The question was posed: Can farming help save our lakes?
Last night, Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, the packed house at the Capitol Cinema in Te Puke provided a resounding answer through community engagement and support.
The Capitol Theatre proudly hosted an incredible and highly-demanded fourth screening of the Wai Kōkopu documentary, ‘Recloaking the Bay.’ It was clear from the enthusiastic crowd that our community is deeply invested in the conversation about farming for the future and the health of our local waterways.
A Look Back at a Sold-Out Success
The enormous public interest—resulting in multiple sold-out screenings across the region—led to this special return to Te Puke. The evening was a true testament to the dedication of local farmers and community members alike.
This powerful 30-minute film expertly shared the stories of seven Bay of Plenty farmers who are champions of change. They are actively implementing whole-of-catchment approaches to:
- Protect water quality
- Restore vital wetlands
- Enhance biodiversity
- Build climate-resilient and profitable farms
The experiences showcased in the film highlighted how these on-the-ground actions are making a real, positive difference for our 13 lakes, our communities, and our future. It was an inspiring evening of local storytelling and connection, reminding everyone that our region is home to genuine environmental stewardship.
Thank You, Wai Kōkopu!
A massive thank you goes out to Alison Dewes and the team at Wai Kōkopu for their tireless work in producing this documentary and for bringing such an essential, free event to our community.
The Capitol Cinema was honoured to once again provide the venue for this important discussion. We are thrilled to see the theatre cementing its role as a vital hub for local dialogue and storytelling!