The Golden Heart of Te Puke: A New Hub for Kiwifruit Heritage Rises at the Capitol Theatre
For decades, the historic Capitol Theatre has been a landmark on Te Puke’s main street. Now, this Art Deco gem is set to become the heart of a new, vibrant community space: The Kiwifruit Capital of the World – Te Puke Heritage Visitor Centre. This ambitious project, led by the Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Society Inc., is not just a museum; it’s a dynamic hub dedicated to celebrating the district’s rich history, its iconic golden fruit, and the diverse communities that make it special.
Project leader Sue Matthews is brimming with optimism as she discusses the recent securing of the Capitol Theatre’s bottom floor. “We want to build something that will grow and strengthen our identity, inspire pride, connection, health, wellbeing, optimism and discovery for generations to come,” she says. The choice to form an incorporated society, rather than a trust, was a deliberate move to ensure that the community has direct input into the centre’s direction and daily operations, a reflection of the project’s grassroots spirit.
The centre’s primary focus will be the kiwifruit story, from its humble beginnings as the Chinese gooseberry to its global domination as Te Puke’s most famous export. However, the vision extends far beyond a single fruit. The hub will also celebrate the district’s nine distinct surrounding communities: Manoeka, Te Matai, Rangiuru, Waitangi, Paengaroa, Maketū, Pongakawa, Pukehina, and Ōtamarākau.
This unique, multi-faceted approach is what sets the centre apart. Instead of being a static repository of artifacts, it will be a “vibrant, action-focused and alive” heritage space. The plan is to create engaging exhibitions around each community, which can then be returned to local halls and public spaces for ongoing celebration. For example, an exhibition on Pongakawa could highlight its school, hall, wetlands, and even local heroes like racing legend Denny Hulme. This cyclical model ensures that the heritage isn’t just displayed in one place, but woven into the fabric of the entire district.
The project has already achieved a major milestone, raising over $100,000 in donations and receiving an outpouring of support from iwi, business leaders, and multicultural communities. This initial funding will be used to establish the exhibition spaces, and the society is now seriously seeking grants from funding agencies for the next phase of development. Donations, both big and small, are now being accepted to support the creation of these new spaces.
Distinguishing itself from a traditional museum, the new centre aims to be a living, breathing experience that connects with everyone from children to retirees. It will leverage the district’s assets—its fertile soils, strong schools, thriving industries, and rich cultural ties to the Te Arawa rohe. Plans include opportunities for exhibitions with interpreters for multicultural communities, ensuring that every story is told and every person feels connected.
As a key part of Te Puke’s rejuvenation, the new heritage centre in the historic Capitol Theatre is more than a building project; it’s a community-wide effort to preserve its past, celebrate its present, and inspire its future. It’s a reminder that Te Puke’s identity is not just about a single fruit, but about the collective stories and shared pride of its people.
