He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa
He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa
Our Story
He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa was born from a moemoeā (vision) to create a space that reflects the collective aspirations of Ngāti Tūwharetoa whānau.
It’s a place where governance, partnership, and community connection come alive, showcasing Tūwharetoa leadership and commitment to a prosperous future.
What Makes He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Unique?
He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa was born from a moemoeā (vision) to create a space that reflects the collective aspirations of Ngāti Tūwharetoa whānau.
It’s a place where governance, partnership, and community connection come alive, showcasing Tūwharetoa leadership and commitment to a prosperous future.
Floor 1
Te Kāhui Maunga, Te Wai O TAUPŌ-NUI-A-TIA, Mana Whenua
The Gathering Place of Mountains
The Waters and Tributaries of Taupō
Traditional Rights of Occupation
Ngātoroirangi
This pou pays tribute to Ngātoroirangi, acknowledging his legacy for our inherited right of occupation. It also references inanga, kōkopu, and kōura symbols of the lake’s life giving waters.
Tongariro
Representing Te Mātāpuna and the landscapes and hapū south of Pākā, this pou emphasises the central role of Tongariro and Te Kāhui Maunga in shaping Tūwharetoa identity.
Pihanga
Pihanga, the revered female maunga, is central to Tūwharetoa narratives. She represents life-giving waters and is symbolic of the first karanga, the voice that welcomes manuhiri.
Tauhara & Waikato Awa
This pou represents Tauhara Maunga as the gateway into the rohe, with the flow of Waikato Awa and Taupō Moana serving as the marae ātea, Pihanga as the kaikaranga and Tongariro as the kaikorero rangatira. Together, they reflect their roles in upholding the mana of our iwi.
Taupō Moana (Lower Panel)
The Totara Pou is a powerful symbol of our deep connection to the whenua and the legacy we uphold. Wrapped in steel to reflect strength and resilience, it stands as a lasting reminder of Tūwharetoa identity.
Taupō Moana (Lower Panel)
This panel portrays Taupō Moana, featuring Motutaiko, Horomātangi, and other significant elements. It reinforces the concept of ‘as above, so below’ and unifies the narratives across the pou.
Te Kāhui Whetu (Upper Panel)
Te Kāhui Whetu guided Te Arawa waka from Hawaiki and continues to shape environmental cycles today.
Tauhara & Waikato Awa
Honouring Tia, whose cloak inspired the name Taupō-nui-a-Tia, this pou also highlights his role in naming key locations across the region.
Floor 2
Celestial Waka
Honouring Ngātoroirangi, this celestial waka installation connects the stars to ancestral knowledge. The waka, formed by star constellations, symbolises the spirits’ journey to the gateway of the afterlife, aligning with Matariki’s themes of death and renewal. Te Ara Tapiki o Tāwhaki is a constellation known to Ngāti Tūwharetoa and this pathway traces celestial movements through stars such as Matariki, Tautoru, and Pihanga, reflecting the expertise of Ngātoroirangi, a tohunga kōkorangi.
Tikatakata and Tihorehore
Above the waka, two diamond-shaped Pātiki represent celestial bodies that illuminated Pihanga during Ngātoroirangi’s exploration of the central plateau. In modern astronomy, they are recognised as the Magellan Clouds.
Kahukura & Rongomai
Kahukura, seen as a red rainbow, and Rongomai, a comet-like guardian, hold deep significance in Tūwharetoa traditions. Their presence in ritual incantations often serves as a warning or a sign that someone of great mana has passed.
Floor 3
Why He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa matters
Whānau
Created with the input and vision of Tūwharetoa whānau, this space empowers our people to take an active role in decision-making and governance.
Cultural Legacy
It is a place where mokopuna can connect with their cultural identity and the leadership legacy of their tūpuna.
Community Impact
Serving both Tūwharetoa and the wider Taupō community, the building centralises key services improving efficiencies and creating stronger bonds between iwi and community.
Economic Benefits
A carefully planned, long-term investment for Tūwharetoa, the building supports initiatives that benefit our people and the region for generations to come.
Project Timeline
Construction Began
May 2023
Building Completed
Jan 2025
Official Opening
Mar 2025
Blessing Ceremony
Mar 2025
Staff Move in
Mar 2025
Legacy Continues
Ongoing
Frequently asked questions
It is a landmark building in Taupō that serves as a hub for governance, culture, and community engagement. Owned by Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership, it houses Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust, as well as Taupō District Council, economic development agency Amplify, and destination marketing agency Love Taupō.
The whare was established and is owned by Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership, a body created to lead the project that includes the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust, Tauhara Properties Limited, Tupu Angitu Limited, Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Holdings Limited, and Lake Rotoaira Trust.
It was built in collaboration with Taupō District Council, Watts and Hughes, DCA Architects, and Egmont Dixon.
The building serves as a space for governance, collaboration, and community, reflecting the cultural identity of Tūwharetoa and supporting community economic and social growth.
It empowers whānau and hapū by providing a space for iwi decision-making and governance, while also generating sustainable long-term economic returns that support initiatives benefiting our people.
The artwork, including Ngā Mata o te Marama o Tūwharetoa, the Celestial Waka, Kāhui Maunga pou, and the Totara Pou, celebrate the cultural heritage of Tūwharetoa, ancestral wisdom of Ngatoroirangi, and our connection to whenua and te taiao.