Rotorua's Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre has been closed since November. Photo / File
Rotorua's Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre has been closed since November. Photo / File
The family of late Sir Howard Morrison say a recent $3 million donation to the Rotorua performing arts centre will allow the building to remain as his legacy and for work to continue in his honour.
It has been announced Sir Owen Glenn, a close friend of Sir Howard, made the donation towards the restoration of Rotorua's Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
The centre was closed in November after it fell below earthquake standards.
A family spokesperson said they understood it was a necessity for the building to be closed and for it to be "refurbished and brought back up to code".
"We understand why that has to happen, and I think so would [Sir Howard]."
Rotorua's Convention Centre was renamed the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre in 2014 after an announcement by Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick on the fifth anniversary of Sir Howard's death.
"What was important to him was showcasing and developing performing arts across the city and showing what Rotorua has to offer," the spokesperson said.
"He was all about nurturing Rotorua's talent and bringing out the best in people, that's what we want this building to be about."
Sir Owen's $3m donation will not be used for seismic repairs but for the centre's refurbishment.
"I think what's important for us is that this building remains as [Sir Howard's] legacy," the spokesperson said.
"The donation came about as part of a joint approach between the council, with mayor Steve Chadwick as the figure head and through working with the family, to ensure Sir Owen had all the information he required to review the proposal on its full merits."
Sir Howard's family have been included in plans for the proposed restoration.
"The very close relationship he had with [Sir Howard] meant [Sir Owen] wanted to see this as an enduring legacy moving forward.
"The donation is honestly a great testament to the man, he is magnanimous, and he has used his wealth for the benefit of others."
The donation was a huge boost to the proposed upgrade - which could cost up to $12m if one upper-end option, including upgrading the concert chamber, foyer and banquet room, plus the required earthquake strengthening, was accepted.
Earthquake strengthening alone has been estimated at up to $4m.
Rotorua Residents and Ratepayers Association chairwoman Glenys Searancke said the donation was a "magnificent gesture".
"I think it's absolutely fabulous, now I would like to see them get the building open as soon as possible.
