John Keaney's name will live long in Rotorua rugby, now the grandstand at Rotorua International Stadium bears his name.
Mr Keaney, who died in 2009, was mayor from 1979 to 1993 and also a keen sportsman. He played representative rugby for the Bay of Plenty in the late 1950s and was later on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.
Yesterday the grandstand was officially named the John Keaney Grandstand in his honour at a special function for family, friends and invited guests.
A plaque was unveiled in the Panasonic corporate lounge, and there are signs in his memory at the rear entrance and above the player's tunnel.
"We are absolutely thrilled," said Judy Keaney, Mr Keaney's widow.