Exciting new appointments to Hawke’s Bay Opera House Board

Hawke‟s Bay Opera House Board Chairman, John Buck is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Directors, following the retirement of Bryan Hutchinson and Dianne Abraham.

The new appointees are Bruce Mactaggart, currently joint owner and operator of Vector Arena, Auckland and Executive Director of Immersion Edutainment Group. Their first production „Walking with Dinosaurs -The Arena Spectacular` was created in association with the BBC and the touring show has become one of the most successful in history; having sold 8 million tickets worldwide.

Bruce was formally a director of Destination Melbourne Inc, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and a member of the organizing committee for the Australian Open Tennis Championships. Australian by birth, Mr Mactaggart has recently moved with his wife and family to Havelock North. He will bring a high level of knowledge, expertise and industry relationships to the Hawke‟s Bay entertainment scene and is also in the process of opening his own office in Havelock North.

Chris O‟Reilly is a specialist in marketing and business strategy. He is a former CEO of Christchurch City Transport, Citibank, Ascot Hospital and KFC. He is currently Chairman of Tremain Holdings, BTL and Zealfresh Gourmet Meat Wholesaler and a Director of Kahungunu Asset Holding Company. Mr O‟Reilly is also a key principal of Need a Nerd (Mobile IT company) and Little Boys Gourmet Meat Products. Chris, his wife and three sons also reside in Havelock North.

Hawke‟s Bay Opera House Chairman, John Buck, says the two appointees “bring an immense level of innovation and skill to our Board, which will fast track the Hawke‟s Bay Opera House on its path to becoming a nationally recognized centre for performing arts and a significant asset to the Hastings and Hawke‟s Bay communities”.

Councillor Tania Kerr says “the Opera House is already the jewel in the crown of the Hawke‟s Bay entertainment scene and the surrounding precinct is becoming a mecca for food, wine and theatre lovers. The appointment of these new directors comes at a truly exciting time for the Opera House and with their expertise we can continue the development of a successful and innovative entertainment hub for the region”.

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