Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre is the cultural heart of Hastings. Comprised of five distinct heritage and modern buildings, Toitoi’s vision is to be the most vibrant and significant arts, cultural and events facility in New Zealand.
It is a world-class venue which hosts diverse audiences, including conferences, business events, theatre and performing arts, all within Hawke’s Bay’s heart and soul and its best-kept secret - Hastings CBD.
Situated within a district of creators, innovators and trail-blazers, we’re a city with its sleeves rolled up, getting the mahi done. Our centre hums with an underground cool, where game-changing businesses work alongside a thriving arts and culture scene, supported by our loyal locals and captivated visitors.
The first stage of Toitoi’s restoration project saw the historic Opera House, built in 1915, strengthened and modernised alongside the construction of a new ground-level 660sqm events venue – Functions on Hastings. These two spaces are joined by Cushing Foyer, a modern multi-level 219m2 space.
The second stage of the project includes the Municipal Building, which is linked to the Opera House by a laneway and includes fully modernised venues, including the Assembly Ballroom and a range of small to medium-sized venue spaces.
Toitoi is situated for both convenience and accessibility. With the historic Opera House at its heart, and innovative retail and hospitality on its doorstep, Toitoi offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and modern technology. It truly is a venue unlike any other in Aotearoa.
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 specializes in contemporary cuisine. The Dish team have 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.
Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre is not just a venue, it is a Fourth Generation Venue. This means it is more than just a “hall for hire” or even a community events centre - a Fourth Generation Venue is a learning environment through which new experiences are generated and new knowledge is created. It enhances cultural awareness, expression and understanding within its community.
Through this viewpoint, and by seizing this bold position in the market, Toitoi enables community access and participation in performing arts, events of all types and cultural activities, while also facilitating opportunities for youth employment, cultural expression and pride.
The Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre team is committed to the protection and preservation of our taiao (environment). The team works with the Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation group to ensure Toitoi’s operations and practices are strongly focused on protecting our environment, while also reducing waste and the consumption of power and water.
We are guided by the centuries-old, local Ngāti Kahungunu whakataukī (proverb):
Ko Heretaunga Haukunui, Ararau, Haaro te Kaahu, Takoto Noa.
Heretaunga - of the life-giving dew, of the hundred pathways, the vision of the far-sighted hawk, left to us, the humble servants.
Our journey has just begun and we encourage you, our clients, to join us as we continue to work hard to honour our land and people through sustainable business practices.