Centrepoint Theatre

Centrepoint Theatre on Church Street has anchored the Palmerston North arts scene since 1974. As the country’s second-oldest professional theatre and the only one of its kind in regional New Zealand, they have built a loyal community of creative locals who come to see fresh NZ work and Manawatū stories, staging more than 400 main bill productions in the last fifty years.

Housed in a former railway workshop (with past lives as a steel factory and a children’s model museum), the space is intimate and full of character, so the action feels close and the laughs carry. Their main bill season blends new Kiwi writing with well-loved favourites, which has earned them a longstanding reputation for outstanding theatre that reliably excites and entertains. Whether you’re looking for a little comedy, drama or family-friendly options, they cater to everyone from first-timers to seasoned theatre lovers.

They also run an Outreach programme throughout the year, opening their doors to a wider audience with improv classes for adults (including tailored sessions for over 65s) as well as workshops for teens that build performance skills, craft and confidence in a supportive environment.

The space itself has a storied past and a firm place in local life. Over the years, Centrepoint has grown into a creative hub, hiring thousands of local performers and connecting artists and audiences alike. Check out their current programme online, then meet a friend for a drink in the foyer bar and leave with plenty to talk about on the way home.