A scene from Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA, at the Carterton Events Centre. PHOTOS/REAGAN GUNDERSON
Despite the red setting of the Traffic Light Framework coming into effect in January, Wairarapa’s central hub for everything events is still safely churning out sought-after shows.
The Carterton Events Centre staff were no strangers to adapting events to fit within covid restrictions. The red Traffic Light Framework put a halt to many events around New Zealand, but this was not the case for Wairarapa’s premier events and function centre.
While some events had been postponed, many were still able to go ahead. The venue could safely seat 100 people in its Taratahi Auditorium and provided a seated and separated bar service, meaning people could enjoy a socially distanced wine while enjoying a show.
“Being a venue that’s able to cater for all different events – from comedy shows and live music to small local theatre – means we can keep bringing the events people love while keeping them safe within the covid restrictions,” sales and marketing coordinator Jenni Hall said.
“Aside from the main auditorium, we have seven different spaces, from meeting rooms to dressing rooms. We can accommodate practically any type of event with enough space to spread people out as needed.
“The uncertainty that has come along with covid has made it a really stressful time for many in the community. We’re continuing to work hard to bring events to Carterton so people can still have a fun night out while it remains safe to do so, as well as providing a port in a storm for artists and event producers who have had a tough few years”.
Under the Red Traffic Light Framework, events still going ahead included country music sensation and former McDonald’s Young Entertainer Ainslie Allen’s “The Betty Tour”.
Those up for some laughs could check out Saturday Night Laughs with MC Chris Parker, the Celebrity Treasure Island favourite nominated for the People’s Choice TV Personality of the Year Award.
For something a little different, people could grab a ticket to the 2022 Leadership talk series with Abbas Nazari, bestselling author of “After the Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand”.
Tickets were still available to all three events, but numbers were limited to 100, so people were advised to get in quickly to avoid missing out.
All events required a Vaccine Pass upon entry.
- To buy tickets and find out more information about upcoming events, visit www.cartertonec.co.nz/whats-on
