Event Venues general manager, Peter McLeod, says the handover is a milestone worth noting and celebrating.

“We have reached the point that the Energy Events Centre officially now belongs to the Rotorua Community.”

Event Venues staff will be working over the weekend to move the final fit-out items into the new building in readiness for its first use next week when 1,200 delegates attend the Learning at Schools conference.

Mr McLeod says the building looks stunning.

“It’s one thing seeing it on plan but to see its complete physical form is exciting. It’s everything we imagined it would be.  People need to see it for themselves. They will be extremely impressed.”

Local residents will get the opportunity to check out the Energy Events Centre during the weekend of opening celebrations next month with a free outdoor concert on Saturday 10 March and open day of tours of the complex on Sunday 11 March.