"The Rotorua princess has returned," Mr Perry said.
"For the trust collection, the descendants of Ana Hato, the tribes, this would be amongst the most significant paintings that I have acquired for this area."
The painting was done in the 1950s when Zinkeisen, from Scotland, travelled to New Zealand with her husband during their honeymoon. Hato was born in Rotorua and grew up singing Maori songs as a cultural performer for tourists. She quickly became a soprano soloist and performed in front of the Duke and Duchess of York in Rotorua in 1927.
She featured in a concert at Ohinemutu and sang duets with her cousin, Deane Waretini which were recorded by by the Parlophone Company from Australia, and led to further recording engagements in Australia in 1929.
Mr Perry would not disclose the successful bidding price but according to the auction it was valued between $30,000-$40,000.
He said a Charles Goldie painting was also purchased at the auction for the collection.
"I was speechless [when winning the auction], this is a coup, I haven't been able to stop smiling for the last couple of days," Mr Perry said.
Rangimaria Robertson (nee Raponi) welcomed the news of the painting. The 75-year-old is the daughter of Ana Hato and her husband Pahau Raponi.
Places+Faces, Art+History: Works from the Rotorua Trust Heritage Collection exhibition is on at the Rotorua Museum.
