Māori Soul Sensation Teeks Officially Opens Hamilton’s New BNZ Theatre

Hamilton, New Zealand (24 January 2026) – Hamilton’s newest live performance venue, the BNZ Theatre, officially opened last night, marked by a special live performance from Māori soul sensation TEEKS, signalling a new chapter for the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

The opening night marked a major milestone for the city and the wider Waikato region, welcoming a purpose-built venue designed to host world-class live entertainment while championing creativity, cultural exchange, and regional pride. Last night's performance from TEEKS sets the tone for the BNZ Theatre’s future as a cultural hub for music, theatre, comedy and community events. Across a 75 minute set, TEEKS treated audiences to his chart topping hits, new music, emotional covers, and was even joined on stage by Kiwi music royalty Maisey Rika, an artist that has been instrumental in TEEKS career. 

The venue’s official opening followed Live Nation New Zealand and BNZ’s five-year naming rights partnership announcement, reflecting a shared dedication to supporting Waikato’s arts and cultural scene. 

The BNZ Theatre is a purpose-built live performance venue in the heart of Hamilton, designed to host a wide range of events, including music, drama, opera, and community With a capacity of 1,300 and state-of-the-art production facilities, the venue aims to attract world-class touring acts while supporting local and national talent.

The venue features advanced acoustic design, including an acoustic halo, shell, drapes, and a distributed sound system, delivering a world-class listening experience from every seat.

The opening of the BNZ Theatre not only looks forward to a new era of live entertainment, sustained by world-class venue technology, but also celebrates the space’s rich history and heritage status. The project preserves the iconic 1923 Hamilton Hotel façade and incorporates heritage features and fittings within the new build.

Mark Kneebone, MD of Live Nation Aotearoa:

"We’ve always known the Waikato has a huge appetite for live music, but for the last few years it has lacked a world-class theatre to platform local artists and host international tours. The BNZ Theatre changes that completely. 

“It’s a stunning space that brings together the city’s heritage with world-class production technology and design. For us, this isn't just about a new building; it’s about putting Hamilton on the map for artists touring New Zealand, inspiring and connecting local communities, and creating opportunities for New Zealand artists. Whether it’s an intimate show with TEEKS or a party with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, we can't wait for fans to experience live music in this spectacular venue."

TEEKS

“To be one of the first to bless the stage is such an honour and I don’t take the opportunity lightly. I’m also excited that the local community will now have the chance to experience so many more amazing shows. 

“I grew up in a rural coastal town in the far north so I know first hand how important it is to have venues like this. Living in smaller towns usually means limited access to quality live music. This theatre can change all that. It will not only benefit the current music and arts scene but it has the potential to inspire an entire generation of artists and visionaries while cultivating a deeper sense of connection, culture and community.”

Mayor Tim Macindoe, Mayor of Hamilton

“The BNZ Theatre is the worldclass venue our fabulous city and region deserves. By uniting the historic Hamilton Hotel façade with a stunning new theatre overlooking the Waikato River, we honour our past, and lay the foundations for a vibrant new future rich in culture, creativity and economic vitality. Our new theatre will ensure our region becomes one of the most attractive locations for performers and audiences for decades to come.”

Looking forward, the venue is set to host an impressive catalogue of local and international talent. Following the venue’s official opening, New Zealand legends Sir Dave Dobbyn (24 – 25 January) and Bic Runga (21 March), and international artist Sophie Ellis Bextor (3 February) will be the next major artists to perform on the BNZ stage.

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