Perfect excuse to sing up a world-class storm | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Waiariki Institute of Technology is proving its support to talented young people by backing a "world-class" singing competition.

 The institute has become the naming rights sponsor to the New Zealand Aria and the world-class singing competition will now be known as the Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria.

Waiariki chief executive Dr Pim Borren said the institute wanted to be linked with "world-class" events because he wanted Waiariki to be a world-class institution and he believed the aria competition was.

"It's an extremely professional event, it's world-class, it's a national event, it's right here in Rotorua," Dr Borren said.

"I've always been just amazed by how wonderful the event is."

Dr Borren said it also allowed many young people to share their singing talents.

He said it was important Waiariki support "talented young people in our region".

For 13 years Lockwood sponsored the competition.

Lockwood executive chairman Joe La Grouw said it was time to let someone else take over.

Last year there was no naming rights sponsor for the event, which was known as the New Zealand Aria.

Mr La Grouw said he was glad to be handing over the baton to Dr Borren.

"I think after 13 years, we need to let other people have a go," he said.

Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria chair Jo-Anne La Grouw said every year they had to raise $140,000 to hold the event so having a naming rights sponsor helped a lot.

• The Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria will take place in Rotorua from October 29 until October 31. Entries are open until about six weeks before the event.