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Download AudioRotorua Lakes Council is building an $800-thousand dollar purpose-built floor-to-ceiling glass and wood enclosure for the Te Arawa Waka Taua at Rotorua’s lakefront.
The wharewaka, which should be completed by next March, is the crowning piece of the $40-million dollar lakefront redevelopment.
Community wellbeing director Aimee McGregor says it could become one of the most viewed waka in Aotearoa.
“It is right in a really prominent location – and we are a tourism mecca, and we have many, many manuhiri coming to our town, as well as our community. So we hope that they all journey down to the lakefront – and get to see the Te Arawa Waka Taua,” she says.
While the shelter is being built, the waka is being restored by a team including Te Arawa artist and master carver Lyonel Grant.
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