‘Not on our watch’: A Kaikōura couple honored for saving Mayfair Theater

supplied

Arts patrons and permanent volunteers Sandra and John White each received the Queen’s Service Medals. Here they are pictured with “touchstone” Ponamo gifted to the theater upon its reopening in 2020.

A Kaikura couple who played many roles in the town’s earthquake recovery were recognized at the Queen’s birthday party.

John and Sandra White are regular volunteers in their community, with the Kaikōura Lions, Kaikōura High School and Civil Defense, and work for the Mayfair Center for Arts and Culture, Te Whare Toi ō Kaikōura.

John said learning that they both received the Queen’s Service Medals was “very humble, and it’s just something we would never have thought of”.

George Heard/Staff

Theater Committee Chairman John White poses with the theater closed a few months after the earthquake.

The couple have been involved in the Mayfair Theater since 2012, four years before an earthquake damaged an Art Deco building so bad that it was facing demolition.

Read more: *Kaikōura Council $2M Budget Increase *Calculated Dates for Previous Kekerengu Fault Rupture Could Help Identify Previous Multiple Fault Earthquakes *Health Day at Kekura’s Takahanga Marae, a Long-Term Dream Come True *Surfing Provides Artistic Inspiration for Kaikōura Gallery

“We both agreed that this wouldn’t be the end, and it wasn’t on our guard,” John said.

“Mayfair’s facade was iconic and had to be preserved if possible. There was also a need to build back better, and overlaying all of that was the fact that being involved in and participating in the arts, in all its forms, has been fantastic for psychological and social recovery and community bonding – so vital after earthquake. “

The pair led a team of volunteers through a four-year fundraising program to save the theater’s iconic pink facade, and build an entirely new facility behind it.

Meanwhile, Sandra created Mobile Mayfair, to host films and events elsewhere during the Mayfair reform.

Sandra wanted to thank the community for their “amazing” support, and she gave a special mention to the Kaikōura Community OpShop, which raised $300,000 for the $4 million rebuild.

The pair hosted a Mayfair art auction and dinner in 2018 and 2019, which raised more than $100,000 and led to the support of funders such as Lotto NZ and the Rātā Foundation.

supplied

Kaikura artist Jane Riley, left, with John and Sandra White at a fundraising auction in 2018.

During construction, an ancient Europe was discovered under the theater, one of the most important discoveries in the city. They worked with Takahanga Marai, Te Runanga or Kaikura, Komatwa of Ngai Tahoe and the authorities for resettlement and reburial of commitment to Tikanga Maori.

It was an emotional time, very humble and spiritual in many respects. We owe it to everyone who participated in that time.”

John said they were very touched to learn that the pounamu mite that feeds on the West Coast will be gifted to the new “An amazing end to the journey we’ve all taken.”

Field / things of danger Emma

The recovery center volunteers are the T-shirts Sandra and John White designed to raise funds two weeks after the 2016 earthquake.

The lobby was put to the test and blessed when the center opened on November 19, 2020.

With a new gallery space and conference room, Waits had hoped the center would be a welcome economic boost to the city, and a source of inspiration for the city’s thriving art community.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos