After 26 years at Baycourt Theatre overseeing a major growth in Tauranga events, veteran council events manager Dale Henderson is stepping down – but hopes to captivate Tauranga audiences once again next year.

Dale, who steps down as council events and venues manager on Friday, says the sudden death of Tauranga Council CEO Ken Paterson prompted him to reconsider what is important in life.

After 26 years at Baycourt Theatre – doing everything from lighting technician work to managing the venue – Dale Henderson is stepping down to prepare for his next performance. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

'I decided it was time to think about the family. So it's all about family for the next six months, they (twins Paige and Matthew) are only going to be at home for the next two years – they'll be gone before your know it.”

Shifting to Tauranga in 1986 Dale was the sound and light technician at Baycourt Theatre before going on to oversee the theatre and city events, which he has done for the last 13 years.

After Christmas, Dale plans to begin campaigning to stand for Tauranga City Council in next October's election.

'I've been talking about it for the past three years. Governance is something that attracts me and I think I could make a difference with my experience.”