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Ngawha Springs is set to reopen to the public tomorrow.
The historic complex near the Bay of Islands has been undergoing a $4.3 million spruce-up funded by the Provincial Growth Fund, Foundation North, Lotteries, Te Puni Kōkiri and Northland Inc.
Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust chair Dr Te Tuhi Robust says it was a happy coincidence the trust took the opportunity to refurbish the springs at the onset of COVID-19 when it would have been forced to close anyway.
The refurbishment includes a new building with changing rooms, cafe, ticket office, shop and rooms for health practitioners.
There’s also a flood wall to protect the complex and new surroundings for the 16 geothermal pools in the public springs, all with their own characteristics, and eight private pools.
Dr Robust says accounts of Ngawha Springs date back 400 years when Ngāpuhi ancestress Kareariki discovered their curative powers, particularly those giving relief to mothers after childbirth.
Warring iwi and hapū would attend the pools together after battles to embrace their remedial value. The notable Ngāpuhi warrior Hone Heke Pōkai used the pools following the battle of Mawhekairangi.
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