Movies showing at Pioneer Village

 

BY JULIA WADE

A trip to the movies a short drive away has now become a reality for the Mangawhai community, thanks to a local charitable organisation whose members have talent in the preservation of history. 

Mangawhai’s first Anglican Church, which also served as a school in the late 1800s, has a new lease on life (now restoration is complete) as Mangawhai’s first movie theatre complete with a deep freeze full of ice creams. 

Brought to the community by the Pioneer Village Charitable Trust (PVCT), the group announced the grand opening of the Mangawhai Theatre on January 3 with the launch of two family movies, The Incredibles 2 and Mamma Mia 2. 

One of the five PVCT trustees, John Phillis, says response so far has been very positive. 

“We’ll keep doing the movies twice a day on Thursdays and Sundays until the end of the school holidays then change to maybe Tuesdays and Saturdays,” he says. “However there is the possibility of having themed nights with specialised films like classics, thrillers and kids birthday parties.” 

With stackable, removable chairs the hall can easily be cleared and used for other events including yoga, art exhibitions, presentations, seminars and weddings.

“The village green we’ve planted beside the church could also be ideal to put up a marquee for a reception, making it a one stop location.”

After paying for the BlueRay DVDs and royalties for showing the films, the remaining proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the ongoing restoration of the existing historical buildings and also allow for more structures to be moved on site. ‘Ivan’s cottage’, the small dwelling standing solo along Moir Street, will be the next building to join the Village in March. 

 Mangawhai Theatre is located next to the Mangawhai Museum, Molesworth Drive. Payment at the door, cash only. Adults $10, Children under 12 $5. Feel free to bring your own food and drink, but no alcohol allowed. Bookings essential. Go to freshfocus.typeform.com/to/GE4Epy. For more information visit mangawhaitheatre.com.

Mangawhai’s first Anglican Church is now Mangawhai’s first movie theatre.