Founded in 1954 by leading professional actress Alma Woods, Howick Little Theatre is an award-winning community theatre with a reputation for quality productions and a penchant for dynamic, contemporary plays, including new New Zealand work such as King and Country (Dave Armstrong), The Raft (Cal Nixon) and Peninsula (Gary Henderson).

The theatre’s commitment to innovation means young people are encouraged to get involved and HLT offers opportunities for first-time directors, as well as training for backstage personnel. Several members, for example, got a technical grounding at HLT then went on to professional careers.

In the past 13 years, those interested in acting, directing, vocal training, lighting, sound and set design have had the opportunity to attend workshops with leading New Zealand theatre professionals, and there are more planned. Tutors have included Michael Hurst, John Parker, Christian Penny, Justin Lewis, Bryan Caldwell, Tracy Grant, Oliver Driver, Cameron Rhodes and Jonathon Hendry. In 2012, Jennifer Ward-Lealand taught a two--day acting workshop. For details, see: http://www.hlt.org.nz/channels.php/services/workshops/

A number of well-known thespians, including Donna Akersten, and Melbourne Theatre Company's former Artistic Director Simon Phillips started out at HLT, and the theatre's drama classes have provided the stepping stone to professional careers over the years.

In July 2009, the theatre, a first-time entrant, was named a finalist in the Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality category of the WESTPAC MANUKAU BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS. It was the first time in the awards' history that a theatre had been selected as a finalist.