Licensing Trust and Council in Opera House Partnership

Just in time for Christmas, the partnership agreement between the Oamaru
Licensing Trust and Waitaki District Council was officially signed this
Thursday.

The agreement relates particularly to the provision of food and beverage
services by the Trust to the Oamaru Opera House. But it goes further
than that and details how the relationship between the two organisations
will work together once the facility is open for business in February
2009.

Council's Community Services Group Manager, Tanya Winter, stressed the
importance of having the agreement in place a year ahead of opening.
"This document will guide the relationship between Council and the
Trust. It outlines the expectations of both parties as well as providing
details on how the day to day relationship will work."

Mayor Familton is delighted the agreement has been signed. "In keeping
with the restoration of the Opera House itself, this is about a new way
forward. It is excellent that Council can work on this together with
another significant organisation in our community - the Licensing
Trust."

Mr Ali Brosnan, Chair of the Oamaru Licensing Trust, is equally as
enthusiastic. "Both from a community and a commercial perspective the
Trust is committed to this project. We look forward to working alongside
Council to bring this vision to reality for the community."