Tāwhiri Warehouse is a 1000m2 warehouse-style space in Newtown, in the Te Whaea complex, 11 Hutchison Road.
It is currently available to hire for rehearsals, workshops or other creative activities and is hired on an “as-is” basis.
It is not yet suitable to use for public performances…but we’re working on it.

What’s the vision for the Warehouse

Tāwhiri is making improvements to the space over time, towards our dream of converting it into a mid-size, flexible, accessible theatre and rehearsal venue, something the Wellington arts sector has desperately needed for many years.

Eventually we hope it will be regularly used by Wellington arts sector and touring artists for creation, rehearsals, workshops and performances.

We plan to use it for our events: Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and Wellington Jazz Festival.

However, these things take time, grit and investment. Until we get there, the Warehouse is available for hire in its current format while we get underway with making modifications.

Whenua

Imprint - New Zealand Dance Company, 2024 Festival. Photo by Nick George.

Tāwhiri Warehouse-10

What’s the space like

This is a warehouse. It looks and feels like one. It’s a big open space with a high roof. Full venue specs are here.

The floor is currently a mix of bitumen and tongue and groove wood. For dance/physical activity we recommend laying a dance floor or mats.

There is currently no air-conditioning/heating and there are no venue or technical staff on site.

Venue information

  • Floor dimensions: 38m long x 35m wide
  • Height to ceiling : 9m height at centre apex and 6m height at outer walls
  • 4 toilets (split across three rooms: 2 toilets, 1 toilets +1 urinal, 1x accessible toilet)
  • Mezzanine floor with small kitchenette and communal area (fridge, sink, dishwasher), basic production office.
  • Trussing and stage hoists
  • Rehearsal PA
  • Performance PA
  • Theatrical drape stock
  • Push up drape system
  • Wifi
  • Power
  • Folding tables and chairs
  • Free, non-reserved carparking as part of the overall Te Whaea complex.
  • Venue/technical staff can be provided (cost charged to you).

Lost Lear

Lost Lear by Dan Colley (IRE), 2024 Festival. Photo by Nick George.

How can I hire it and what does it cost

Email us to enquire. We will get in touch and have a quick chat about what your requirements are.

Hire rates will depend on what you need, the purpose of the hire, and the length of booking.

Priority will be given to users undertaking artistic and creative projects.

What we’re doing next

  • Giving the backstage area a spruce up and creating pop-up dressing rooms (complete)
  • Interior painting to achieve a theatrical blackout (complete)
  • Installing an accessible shower (mid 2025)
  • Installing new flooring (mid 2025)
  • Installing HVAC system (early 2025)
  • Building a new toilet block for audience use, external to the building (2025)
  • Fundraising for a seating block and lighting system (ongoing)

All timings are subject to change.

The Council, in a separate project, have recently replaced the roof and external wall cladding.

Who has helped us so far

We have received support from Wellington City Council, Lotteries and private donors.

In the original scoping of the Tāwhiri Warehouse we are grateful for the support and expertise of Studio Pacific Architecture, Beca, LT McGuinness, Balanced Investments and Meg Williams.

Crossing Thresholds

The Air Between Us, 2024 Festival. Photo by Shane Boulton.

What is the history of the space and site?

The area where Tāwhiri Warehouse and the Te Whaea buildings stand were once a part of a great plantation of cultivated gardens that started from Pukeahu and extended north-west to current day Aro Valley and south to current day Newtown.

In the late 1800s/early 1900s, it was used as a rubbish tip.

In 1928 new buildings were erected as a permanent site for the Winter Show, an annual trade show and over time the buildings were also used for concerts, circus, performances. In World War 2 it was temporarily a military training base.

In 1996 the Wellington City Council took over ownership. It is currently independently managed by Te Whaea Services Charitable Trust and sits within an arts complex including Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, New Zealand School of Dance and Circus Hub.

Prior to Tāwhiri’s use, the space housed Capital Gymnastics, who have since moved to another spot in the complex.

Thanks to Wellington City Council, Studio Pacific Architecture and New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.

Tāwhiri Warehouse logo