Blessing marks reawakening of historic Rotorua Museum building

A karakia (blessing) was held at the historic Rotorua Bath House building today, home to Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, to restore its mauri (life force) and formally awaken the building after nearly two years of "sleep" while complex restoration works were undertaken.

Closed since November 2016 due to earthquake safety concerns, the building entered its construction phase in June 2024, with restoration and strengthening works now complete.

The blessing, attended by iwi representatives, government ministers, dignitaries, project partners and community leaders, marked the building's transition from construction site to a living taonga once more.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says today's karakia brings people together to acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of the Bath House and mark an important milestone in its restoration journey.

"Today is a massive milestone in the history of Rotorua as we celebrate fixing the Bath House and recognise the role this treasured landmark will continue to play at the heart of our community," Mayor Tapsell adds.

Speaking at the ceremony, Regional Development Minister Hon Shane Jones announced $2 million from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the completion of the museum's exhibition project, providing certainty for the next phase of work and bringing Rotorua Museum a significant step closer to reopening in 2028.

Mayor Tania Tapsell says the announcement is hugely significant for Rotorua, and thanked Minister Shane Jones for the Government's ongoing support.

"Today's announcement is incredibly exciting for Rotorua and we’re so grateful for the support from Government and other sponsors so that we know for certain the doors of our Museum will open again for locals and visitors in the near future.

“This is the most supported, and significant project that Council has ever completed and we’re proud to have delivered it below the expected cost. Through this rebuild we’ve heard the value it will bring for both our community and country as an iconic historical building.

“Our vision for the Rotorua Museum now is to create a world-class exhibition that honours the past, strengthens the present and inspires the future.

“Again, we thank Minister Jones, and local Minister McClay, for securing additional funding and reducing the financial burden on local ratepayers,” Mayor Tapsell says.

Council Chief Executive Andrew Moraes says today's blessing recognises the successful completion of one of New Zealand's most complex heritage restoration projects delivered on time and under budget.

"Over 110 weeks on site, thousands of hours of work went into strengthening and restoring this iconic building. More than 300 people contributed to the project, bringing together an extraordinary range of skills, expertise and craftsmanship.

"From installing 56,000 roof tiles to removing approximately 1,000 cubic metres of material from the basement by hand, every aspect of the restoration required careful planning, specialist knowledge and attention to detail.

"Successfully restoring and strengthening a 120-year-old building within an active geothermal environment was an extraordinary undertaking. Knowing that the people who came to site each day returned home safely to their families is something I am especially proud of.

"Thank you to Watts & Hughes Construction, our wider project team and our generous funders for their dedication in seeing this complex restoration through to completion. Everyone involved should take immense pride in what has been achieved," says Mr Moraes.

When Rotorua Museum does reopen to the public in 2028, visitors will experience exhibitions shaped by extensive engagement with Rotorua communities, iwi and Te Arawa, reflecting the stories, people and places that make Rotorua unique.

See Minister Jones' news release here: Rotorua museum restored for future generations | Beehive.govt.nz