"We could have built something just for the school but when Tony went out and started talking to the community there was a very strong response to say we need something for the community that helps us to grow the performing arts within the schools but also within the community itself and to showcase it," she said.
"It's great to see it taking shape."
She said the arts centre started out as a $4 million project but was now a $10m project.
"The good news is we're nearly there.
"We only need $800,000."
Ken Young, a contributor to the New Zealand music scene for many years, initially as a principal tuba in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and then as a conductor and composer, said the opportunities for college students and the greater community "to use a facility like this to enlarge their art and their capabilities as artists and young professionals is just extraordinary".
"I can't think of anything else in New Zealand quite like this, especially in the school grounds."
Many performing groups and soloists, both nationally and internationally, would "benefit enormously from this".
"I've been playing in, and conducting, performances of various types in small venues in Wellington for over 40 years.
"And it's very frustrating trying to find a place with good acoustics, good facilities and a big enough capacity, let alone a [orchestra] pit.
