Inspire: Behind the Curtain, The Vision of BNZ Theatre
Date and Time
Wednesday Apr 1, 2026
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM NZDT
Please arrive at 7:30am for a 7:45am start.
Inspire brings new inspirational speaker(s) each month to share their story and connect like-minded people.
Location
BNZ Theatre Gallery
198 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Fees/Admission
Free of charge to attend, however, registrations are required.
Description
The stunning new BNZ Theatre has quickly become a hot topic of conversation across the Waikato, and now you can hear directly from some of the people who made it happen.
This panel discussion will take an inside look at the vision, investment, and passion driving arts and culture in the region. We'll explore why major infrastructure and creative projects matter, and how they shape the community, business landscape, and the region's future.
This is a unique chance to gain insights that go beyond the stage and see the bigger picture of regional development in action.
This panel discussion will take an inside look at the vision, investment, and passion driving arts and culture in the region. We'll explore why major infrastructure and creative projects matter, and how they shape the community, business landscape, and the region's future.
This is a unique chance to gain insights that go beyond the stage and see the bigger picture of regional development in action.
Tea and coffee will be available.
Panel:
Leonard Gardner - Fosters (Commercial Director)
Leonard was the driving force behind the BNZ Theatre project, a vision he championed during his time as Chair of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation and later helped bring to fruition as a key leader in the restoration development. He sees the BNZ Theatre as a cornerstone for cultural and community revitalisation across the region. As Commercial Director at Foster Group, Leonard brings more than 22 years of experience shaping commercial property in Hamilton and the wider Waikato, guided by a clear purpose of creating built environments where communities can truly thrive.
Janice Lapwood - Momentum Waikato (General Manager: Endowments)
With more than 25 years as a fundraiser and community connector, and part of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation since 2018, Janice played a pivotal role in cultivating and stewarding major donors to help bring the BNZ Theatre to life. Now serving as General Manager, Endowments, Janice is focused on growing regional legacy funds, continuing her commitment to strengthening the future of the Waikato.
Michael Gilling - Live Nation (Venue Manager, BNZ Theatre)
With more than three decades of expertise in the events sector, Michael Gilling leads the operations for Waikato's landmark performing arts venue, the BNZ Theatre. His role bridges the gap between technical excellence and world-class hospitality, overseeing everything from venue readiness to artist and audience experience. Michael played a pivotal role in the theatre's development, working alongside Live Nation's global experts to ensure the theatre would be capable of hosting world-class productions. By integrating international operational standards, Michael has helped to put Waikato on the map as a competitive destination for global tours, consistently delivering unforgettable experiences for both the performers on stage and the audiences in the seats
Belinda Mulgrew - Waikato Regional Property Trust (Finance Trustee)
Belinda has played a pivotal governance role in the theatre's development as Finance Trustee of the Waikato Regional Property Trust since its inception. Working with delegated authority from the Chair, and in close collaboration with Foster Group and project managers RDT Pacific, she helped steer the project through to a successful build. Belinda is currently Executive Director of Giltrap Engineering, a manufacturer of agricultural equipment for New Zealand and international markets. Prior to this, Belinda spent two decades in senior corporate leadership, helping drive significant growth and transformation at MediaWorks Radio, where she served as CFO, Business Strategist, and ultimately Chief Executive.
Event Sponsor: Vision Complete Earthworks
Speaker Gifts: Wild River & Co
For enquiries or to cancel your registration email events@waikatochamber.co.nz
View our terms and conditions.
Panel:
Leonard Gardner - Fosters (Commercial Director)
Leonard was the driving force behind the BNZ Theatre project, a vision he championed during his time as Chair of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation and later helped bring to fruition as a key leader in the restoration development. He sees the BNZ Theatre as a cornerstone for cultural and community revitalisation across the region. As Commercial Director at Foster Group, Leonard brings more than 22 years of experience shaping commercial property in Hamilton and the wider Waikato, guided by a clear purpose of creating built environments where communities can truly thrive.
Janice Lapwood - Momentum Waikato (General Manager: Endowments)
With more than 25 years as a fundraiser and community connector, and part of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation since 2018, Janice played a pivotal role in cultivating and stewarding major donors to help bring the BNZ Theatre to life. Now serving as General Manager, Endowments, Janice is focused on growing regional legacy funds, continuing her commitment to strengthening the future of the Waikato.
Michael Gilling - Live Nation (Venue Manager, BNZ Theatre)
With more than three decades of expertise in the events sector, Michael Gilling leads the operations for Waikato's landmark performing arts venue, the BNZ Theatre. His role bridges the gap between technical excellence and world-class hospitality, overseeing everything from venue readiness to artist and audience experience. Michael played a pivotal role in the theatre's development, working alongside Live Nation's global experts to ensure the theatre would be capable of hosting world-class productions. By integrating international operational standards, Michael has helped to put Waikato on the map as a competitive destination for global tours, consistently delivering unforgettable experiences for both the performers on stage and the audiences in the seats
Belinda Mulgrew - Waikato Regional Property Trust (Finance Trustee)
Belinda has played a pivotal governance role in the theatre's development as Finance Trustee of the Waikato Regional Property Trust since its inception. Working with delegated authority from the Chair, and in close collaboration with Foster Group and project managers RDT Pacific, she helped steer the project through to a successful build. Belinda is currently Executive Director of Giltrap Engineering, a manufacturer of agricultural equipment for New Zealand and international markets. Prior to this, Belinda spent two decades in senior corporate leadership, helping drive significant growth and transformation at MediaWorks Radio, where she served as CFO, Business Strategist, and ultimately Chief Executive.
Event Sponsor: Vision Complete Earthworks
Speaker Gifts: Wild River & Co
For enquiries or to cancel your registration email events@waikatochamber.co.nz
View our terms and conditions.
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