The small local company has been putting on an annual fundraiser Cabaret Show for over 50 years, under the umbrella of Sumner Community Centre Incorporated.

"Our focus for the last two years has been on getting our theatre reinstalled within the hall of Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre, which has been a massive job for a group run entirely by volunteers," said President Sarah Mankelow.

"We managed to put on two successful shows in the new hall while uncertain if we would have curtains and lights hung in time," she said.

"Then lockdown meant that we cancelled our 2020 show season, but that has given us the breathing room to get our back-of-house in order."

The new community centre is now run by the Christchurch City Council. The functions of the group, which used to umbrella several organisations and manage the old community centre, has reduced to putting on its annual productions. The shows are sold to other community groups as fundraiser events.

The name - Matuku - is a Te Reo Māori name for bittern and herons, of which several species are seen in the wider bay area. It is also a link to the name of the building the company calls home - Matuku Takotako - which is the orginal Ngāi Tahu name for Sumner Beach.

"It was very important to the members of our group that we retain the word community in our new name, as that's what we are all about - creating, supporting and entertaining our community," said Sarah.

"And we also liked the idea of referencing local birds as we have an number of 'songbirds' in our company, while also acknowledging that many of our members are gathered from the wider community - not just Sumner."

"Our company's 2021 AGM is being held 14 March, and we welcome old and new members to join us to help shape our group and our show for 2021.”

For more information about the building's name Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre and other local names, go to the council libraries website.

Fun fact: The winner of the 2020 Bird of the Year was Matuku Moana - white-faced heron.

Community Service Awards are given to individuals and groups in recognition of significant voluntary service.

Council's Community Service Awards are a way of giving well-deserved recognition to people who make our communities better places to live. They are a way of thanking and honouring volunteers who, without pay and with little recognition, demonstrate dedication and passion, inspiring others to make service a central part of their lives.

This year's awards ceremony delayed due to Covid, was held yesterday at Te Hononga Civic Centre, where Doug Pratt and others received thier awards.

"Doug and Colin's nomination were just a wee token of our appreciation for all the many long hours, as well as blood sweat and tears they put into installing our theatre company into the new community centre - what a mission it was. We would not have made it without you," said President Sarah Mankelow.

● Be present promptly at the agreed times and tell us if you are not able to attend;

● Carry out duties and responsibilities in a safe, efficient and competent way, including, but not limited to

learning lines quickly;

● Be honest, open and transparent and act ethically in the best interests of the Matuku Community Theatre and the community.

● Ensure personal hygiene, habits and dress do not cause offense to others. Anti-perspirant deodorant and breath fresheners are strongly encouraged.

● Follow all lawful and/or reasonable direction and instructions including, but not limited to the various

directors as part of rehearsals.

● Behave in a professional, responsive, respectful and courteous manner and ensure that personal

relationships do not adversely affect your performance during engagement.

● Respect the privacy of individuals and only use confidential information for the purposes for which it was intended;

● Neither use, nor allow the use of, the Matuku Community Theatre property, resources, information,

intellectual property or funds other than for authorised purposes;

● Maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained while volunteering; and

● Observe health and safety procedures including: Keeping yourself and others safe at all times; Notifying

the Committee about hazards or potential hazards in the working environment; Notifying the Committee

about any accident, incident or property damage; & Comply with New Zealand laws.

Members will not:

● Create any liability for the Matuku Community Theatre without authorisation;

● Act in a way that may bring our organisation into disrepute (including use of email, social media and

other internet sites, engaging with media etc.);

● Engage in any activity that may or causes physical or mental harm (such as verbal abuse, physical

abuse, assault, sexual or racial harassment, bullying, compromising the safety of yourself and others);

● Be affected by alcohol or non-prescription drugs while rehearsing or performing;

● Provide a false or misleading statement, declaration or claim;

● Falsify or change any documents or records;

● Engage in any activity that may damage our property i.e. costumes, technical equipment;

● Have unauthorised possession of property belonging to anyone else; or

● Engage in any criminal activity in our workplace.

Conflicts of Interest

Volunteers should avoid situations that may lead to conflicts of interest by:

● Making sure your other commitments do not conflict with the performance of your duties at our

organisation; and

● Advising your manager/supervisor immediately if a conflict of interest exists, occurs or could possibly

occur.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Breaches of the Volunteer Code of Conduct may lead to a notification of unacceptable behaviours and a

warning or the immediate end to your services as a member. Repeated breaches of the Code of Conduct

will lead to the immediate end of your services as a member.

Thanking Our Volunteers!

There are so many different roles involved in putting on a show for our community - and I'm not talking just about the ones on stage. Behind the scenes of every show we produce for our community there is a Producer, a Director, a choreographer, a Tech Manager, a stage manager, stage crew, lighting and sound staff - all there to make those on stage look good. They are most definitely the unsung heroes of theatre, working in the dark shadows while the actors shine in the spotlight. We also have volunteers working front of house to keep our audience fed and watered throughout the show. We would like to take a moment to thank each and every person who volunteers their time during our show seasons, we couldn't do it without you all.

This shot was taken during the 2020 season - the lads having just hung our backdrop and taking a well-earned break! From left to right Humphrey, John, Doug, Jesse R, Jesse J and Barry.

Thank you to the thousands of volunteer hours you put into making sure a quality show is presented to our audiences. #NationalVolunteerWeek#NVW2020 #NVW2020 #nationalvolunteerweek