Te Arawa taonga to return to Rotorua Lakefront
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.