Porirua Little Theatre has received a $40,000 grant from New Zealand Community Trust to upgrade its lighting system and stage equipment, with the money coming from net proceeds generated by pokie machines and distributed through the Class 4 gambling system.
The grant will help the volunteer-run theatre buy more compact and energy-efficient lighting, improving productions in temporary venues where low ceilings and limited power can make older equipment difficult to use.
The Department of Internal Affairs says gaming machines in pubs and clubs are Class 4 gambling, which is classified as high-risk, high-turnover gambling. Class 4 gambling can only be run by licensed corporate societies to raise money for authorised purposes, including community and non-commercial activities.
Porirua Little Theatre co-secretary Theresa Savory said the group’s old lighting equipment had reached the end of its practical life.
“Our old lighting equipment had reached the end of its practical life and was no longer suitable for the venues we perform in,” Savory said.
The previous system relied on extensive cabling, used more power, and included units that were no longer working or cost-effective to repair.
The new system is expected to improve lighting on stage, reduce technical constraints behind the scenes, and help the theatre adapt to different performance spaces.
It will also allow Porirua Little Theatre to continue sharing equipment with other local community groups.
Ligs Hoffman, an audience member at Chicago, said the lighting helped transform the production.
“The whole auditorium was brought to life by the lighting, I felt as if I was walking into a 1920s speakeasy,” Hoffman said.
“The lighting brought the whole set to life and set the mood from start to finish. It really did enhance the whole experience and made it fully immersive.”
Amanda Stone, director of The Pantoloons Children’s Theatre, said Porirua Little Theatre’s practice of making technical gear available under a koha system had supported children’s theatre productions.
“PLT’s willingness to make their technical gear available under a koha system has been a vital support to The Pantoloons, allowing us to stage high-quality performances that entertain, inspire, and bring people together,” Stone said.
NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the trust was pleased to support Porirua Little Theatre.
“Porirua Little Theatre put on wonderful shows and we’re delighted to help them out,” Hodges said.
Hodges said NZCT’s funding came through partnerships with local venues including Legends Sports Bar, The Mariner and Sandbar Mana.
NZCT says it generated $36.334 million for community benefit in 2024/25 and distributed $38.244 million through 1,992 grants, including funding for community sport, rescue services, youth development, arts and culture.
Porirua Little Theatre has been part of the local arts community since 1950, producing plays, revues, musicals and family shows.
The theatre is run by volunteers and provides opportunities for people of all ages to take part on stage and behind the scenes.
People affected by gambling harm can contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006 for free, confidential support.