Latest Promotions
About » News
From Local Stage to Global Stardom
The fascinating life of a Napier ballet teacher turned actor who became a sensation in the UK is celebrated in a special exhibition, opening at MTG Hawke’s Bay this Saturday (17 March).
As a teenager in the 1950s, Nyree Dawn Porter inspired her ballet students by painting graceful dancers directly onto the walls of her family’s Napier home, where she held lessons.
Nyree Dawn Porter: From Local Stage to Global Stardom is an opportunity to follow her journey to international success in theatre, film and television.
Nyree’s talents in performance won her the Miss Cinema competition, which led to a trip to London for a screen test. After making her mark in the UK theatre scene, she became a television star in the BBC production of The Forsyte Saga, watched by millions around the world.
Later in her career, she received an OBE for services to TV and film, and was the subject of a This is Your Life episode in England. She continued performing right up until her unexpected death in 2001.
“Nyree is an inspiring figure who shows that people from small-town New Zealand can do anything,” says co-curator Jess Mio.
“While her extensive achievements were well acknowledged in the UK, here in New Zealand she has been overlooked for many years, so it’s great to share her story with the Hawke’s Bay public.”
The exhibition showcases Nyree’s wall paintings, which were cut out and framed for preservation by Melanie and David Oliver, who owned Nyree’s family home at one time.
Photos and newspaper clippings document her success, while excerpts from the original Forsyte Saga play on screen. In addition, special costumes inspired by Nyree’s paintings are available for people of all ages to dress up and strike a pose.
Image caption: Chad Heays, MTG Exhibition Technician, installing paintings cut out and preserved from Nyree’s family home in Napier.
19 April 2018
SHARE WITH A FRIEND
Nowhere else in New Zealand will you discover a wider range of marine animals and native species in a single facility than at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
The Faraday Centre in Napier, is Hawke's Bay's Museum of Technology. It's a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands on experience.
Strive to Inspire, Educate and Entertain by providing access to information through various resources within our Libraries. We aim to provide more than you expect.
Unique Art Deco heritage has been preserved with the skilful addition of modern theatre facilities making it the best provincial performing arts centre in the nation.
Located on Marine Parade, Napier, is the Bay Skate Park - home to skateboarding, BMX, roller derby, inline hockey and scootering.
For Napier City residents and citizens to have easy access to see what council are currently working on, completed, what they do, facilities, and council information.
Situated in the centre of Napier, in the middle of Onekawa Park, the Napier Aquatic Centre is a safe and affordable aquatic facility for everyone.
We are Hawkes Bay's premier holiday accommodation park providing an array of facilities to keep the entire family entertained.
We offer an all purpose built venue that uniquely combines spectacular outlooks with functional layout.
Visit the Napier i-SITE to find out more about what is happening in Hawkes Bay, from events, activities and accommodation.
Build on the blossoming national and international interest in William Colenso's life and ideas as the result of the William Colenso Bicentenary Celebrations in Hawke's Bay in 2011, and a body of new publications and research.
Located in the Art Deco city of Napier. We have worked closely with our builders to promote and develop high quality housing within an open-aspect environment.
Come to Par2 MiniGolf and meet Seamore the Seagull at our sea-side minigolf courses. Challenge your friends and family for a round.