In what is believed to be the first economic impact study of a theatre in New Zealand, Hokitika's Regent Theatre has been shown to have a $1+ million impact on the Westland and national economy, and is a significant economic player in the region.

Economic impact studies for arts organisations have been a hot topic internationally recently, with UK Culture Secretary Maria Miller suggesting that the arts have an obligation to justify their public funding by showing the economic benefits they bring to their communities.

The Indicative Economic Impact Study, which was undertaken by Dr Miles Gregory for Auckland consultants Henslowe Irving Ltd, shows how spending by the theatre and its audiences ripples through the economy, generating revenues for businesses, families and the local government.

The economic benefits of the theatre are widely felt. According to the report, in 2012 the theatre generated some $870,000 for the town of Hokitika and its hinterland. But when the economic impact of significant refurbishment undertaken last year is included, this figure rose to $1.9 million.

The theatre also emerges as a major community hub, with volunteers donating a whopping 10,200 hours of their time last year – part of the ‘invisible’ economy generated by the theatre.

But the real winner was Westland District Council, who gave operational funding of $25,000 in 2012. This report shows that seed money translated into a million dollar economic benefit, a return of $40 for every dollar invested by the Council.

“The Regent has always been at the heart of our town,” said Management Committee President Bruce Watson, “but this report shows the large economic benefits that the Regent brings to Hokitika and the wider region. “

“Our refurbishment programme is going to deliver a superb facility for Hokitika and visitors to the region, but we need better operational funding to keep our doors open. I hope this report, showing the benefits of Westland District Council’s investment, will pave the way to a continued commitment to funding the Regent”

Among the findings in the report:

- It is estimated that the Regent (including its associated food and drink outlets), its staff and theatregoers directly spent $356,252 in the local economy in 2012, through local wages paid, ancillary spending by audiences, and the purchase of local goods and services.

- The funding of $25,000 generously allocated by Westland District Council secures an impact of over $1,000,000 in the wider economy, and over $870,000 in Hokitika and the district. This represents a economic return of $40 for each $1 invested by Westland District Council.

- The theatre benefits from a extremely high level of volunteer support, which in 2012 amounted to approximately 10,200 volunteer hours – the equivalent of five full time staff. The value of this donated time on a minimum wage basis is approximately $140,000 per annum.

- When the multiplier effect of the direct spending is taken into account, the estimated value of the Regent Theatre’s regular operations to the local economy of Westland for the 2012 calendar year was $871,578.

- The estimated value of the Regent Theatre to the national economy in 2012, including the significant refurbishment activity undertaken during the year, was $1,941,228.

ENDS

EDITORS NOTES

Hokitika's Regent Theatre

Hokitika's Regent Theatre was purpose-built as a cinema in 1935, currently with a single main space, capacity 412. It is the only theatre & cinema remaining in the area. It occupies a handsome art deco heritage building in the town centre. The Regent’s Stapleton’s Milk Bar sells theatre tickets and refreshments and is also leased out as an independent popular café that supports the Regent’s activities.

In 1979 the Regent building was saved from demolition and bought by the Westland Community Centre (WCCI), an incorporated society, who undertook refurbishment work and reopened the building as a cinema and live performance venue for the benefit of the local community. The committee of the WCCI remains heavily involved in the operations of the Regent, supporting the work of paid staff.

Further information: http://www.hokitikaregent.com / Telephone (03) 755 8101

Economic Impact Studies

Economic Impact Studies examine the wider economic effect generated by a theatre or arts organisation.

Hokitika’s Regent Theatre makes a contribution to the worth of the local economy in two ways: direct and indirect. Its direct impact is made up of straight local spending. For example, the amount spent on purchasing supplies locally, or the amount spent on resident staff wages, which is then spent on items such as accommodation, food, and clothes. 

The indirect impact takes into account the ‘knock-on’ effect that is generated by the direct impact, where money spent results in more money being spent. An example of this includes the purchase of supplies from a local company, which results in that company paying their staff wages and purchasing other supplies.  All that expenditure is constantly circulating around the local economy, helping to preserve jobs, and boost economic growth.

This report, Indicative Economic Impact Study – The Regent Theatre, Hokitika, was prepared by Miles Gregory of Henslowe Irving Ltd for the Management Committee of the Westland Community Centre Inc.

Henslowe Irving Ltd

Henslowe Irving is an Auckland-based think-tank and arts management consultancy that explores best and new practices in arts organisational management.

Further information: http://www.hensloweirving.com