New performing arts centre for Rotorua

Rotorua Convention Centre

Rotorua's council is looking to establish a performing arts centre in the city with the help of local artists, actors and performers.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said the newly re-named Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre was under-utilised with many conferences and large events now being held in the Energy Events Centre.

She said the council had been meeting with various performing arts groups, cultural groups and clubs, performing arts tutors, the city's two theatre groups, and schools about the potential to turn it into a shared space where they could rehearse, perform and hold workshops and educational programmes.

"We are having wide reaching discussions at this stage," Mrs Chadwick said.

"The potential for the centre is huge - it offers versatility and flexibility of use and could become a fantastic, vibrant creative space for our community.

"The possibilities are endless really. As well as being a hub for local performing arts groups and a venue for touring artists and shows, we could host summer schools, workshops, cater for recording and film work and educational programmes.

"It's also in a central location that's close to the city centre as well as the Arts Village and the proposed Children's Art House in the old gardener's cottage in Government Gardens. There's no better place for it really."

Howard Morrison Jnr said the location would be great for local performers.

"They'll be moving all the big events to the Events Centre and this will highlight the local acts which will be more accessible and affordable for them.

"We're very honoured and proud of the council for acknowledging dad, not only being the entertainer but what he's done for youth with his scholarships and all the other work he's done," he said.

Mrs Chadwick said depending on the outcome of discussions, some investment could be needed to upgrade the facility to meet requirements and turn the vision into reality.

"It makes sense for the groups to be working together for the benefit of their own ongoing survival and that of the performing arts in Rotorua," Mrs Chadwick said.

"Millions of dollars have been invested in building and fitting out the Convention Centre and we want to maximise its potential and use."

The Arts Village, established in late 2002 and now home to more than 20 arts and cultural groups, was a good example of how well a central community hub could work and bring people together, she said.