An iconic Rotorua landmark ended its 50th anniversary celebrations on a high note with the Christmas in the Pa concert.
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute played host to more than 300 people on Saturday night as performers led the carol singing from the steps of the Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house.
Concert producer Monty Morrison said they were grateful the good weather held out for the family-focused event. "It was a wonderful night, a first-time event for Te Puia and the closing function for their 50th anniversary so it was a significant occasion," Mr Morrison said.
Those singing included the Howard Morrison Junior trio, Russell Harrison, accompanied by the Rotorua Symphonic Band, Rotorua's Pure Voice trio and singer-songwriter Rodger Cunningham. The evening featured all the traditional and contemporary Christmas favourites, including hymns, rock-renditions and a special ukulele tribute.
"As the concert producer, I was thrilled how well-received the programme was and Russell Harrison as an MC and leading the community singing was tremendous," he said. "There were 250 to 300 seats set out and I know they had to get some more so we were thrilled with the attendance. Te Puia is obviously an internationally recognised iconic location and they excelled and have a long-time reputation of being able to manaakitanga to guests."