New company and board created for Stadium/Civic operation

Progress is being made on the joint management of Invercargill’s Civic Theatre and Stadium Southland Complex, with a new company and a new board being formed to oversee the operation of both facilities.


Invercargill Venue and Events Management Ltd has been formed as a joint management company for the Stadium Complex and Civic Theatre. The Board of the new company is to be headed by independent Chairman, Invercargill businessman, Bruce Middleton.


In addition to Mr Middleton, the Board comprises three representatives appointed by the Invercargill City Council (which owns the Civic Theatre) and three appointed by the Southland Leisure Centre Charitable Trust (which owns the Stadium Complex). Board members are: Neil Boniface, Mervyn Cook, Dean Johnston, David Main, Karen Moore and Gary Muir.


In announcing formation of the new company and appointment of the Board, Mr Middleton said that he saw joint management of the two facilities as beneficial to the community.


“I wouldn’t be involved with the project if I didn’t think it was a positive move.


“Not only will the Board be doing its best to look after the interests of the community, it is also mindful of the people currently employed by both venues. Staff of both the Civic Theatre and the Stadium Complex are being consulted about the way forward.


“The new company will face challenges in managing and staging events for Southlanders – we see these challenges as exciting and something to be welcomed. The Board will keep the public informed about the progress the company is making and how it will manage these two iconic Southland venues on behalf of the community,” he said.