Closing the loop on the Rotorua Lakefront Development
This morning the Rotorua Lakefront Development came full circle, with a dawn karakia bringing the entire project to a close and marking the official opening of the Te Arawa Whare Waka.
Moving the Te Arawa waka taua was one of the first projects to get underway as part of the lakefront development and now after almost five years, it’s back in its rightful place on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Te Arawa Waka Trust trustee Pererika Makiha says today’s blessing ceremony was more than just marking the opening of the new building and the return of the waka, but was about acknowledging those that have passed.
“We are acknowledging in particular, Te Putuangaanga Mihaka and Laurie Durand whose passion for all forms of waka has resulted in the establishment of the Whare Waka.
“Their passion is acknowledged by the blessing of the two punga (anchor stones, Tokaparore and Tuterangiharuru) which are situated at each end of the Whare Waka.”
The waka taua Te Arawa has inspired and driven a lot of the cultural design that features across the new lakefront. There are connections between the waka and artworks created by Te Arawa master carver Lyonel Grant, including the pou tumu that stand along the lake edge.
Being the last of the major projects for the redevelopment, the completion of the whare waka now means the community can come together to celebrate the conclusion of a significant transformation for Rotorua.
About Te Arawa Whare Waka
The purpose built whare waka was designed by local architects DCA Architects in collaboration with Te Arawa artist and master carver Lyonel Grant, Te Arawa Waka Trust and BSK Consulting Engineers.
Continuing the cultural themes throughout the redevelopment, the design of the whare waka reflects the heritage and deep connection of Te Arawa to the Rotorua Lakefront.
The building’s glass walls allow lakefront visitors to fully view and connect with the Te Arawa taonga while also protecting the waka from the elements. The large glass doors at either end of the building also enable the waka to be transported out for use during cultural events.
The building’s orientation and location within the reserve gives prominence to the taonga, maintaining a view from the lake through to Tutanekai Street and Te Manawa, the heart of the city.
Contractors from Urbo Homes began the whare waka construction in August 2023 and have worked over the summer alongside Mr Grant and Te Arawa Waka Trust to bring the concept to life.
Funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit for the lakefront redevelopment cultural foundation has supported the construction of the building and the artistic elements.
About the Waka Taua, Te Arawa
Te Arawa carver, Lyonel Grant handmade this waka taua, named “Te Arawa” in 1989 using traditional techniques and tools. The Tōtara wood was sourced from the Te Ngaire Forest near Minginui, Ngāti Whare.
Waka taua is a vessel that transports war parties, a function that holds great mana or prestige. The Te Arawa waka taua is 20 metres long and weighs approximately 2.5 tonnes.
The hull is made up of three separate sections bound together:
- At the kei, the rear, the taurapa or stern post carries two entities:
- Top - Tāwhirimatea who controls the elements.
- Base – Tūmatauenga the entity of war and confrontation.
- The tauihu, the figurehead, represents Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa, The Eight Beating Hearts of Te Arawa, symbolising the iwi, tribes that hold customary authority over the Rotorua region.
- The rauawa or side strakes represents successive generations that link to ancestral origins. The rhythmical wave-like motion of the figures accentuates the visual movement of the waka.
Each journey of the waka is a symbolic journey of the Te Arawa people.
Background information on Lakefront Redevelopment
The redevelopment of the lakefront began in 2018 when the Government announced that it would grant Rotorua more than $27million in match funding from the Provincial Growth Fund (now Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit) for the lakefront and forest upgrades, both transformational projects for the local economy.
The projects were signaled in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan and were aimed at enhancing the district’s offerings and creating jobs, encouraging private investment and most-importantly, creating world-class destinations for the community to be proud of.
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.
Photography by Maddy Archer