The Piano is a space devoted to musical arts.
Since 2016, The Piano has been a place where community groups aspire to take the stage, where next generation artists perform on the same stage as their mentors, where emerging artists meet audiences that become enthusiasts and where seasoned performers enthral audiences from all walks of life.
It’s a place where our community is encouraged to actively participate, whether through performing, teaching, learning, or connecting.
In Te Reo Maori, our gifted name is Pīpīwharauroa: Kui-kui whitiwhiti ora.
Pīpīwharauroa means “the shining cuckoo”, which is a bird of significance for Ngāi Tūāhuriri. Not only are pīpīwharauroa known as singers, entertainers and conveyors of messages, they’re also viewed as a sign of spring and new beginnings.
More than just a venue, we bring communities of people together. From grassroots artists and entertainers, to internationally renowned performers; providing an acoustically brilliant space for people to showcase their skills and connect with audiences.
Guiding our decisions and at the heart of how we do what we do are our values:
Excellence - We want the best results and outcomes for our audiences and performers.
Service - People are at the heart of everything we do.
Innovation - Being curious, creative and passionate; we explore new ideas and new ways of doing things.
Integrity - We act with professionalism and honesty, we are trustworthy and respectful of the rights of others.
Collaboration - We are inclusive, fostering strong relationships with the arts community and beyond.
We're lucky to have some beautiful spaces available for a wonderful bunch of artists in residence. Meet the people and teams who currently call The Piano their second home!
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Rebecca is a Christchurch-born qualified lawyer, with a wealth of international experience in trust management and governance. She specialises in the establishment and administration of trusts, companies and asset protection strategies, and is currently a director of Touchstone Trustees Limited.
Her keen interest in music and sharp legal mind make her an immensely valuable asset to the board.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the team that provides this wonderful facility. Creativity is what enables us to connect with a diverse range of people. I see it in my own children as they grow to love and experience music.”
Andrew holds an Engineering degree from the University of Canterbury and has worked across various technical, marketing and commercial domains. Over the course of his diverse career, he has gained a depth of strategic experience and developed an aptitude for working with people from all walks of life.
A highly capable leader, Andrew ensures all voices are heard and all opinions are valued and considered.
“Music has a way of connecting with people’s physical senses and heart emotions – it’s like a window into an artist’s soul. I feel privileged to play a part in continuing the important legacy of encouraging music and the arts in a world class facility like The Piano.”
Tracey is chair of the Finance Committee, bringing with her skills earned from over thirty years working as an accountant for both public practice and private companies. Her expertise in stakeholder management and investment are a welcome addition to the board, along with her eye for detail.
In a private capacity, Tracey is involved in commercial property investment and has served as treasurer on a number of voluntary committees.
“My passion for the arts largely stemmed from nurturing a (now grown up) son who learned violin from age 5 to gain his Associate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma. I’m proud to contribute to a venue where local and overseas musicians can perform at the highest levels.”
Ben Campbell is a prolific and passionate creative with sharp commercial acumen honed throughout his successful career in music, arts, property and hospitality. As a founding member of beloved Kiwi bands Zed and Atlas, Ben offers relevant industry insight including experience in artist and label management, mentorship, production and promotion.
“After years of being supported and mentored in my own personal music career, I’m excited by the opportunity to give back to our local and national arts community. I hope that by sharing my own skills and experience I can help facilitate opportunities for our amazing artists and promoters to be seen, heard and enjoyed.“
After studying music in New Zealand and abroad, John went on to spend decades holding senior positions in the institutional investment management industry. He has been a director of Smartshares Limited since 2015 and has considerable experience as an Investment Manager.
His deep appreciation for music and performance combined with shrewd financial management skills make him a unique fit for The Piano.
“I wish to contribute to The Piano’s success for all stakeholders: the artists, the audiences and all who have played a part in developing this iconic arts facility. For me, it’s a strong symbol of Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, and my hope is that it will attract high quality performers for many years to come.”
David is CEO/Managing Director of Runacres Insurance, Chairman of Primesure Insurance Brokers and a member of the Partner Advisory Board of NZbrokers. In his 40+ year career he has established his own brokerage, been Head of Commercial Insurance Operations for one of the largest UK Independent Brokerages, built a rock solid reputation for Runacres and earned himself ‘Broking Professional of the Year’ (2016) by the ANZIIF, not to mention an MBA in 2008. His exemplary leadership skills and passion for making a difference are a tremendous asset to The Piano’s Board.
“Having grown up in the UK it was hard not to be heavily influenced by the 70s and 80s music scene. My connection with music is entrenched and has diversified over the decades. From small gigs to arena extravaganzas and festivals, as well as theatre and stage performance – all forms of live music remain close to my heart.”
Karli Bristed is a qualified urban planner and community engagement specialist. She runs her own consultancy representing public and private clients on a variety of projects across New Zealand. Karli brings to the Board a wealth of knowledge in strategic policy, stakeholder engagement, property development and resource management planning, and her governance experience makes her an essential contributor to all aspects of strategic decision-making.
“I see The Piano as so much more than a building for the performing arts. It is a place where people can come together, learn and celebrate – whether it be through a class, a performance, a presentation or an event.”
Riley holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from Canterbury University. He owns a consultancy in Christchurch specializing in business advisory, financial assurance, and technology. With extensive experience in the events industry, legal, accounting, and tech sectors, Riley is excited to be part of the great team that delivers events and supports the arts at The Piano.
“Theatre and events have been a big part of my life, however never on stage, always behind the scenes and in technical roles. I’m excited to be part of the dedicated team at The Piano to bring the Arts to life in Christchurch”
Alex Harmer is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning recording engineer. He is currently employed at RNZ where he records contemporary music, chamber music, and full orchestral music, as well as editing and mixing a range of RNZ’s podcasts; alongside broadcasting certain news and music events live.
Alex is also a dedicated musician, having learned the violin from age 5, eventually finding the allure of the six-string fretboard too great to resist at age 12 and settling into guitar. Alex has been immersed in Christchurch’s music landscape since moving back here in 2008, and he is motivated and excited to further enhance musical outcomes for the people of Ōtautahi and Aotearoa.
Drive: Check out Christchurch City Council’s handy map to find nearby carparks
Bus: The Piano is a 12 minute walk from the Bus Interchange.
Bike: There are bike racks right outside the venue.
Yes, the facilities at The Piano are suitable for a range of events and activities – concerts, workshops, lectures, dance, drama, tuition, graduations, AGMS, business meetings and receptions.
Venue hire cost is dependant on your requirements. Contact us to organise a quote.
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Yes, The Piano has a bar operating at most public events 45 minutes prior to start time.
The Piano offers a range of wine, beer and soft drinks.
The Piano is a cashless venue.
Yes, The Piano has hearing loop capabilities.
Yes, The Piano is wheelchair accessible.
We have specific wheelchair seating. We do not have an elevator to the top of the Concert Hall. Contact us ahead of time or arrive early to ensure we have a space available for you.
The Piano is pleased to announce that we have joined the Hāpai Access Card scheme as part of our ongoing commitment to providing an excellent customer experience for disabled people visiting. For more information see The Piano's page on the Hāpai Access Card website.
Bicycles and animals are not permitted.
To protect our wooden floors, we ask for stiletto heels not to be worn.