She said the overall size of the complex was very impressive and the construction and fittings had a feeling of high quality. She paid tribute to the vision that was becoming a reality as the centre neared completion.

The prime minister and Mrs Chadwick were accompanied on the tour of the complex by Mayor Kevin Winters, Rotorua Trust chairman Grahame Hall, trust manager Stuart Burns and other council officials.
 
Miss Clark quipped that it was a pity the Energy Events Centre would not be completed within the next three weeks, as it would have been an ideal place for the Labour Party’s annual conference.

However the prime minister’s name will be associated with development of the project for some years as she has committed to personally buying a name plate for the event centre’s ‘Name Your Seat’ fundraising campaign, adding her name to those of many local residents and businesses on seating in the Unison Arena.


(L to R) Energy Event Centre Fundraising Manager Nick Dallimore, Event Venues General Manager Peter McLeod,
Prime Minister Helen Clark, MP Steve Chadwick, Rotorua Trust Secretary/Manager Stuart Burns, Mayor Kevin Winters


(L to R) Energy Event Centre Fundraising Manager Nick Dallimore, Event Venues General Manager Peter McLeod,
Prime Minister Helen Clark, MP Steve Chadwick


(L to R)  Prime Minister Helen Clark, Rotorua Trust Chairman Grahame Hall, MP Steve Chadwick,
Rotorua Trust Secretary/Manager Stuart Burns