First they came in their dozens, then hundreds, and then even more, as the curtains opened on the first public day for Kāpiti’s new performing arts centre at Raumati Beach — Te Raukua Ki Kāpiti

The $12-million arts centre comprises two theatres, a dance studio, recording studios and classrooms.

One of the classrooms was used for a stunning performance from the Kāpiti Gospel Choir, joined by a constant stream of visitors as guided tours made their way around the building.

Initially, the centre was a Kāpiti College idea, but the College then decided to serve the wider community.

The centre’s manager, Sonia Hardie, says local people no longer have to commute for up to an hour or more to see shows in Wellington.

And the NZ Symphony Orchestra and the Royal NZ Ballet are already booked for sold-out performances.

One of the organisers told KIN the project still needs $800,000 — and so there are a variety of schemes afoot to get to this total.

For instance, members of the public can sponsor a ‘Platinum’ seat for $2500 or a ‘Gold’ seat for just $500. or supporters can donate a chair for a lesser amount.

And the final total of visitors ( which bodes well for the future) — over 3,000.