New look at Rotorua icon

Film-maker Kerry Fowler has found films of Rotorua historian Don Stafford which will be screened to the public this Sunday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Never before seen films of much-loved Rotorua historian Don Stafford will go on show this weekend.

The films, recently discovered by film-maker Kerry Fowler, will screen at Te Ao Marama Hall as part of a St Faith's Church fundraiser on Sunday.

It will be the first time the films are screened in public and will coincide with the fourth anniversary of Mr Stafford's death.

Mr Fowler, who worked with Mr Stafford for 12 years to create several historical programmes, has been going through piles of tapes and has found a treasure trove of unseen gems.

He has been busy compiling the films to screen this Sunday and has called the compilation Fragments.

"Don may have left us four years ago but his video legacy lives on," he said.

Event co-ordinator Ann Somerville said it was a special opportunity for locals to see Mr Stafford's work as he had become somewhat of a Rotorua icon.

"Don had a very special place within the community," she said. "These films, they're heart warming, lovely, and in a way, they commemorate the man Rotorua adored."

The films will feature snippets about Rotorua's history and "plenty of funny moments too". Ms Somerville said St Faith's had close ties to Mr Stafford and the event took place during an important year as the church is celebrating its centenary.

Ms Somerville said the money raised would go towards the church's ongoing restoration work. Maintaining the 100 year-old building was relatively costly, she said.

Ms Somerville welcomed the Rotorua community to attend and hoped for a turnout of about 200 people.

Tickets are $15 and are available from the Rotorua Museum or at the door.

Details
What: Don Stafford Films Screening.
Where: Te Ao Marama Hall, St Faith's Church, Rotorua.
When: Sunday 2pm.
Cost: $15.