NZ$17.5 self funded tourism project on time & under budget
New Zealand's leading cultural tourism experience, Te Puia is readying itself to showcase an enhanced visitor offering which will include a high-spec interactive experience using leading edge tourism technologies along with a spectacular new building Nga Waru Pu Manawa, (eight beating hearts of Te Arawa) which contains a number of physical and cultural elements believed to be a first not only for New Zealand but the world.
The new Te Puia promises to elevate current visitor experiences and will certainly challenge cultural paradigms in that cherished traditions of this historically and culturally significant site will be re-presented to visitors in a 21 st century context which will add an exciting new dimension to New Zealand's cultural tourism offering.
Stand out elements of the new Te Puia include design work which has interpreted traditional stories from the Te Arawa people and Whakarewarewa Valley into modern architectural design. This is exemplified in the challenging curvature of the enormous roof of Nga Waru Pu Manawa that depicts the legendary Hatupatu and his magical cloaks through contemporary woven panelling. More than 30 artists have contributed to Nga Waru Pu Manawa with unique, contemporary weaving and carving works that bring form and life to the building.
In Te Whare Tapere (house of multi disciplines), the design team take existing technology platforms employed in multi award winning museums and attractions to an exciting new level. These include an interactive 3D sensory table depicting the Whakarewarewa Valley.
The most ambitious design statement would have to be the new entrance feature Te Heketanga a Rangi (heavenly origins) that features 12 monumental contemporary Pou structures reaching skyward, each one representing a celestial guardian according to Te Arawa.
Media enquiries:
Louise Sneddon
4PR
Phone: (09) 489 2229
Mobile: 021 220 4944
Email: louise@4pr.co.nz