Onewhero Society of Performing Arts (OSPA) is a vibrant theatre group which has been entertaining the local community for over 70 years.
The OSPA Theatre on Hall Road, purpose-built for the group in 2008, is already a hub for community events, activities and entertainment in rural Onewhero.
Now, the building has been added to the National Civil Defence database as a community hub in times of civil emergency. The building’s new status is a major evolutionary step for this local asset.
OSPA President, Sylvia Devlin, acknowledged the support of Waikato District Council's Emergency Response Specialist, Scott Bult, in helping the group secure a grant from MBIE's Community Renewable Energy Fund. The fund has been used to install a large bank of solar panels and battery storage.
The new panels, unveiled early this month, will be a valuable resource for the theatre and also support its role as a potential hub during emergencies.
Photo shows the panels’ official unveiling. L to R: WDC Emergency Management Specialist Scott Bult, Hon Andrew Bayly, OSPA President Sylvia Devlin, Project Manager Russell Davis, AVID Solar MD Kenan de Marigny. Photo credit: Craig Nicholson.
