Editorial: A new stage in arts

I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering whether more could be done by all parties to bring these various interests together, writes Gillespie. Photo / Thinkstock

It's an exciting time for lovers of the arts in Rotorua - particularly the performing arts.

Not only do we face the prospect of the redevelopment of the former Convention Centre, now known as the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, but also the possibility of new, shared, premises for Rotorua's two community theatre groups.

You might think these two things were destined to happen together - but that doesn't appear to be on the cards.

District councillor Glenys Searancke said the chances of the theatre groups moving into the council's performing arts centre were slim due to size and access reasons, while Rotorua Musical Theatre president Natasha Benfell said non-profit community groups run by volunteers could not afford to use the centre.

Instead, assuming the Musical Theatre and Little Theatre choose to work together, we will see millions of dollars, including $1.5 million from the Rotorua Trust, go towards the building of a new, shared, theatre.

I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering whether more could be done by all parties to bring these various interests together and perhaps save a little funding that could be directed elsewhere.

Rotorua's distinctive green CityRide buses are on the move, with a new inner city route and bus stop planned.

The changes, which won't happen until mid-next year, were approved at a regional council meeting this week after discussions with the district council.

Buses will loop around the CBD, taking in the Rotorua Central mall, with the main bus stop on Arawa St by the i-Site and library.

This will be a boost to Pukuatua St - where you'll find the city's worst driver behaviour (cars, not buses). Moving the bus traffic out of that street will be a bonus. It also makes sense to handily link the i-Site's coach services with the urban/suburban bus network, and to provide a more useful service to and from the mall. Those who get on and off in the middle of town now will face a change, but overall this seems a positive move.