Construction on Rotorua Museum’s seismic strengthening and restoration has been completed, almost 10 years after the landmark building was closed over earthquake safety concerns.
By Mathew Nash of Local Democracy Reporting
While the work has finished on schedule, the museum is not expected to reopen for another two years, with attention turning to exhibition development and the return of the museum’s collections and taonga.
The keys to the building were formally handed back to Rotorua Lakes Council by building contractor Watts & Hughes on Thursday, bringing the construction phase of the project to an end.
The museum closed in November 2016 after structural concerns were identified after the Kaikōura earthquake. Subsequent investigations found extensive strengthening and restoration work was needed on the Category 1 heritage building.
Councillors voted in 2023 to restore and strengthen the building after consulting the community. Construction began in 2024 and was completed this month before an initial 2027 target and in line with the eventual September 2026 timeline.
Council chief executive Andrew Moraes said the redevelopment was among the most complex heritage restoration projects done in New Zealand.
“Not only have we completed construction on time and under budget, but we’ve done so while overcoming the challenges of working on a 120-year-old building within an active geothermal environment,” Moraes said.
He said the project had required close collaboration between engineers, heritage specialists and construction teams.
“Today marks a major step towards reopening this treasured community landmark and sharing our stories, heritage and culture once again,” Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said.
The $73.55 million project was funded with $15.5m from the council, $41.45m from government and other public funding sources, and $15m from Rotorua Trust, with additional support from private fundraising.
“This project would not have been possible without the support of a range of external funders,” Tapsell said.
The completion of construction follows the removal of scaffolding this year, when the building exterior of what was once claimed to be New Zealand’s most photographed building became fully visible for the first time since work began.
External fencing has now been removed, and minor finishing touches will continue for the next two weeks, with a karakia planned for September 28.
The project will now move into the fit-out and exhibition phase, including the installation of collection items and taonga.
The council previously identified a funding gap of about $7m to $8m for exhibition development and continues to seek external support.
Much of the museum’s collection remains in storage. The council is spending $319,000 annually to store, insure and maintain nearly 2900 artworks and taonga valued at more than $21m while the museum remains closed.
The council has indicated that opportunities for the public to visit the restored building will be announced this year.
The museum is earmarked to fully open to the public in 2028.
– Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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