Tiki Taane to open Rotorua club

Musician Tiki Taane will star at the official opening of Rotorua's newest nightclub next week. Photo / Richard Robinson

Controversial musician Tiki Taane will officially open Rotorua's newest nightclub next week, but Heaven and Hell will open to the public tonight - and owners are warning they will be taking a hard line on those who are drunk or underage.

Heaven and Hell nightclub is at the former Grumpy Mole site.

New owners Pato Alvarez and Brendon Gilbert, who took over in October, have been leading the transformation of the building, which looks unrecognisable.

The pair are excited to see their new business finally open but Mr Alvarez says staff will be working hard to make sure the nightclub has a high standard.

He said staff would be taking a zero-tolerance approach on intoxication and security would be actively checking identification to ensure no underage people were getting into the club.

He said they would also have a zero tolerance for anyone with bad attitudes.

The new club features a stage, booths and a DJ booth with extravagant lighting.

"It's been hard work ... it's been two months of building it and I'm really excited," Mr Alvarez said.

He said the feedback he had been getting from the public on social networking site Facebook had been positive too.

"They really want us here ... people are really happy with us here."

Mr Alvarez and Mr Gilbert have big plans for Heaven and Hell Nightclub, including regularly bringing well-known bands, artists and DJs to the nightclub.

It is hoped artists and DJs, including Black Seeds, Optimus Gryme and P Money will perform at some stage.

While the club will be opening for business from tonight with DJ Pato, the official opening won't be happening until next weekend.

Tiki Taane, who is a close friend of Mr Alvarez, will perform at the club next Friday as part of the official opening with other "surprises" throughout the weekend too.

Mr Alvarez has worked as a promoter for Tauranga's Illuminati Superclub and organises events and concerts around New Zealand.

He said he had strong connections in the music industry and his friends included high-profile musicians who would play at the club.

Mr Alvarez said they wanted to work with the Rotorua District Council and local police to ensure their club was a safe venue and they were looking forward to regularly bringing gigs to Rotorua.