Girls' High opens arts centre

Rotorua Girls' High School now has a performing arts centre to match its huge Arena sporting complex.

The Nina Hogan Performing Arts Centre, named after the school's first principal Nina Hogan, was opened in a special ceremony at the school last night.

Principal Annette Joyce said it had been upgraded from a school hall to a centre which would cater for a wide range of performances and functions.

She said she remembered starting at the school as a student before the school even had a hall but now it had a performing arts centre which matched its Arena sporting complex.

"Many students will be able to make use of this centre for years to come," said Mrs Joyce.

The centre had already been used to host the school's production this year, called The Seussical.

With an improved stage area, sound system and better lighting, Mrs Joyce said the centre would allow the school to develop its involvement in performing arts.

"Next year, we're going to have a really big focus on performing arts and develop it from where we're already at."

Former teacher and deputy principal Jan Burbidge was at the ceremony to cut the ribbon.

Mrs Burbidge said she was delighted to be there to open the centre.

She fondly recalled first meeting Miss Hogan who, after meeting her several times, recruited her to work at the school.

"I remember she always used to wear big flowery dresses and hats."

Mrs Burbidge taught several subjects, "whatever she could read standing up", during her many years at Girls' High.