$10m boost for museum rebuild

Rotorua Museum – boost to rebuild.

A commitment of $10 million towards the rebuild of the Rotorua Museum has been approved by the local Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.

The building has been closed since November, 2016, when it was ruled a earthquake risk.

As the museum/Bath House as noted as a symbol of the community, it was imperative that the facility reopen as soon as possible, Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward said in a statement.

The Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre was also closed because of the earthquake risk.

While the handover of the $10 million from the trust to the council has not been determined, the trust said it understood the grant would enable Rotorua Lakes Council, which has allocated $15million to the project through its latest long term plan, to help unlock further funding opportunities with central Government to complete the project.

'This is an iconic building for our community and the thousands of visitors who choose New Zealand and Rotorua as a destination,” Edward said.

'We acknowledge the cultural significance of the site to Te Arawa and the historical and economic impact of the building to our community.”

The gesture is a reversal of a trust stand several years ago when its then chairman Grahame Hall said the trust did not 'throw money” at old buildings. Since Hall retired at the last trust elections, trust direction has altered especially with an influx of new trustees.

A rider with today's announcement said trustees were unanimous at the allocation, in one accord saying the rebuilding and reopening of the Museum was presently a key priority for Rotorua.

The trust had a strong relationship with the museum – granting $4.7 million towards the building's extension in 2009. It also owns a substantial art collection which is usually displayed there.

Trustees said in the statement that the trust's regular community funding would not be affected.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick has hailed the gesture as 'fantastic news”, highlighting the museum's importance.

'Reinstating and reopening our museum is an absolute priority for the council,” Chadwick said.

'This contribution will provide us with the impetus we need to attract further external funding from Central Government.”

Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre – damaged goods.

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