August 16, 2023
Te Arawa taonga to return to Rotorua Lakefront
Te Arawa taonga to return to Rotorua Lakefront
Work has begun to return Te Arawa Waka Taua to the Lakefront and give it pride of place near the shores of Lake Rotorua.
The last major works for the Lakefront Development Project, construction of a new Whare Waka will enable our community and visitors to view and connect with the Te Arawa taonga.
Local contractor Urbo Homes has begun to ready the site, west of the playground, in preparation for construction of the foundations for the building.
The Whare Waka has been designed by local architects DCA Architects of Transformation in collaboration with Te Arawa artist and master carver Lyonel Grant, Te Arawa Waka Trust and BSK Consulting Engineers. Mr Grant, who carved the Waka Taua by hand in 1989, will be providing carved elements and design features for the building.
Kaihautu and Te Arawa Waka Trust Member, Paora Te Hurihanganui says Te Arawa Waka Trust has a legacy that influences all waka in our region long before the carving of the Te Arawa waka in 1990.
“The new developments allow us to remember such past influencers as Mauri Ora Kingi, Putu Mihaka and Laurie Durand who have all been integral leaders in the Te Arawa Waka Taua history and future.”
“Waka are hugely important as cultural connectors to the wellbeing of our waterways, especially our lakes such as Lake Rotorua. We look forward to the wider promotion and inclusion of all waka at the newly formed lakefront including waka taua, waka tētē, waka ama and others. Ko Te Arawa he waka, he iwi…..”
The Whare Waka has been designed to ensure the waka is fully viewable to all lakefront visitors while also secure and protected from the elements. There will be an open glass façade, with targeted lighting to illuminate the expanse and size of the waka.
The building’s orientation and location within the reserve gives prominence to the taonga, a clear view from the lake through to Tutanekai Street and Te Manawa, the heart of our city. As the waka is used during cultural events, the building’s layout and surrounding landscape allows the vessel to be moved to and from the lake.
Construction of the Whare Waka is likely to take approximately seven months and be ready by the end of summer 2024. During this time the site will be fenced off for the community’s safety.
The Waka Taua was housed at the lakefront prior to the development and has been temporarily stored outside the Rotorua Energy Events Centre while the Lakefront Development Project has been underway. Any restoration work required will be carried out prior to the waka returning to the lakefront.
Background information on Lakefront Redevelopment
In 2018, a $19.9 million Government investment from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (RDU) was announced for the project. This funding, alongside $20.1 million from Council, aimed to transform this recreational, economic and cultural resource.
In July 2020, an additional $1 million investment from Kānoa – RDU was announced to progress work on the cultural design foundation for the lakefront project. This consists of artwork, interpretation and design, with local artists creating carved pou, and information panels that will tell the korero history of the area.
The lakefront design reflects the heritage and deep connection of Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa to the Rotorua Lakefront and the project has been made possible through the support of our partners, the Gifted Reserves Committee (Pukeroa Ōruawhata Trust) and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Together, our vision is to develop the lakefront into an outstanding recreational area that will benefit locals, support tourism and encourage private investment. This in turn will create new jobs and benefit the Rotorua community.
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