Plans are coming together for the Grand Opening of Rotorua’s iconic Sir Howard Morrison Centre in February 2023.

On 16 and 17 February, the venue will be completed and the doors officially thrown open for a star-studded Grand Opening Gala and a weekend of opening celebrations. A huge line-up of performers and musicians from Rotorua and across the motu will grace the stage in a multi-disciplinary production in the newly renovated venue, with the full programme announced and tickets on sale 29 November.

On Saturday 18 February, the venue’s free Whānau Open Day will welcome families in for a day of fun for everyone. All are welcome to enjoy relaxed performances, workshops, live music, and behind-the-scenes tours of this exciting new creative hub.

Prior to opening, two events will be held in the venue’s first-completed spaces – the Sir Own Glenn Theatre, Matangi Rau and Te Haumihi, Main Foyer. On Saturday 19 November, the New Zealand Aria Finals will take place in the Sir Owen Glenn Theatre, and on 10 December, Rotorua’s AMJAZZ Christmas Showcase will return with their end-of-year celebrations.

The rest of the venue currently remains closed for completion and fit-out.

On Friday 18 November, a dawn blessing of the venue, led by Mataia Keepa of Te Arawa, took place prior to the Aria event, as is traditional for the opening of any new or repurposed space when it is used for the very first time.