22 November 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Consent for new whare waka at lakefront
Enquiry
Reporter who was provided with consents information for the month of October 2022 sought further information regarding the consent for the new whare waka at the lakefront:
- Is the new Wharewaka part of the lakefront development?
- If so, please may I have a comment from the council about what this stage includes, how we are tracking so far with the lake development project, and any photos?
Reporter also contacted Mayor Tapsell for comment
Response
Reporter was provided with map showing where the new whare waka will be located at the lakefront and was provided with the following comments:
From Anaru Pewhairangi DCE Community Wellbeing/Manhautū Hāpori Oranga:
Is the new Wharewaka part of the lakefront development?
Yes the Whare Waka has been an important part of the Lakefront Redevelopment Project since early concept designs. The Te Arawa Waka Taua was housed at the lakefront prior to the development and is currently temporarily located outside the Energy Events Centre. The Lakefront project includes relocating it back to the Lakefront to a purpose built shelter to enable our community and visitors to view and connect with this taonga. The design has been completed by local architects (DCA Architects of Transformation) in collaboration with artist and master carver Lyonel Grant who carved the Waka Taua.
If so, please may I have a comment from the council about what this stage includes, how we are tracking so far with the lake development project, and any photos?
The Lakefront Redevelopment project has two remaining components of work. One is the balance of the civil and landscaping works which are being undertaken by local company Campbell Infrastructure, who completed many of the stages excluding the lake edge and boardwalk sections. The remaining landscaping works are the western end of the development and include a tourism coach/bus drop off loop, more pathways connecting the development and more grassed and planted spaces.
The second component is the Whare Waka construction. The design is complete and consented and negotiations are almost concluded with a building contractor for construction. Works are planned to start early in the New Year and continue through for completion mid-2023.