Letters: Feeling the spirit in Rotorua

A reader hopes Rotorua's iconic museum will be fully restored. Photo/File

I visited Rotorua recently to celebrate the 75th birthday of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

I was fortunate to have a tour of this facility and wonder if Rotorua residents realise what a unique treasure they have had in their midst for the past 75 years. I know other New Zealanders are most appreciative.

I had prior knowledge that the lovely museum was closed so began a walking tour of the city by myself.

Starting at Whare Aroha, now closed, I was pleased to read it now relocated to Ngongotaha.
I was very greatly saddened to see the nearby building, the Child Potential Unit, now derelict.

Further on my walk I noted a new library/child health hub under construction on busy Arawa St on the site of Jean Batten park. This construction I read in your paper has fallen many months behind the completion date of November 2017.

On a more positive note I loved the old Princes Gate Hotel, the old post office/travel centre, also under some alterations, but with pleasant helpful staff. On to the old police station/Pig and Whistle with interesting history on its walls.

I was interested to see in the council buildings, the large carved Maori pole, once housed in the BNZ in Fenton St.

Lastly I entered the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and remarked to the staff how well it looked. I was surprised therefore to read in the Rotorua Daily Post that this building would close that very day due to earthquake vulnerability.

I sincerely trust that this building and Rotorua's icon, the museum, can be restored as soon as possible.

As a past longtime Rotorua resident, during this nostalgic visit, I "took the waters" and really experienced "Rotorua - feel the spirit " manaakitanga.

D. J. (JEAN) GLEN
Wellington

Re lower speed limits

Yes, yes, yes. Especially Western Rd. On a weekend it's like the Isle of Man motorcycle race!

ANDY WATSON
Ngongotaha