The Government has made a further investment in Rotorua’s well-known Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, recognising its importance to the city and the region, and its historical significance.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones joined other dignitaries, stakeholders and the community at an event in Rotorua to mark a milestone in the museum's journey.
Restoration and seismic strengthening work has now been completed, and the museum is on track to reopen in August 2028.
“The Government backed this project when the future of this grand building was uncertain, and we're backing it again with a further NZD two million grant through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to complete the permanent exhibition fit-out phase ahead of reopening,” said Jones.
“This final investment will help bring the museum back to life, ensuring local and international visitors can once again experience around 1600 taonga Māori and 60,000 collection items held within these walls.”
This milestone was celebrated with a blessing and ceremony. Jones added that completing the construction phase of this landmark was a momentous day for the people of Rotorua, the wider Bay of Plenty region, and the 120,000 visitors expected to visit the museum each year.
The historic Elizabethan Revival-style Bath House building, which housed the museum, was built between 1906 and 1908 and is a Category 1 heritage building. Since the late 1960s, the museum has told the stories of Rotorua, Te Arawa, and the nation.
For a building that holds such rich history, Jones said it was fitting that it should have an illustrious story of its own. Since opening in 1908, it has served many purposes, including as a bathhouse, sanatorium for wounded soldiers, and a restaurant and nightclub.
“Now this magnificent building, once deemed unsafe, is ready for its next chapter.”
The building has undergone NZD 73.35m of restoration work supported by NZD 31m of Crown investment, including NZD 22m from the previous Provincial Growth Fund and NZD 9m from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
“Some might say Rotorua without its museum is like a hāngī without the steam. This project not only restores a much-loved landmark but will provide economic benefits for businesses and communities across the region,” added Jones.
Rotorua Lakes Council is co-funding the exhibition fit-out, which is due to be completed ahead of the museum's planned reopening in 2028.
Co-funding for the restoration project was provided by a combination of local government, community and philanthropic partners, including:
- Rotorua Lakes Council: NZD 15.5 million
- Rotorua Trust: NZD 15 million
- Lottery Grants Funding: NZD 6.35 million
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council: NZD 4.1 million
- J & J La Grouw: NZD 1 million
- New Zealand Community Trust: NZD 400,000
Kānoa administers the Provincial Growth Fund and the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit within the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
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