Screening to help historic church

Kerry Fowler and Don Stafford photographed together in the mid-1990s. Photo/Supplied

Newly discovered films of much-loved Rotorua historian, the late Don Stafford, are to go on show next month as a special fundraiser for St Faith's Church.

Film-maker Kerry Fowler, who worked with Mr Stafford for 12 years from 1996 to create 21 historical programmes, has been trawling through "miles of tapes" and found a treasure trove of unseen gems.

The films will be shown for the first time in public at Te Ao Marama Hall, next to St Faith's Church at Ohinemutu, on Sunday, April 6 at 2pm, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Mr Stafford's death.

Mr Fowler has put the films together in a compilation he has called Fragments.

"Don may have left us four years ago but his video legacy lives on," Mr Fowler said.

"Almost every week I get inquiries from people wanting a copy of one of his programmes. Personally I still reflect often on our work together, but in no way sadly.

"He was truly a wonderful friend and colleague and when I think of him, which is frequently, I can't help smiling at the memory."

St Faith's Church was close to Mr Stafford's heart. The event takes place during an important year for St Faith's. The church celebrates 100 years since the dedication of the second St Faith's in 1914, and an important first for Aotearoa; its establishment as a cathedral.

The event will be a fundraiser for restoration work on the church. Tickets cost $15 and are available at Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.