish team has many years experience in catering events of varied size and style. They will personally work with you to create a menu specifically tailored to meet your needs and indulge your taste buds.