New Tūwharetoa and Council building open for business

The new building was opened at a dawn ceremony on Thursday, March 6.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities and Taupō District Council will move into their new building on Horomatangi St on Monday.

The building – called He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa - was officially opened on Thursday morning with a dawn blessing.

Rakeipoho Taiaroa, Chair of Te Whare Hono Limited Partnership, says the building is a testament to the power of hononga (unity) and shared purpose.

“This is more than just a building – it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together.

He said He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa strengthens collaboration among Tūwharetoa entities and deepens the partnership with Taupō District Council.

“It’s a space where we can work side by side for the benefit of our whānau, hapū, iwi and the wider community.”

The building will house Tūwharetoa entities, including the 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.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says the co-location with Tūwharetoa entities will encourage shared initiatives and a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives.

“I hope this space will be a place of better collaboration between iwi, Council, Amplify, and Love Taupō. By working together in one spot, we can leverage our different strengths to drive economic development and community wellbeing.”

A view of the interior of the new building.

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.