It’s a big weekend for Manutuke with the reopening of Toko Toru Tapu, one of the most historically significant Maori churches in the country.
Rongowhakaata kaumatua Stan Pardoe says the restoration of the 100-year-old church was supported by the whole community.
The structure has been freshened up and strengthened against earthquakes, the bell tower rebuilt and the roofing restored to its original diamond-shaped tiling with tiles imported from the United States.
Smoke alarms and sprinklers were installed.
A team led by Dean Whiting restored the carvings, which were in the Te Pitau a Manaia style developed by the renowned Rongowhakaata carver Raharuhi Rukupo after Anglican missionaries baulked at representations of Maori gods.
Mr Pardoe says the work would please the old chief, who is buried beside the church.
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