Letters: New arts centre should be named after Sir Owen Glenn

A reader suggests the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre be renamed after Sir Owen Glenn. Photo / File

It's good to see that something is being done to one of the "closed" buildings in the city but how about a rename at the same time?

The Sir Owen Glenn Centre or just "Rotorua Performing Arts Centre"?

That way, visitors and locals alike will know what we're talking about when we mention the centre.

Owen Glen has obviously done more for the area by his gift of $3million, than Howard Morrison ever gave so it should be a tribute to his generosity.

And while we're on it, how about the museum?

That was closed before Performing Arts Centre and it is one of the most photographed and historical buildings in New Zealand, so when is that going to get started so it can be used again? Or are we just going to get "shared" footpaths everywhere - wasted money.

Viv Radley
Rotorua

Thanks council for fix-up job

Thank you Rotorua Lakes Council for having the Dutch wind sculpture near the rose garden fixed again.

The three wings had been badly damaged by high winds.

The wind sculpture was an initiative by Piet van Etten, and was meant as a gift from the local Dutch community to the people of Rotorua.

It was designed by former local artist, the late Martin Tissink and built by local engineering firm Metal Form Engineering.

Alie and Douwe VisserRotorua

Freedom of speech most important

A frightening aspect of life in New Zealand is coming to light -the loss of freedom!

I have no idea about the subject dear to the hearts of the two Canadians who want to speak here, what does concern me is this.

Far too many Kiwis have fought and died on battlefields around the world for one basic principle - freedom! And that includes the freedom of speech!

A saying (attributed to Voltaire) states simply: "I may not agree with what you say but I shall defend with my life your right to say it!"

Sadly that right is being challenged by a few misguided souls. I would suggest to these people - 'Let them speak!'.

Most of us are adult enough to judge for ourselves the wisdom - or lack of wisdom in their words.

We do not need others to dictate what we hear and believe! Back off, you are the threat to our freedom, not the Canadians!

Jim Adams
Rotorua