A significant milestone was celebrated at Waimangu Volcanic Valley on Monday, with a karakia to name and launch the valley’s two new vessels on Lake Rotomahana and to acknowledge the recent change in ownership.
The karakia was conducted by representatives from Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership – owners of Rotorua’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley – each now holding a 50% share in the business.
Karakia of the naming and launch of Waimangu Valley’s two new vessels on Lake Rotomahana
In addition, Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) has taken on management of day-to-day operations, further strengthening a close working relationship that has been built over the past eight years. The new management agreement brings both organisations into even closer alignment, supporting a unified vision for the future of the business.
Speakers also paid tribute to the legacy of leaders who helped shape Waimangu, including the late former owner Harvey James (passed 2017) and former directors Harena Warbrick, Alan Skipwith and George Hickton, who passed more recently. Their contributions were acknowledged with respect and gratitude.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Board Chair Deryck Shaw said the day signaled an exciting new era.
“These new vessels and upgraded facilities are designed to enhance the visitor experience, positioning Waimangu to continue delivering outstanding experiences for both international and domestic manuhiri (visitors).”
two new vessels
Shaw also acknowledged the significant investment made by the Tūhourangi / Ngāti Rangitihi Joint Administering Body, which owns and administers the whenua (land). Recent developments include major sustainability improvements, such as new septic and bathroom facilities in the valley.
Owner representatives – Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Chair Kirikowhai Mikaere and Te Puia Chief Executive Tim Cossar spoke to the deep ancestral connection’s iwi have to the whenua and the shared commitment to creating ongoing wellbeing and opportunity for their people through this partnership.
representatives from Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership
ENDS
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About Waimangu Volcanic Valley:
Created following the Mount Tarawera eruption in 1886, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is an eco-tourism experience featuring spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare plant life, brilliantly coloured microbiology and a wide array of birds.
Amongst its many highlights is Lake Rotomahana, formerly home to the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’ – the Pink and White Terraces, which were buried in the eruption.
Today, Waimangu welcomes visitors to explore its unique geothermal system on foot, or by boat, to discover its 22 volcanic craters, one of the world’s largest hot water springs and the site of the Pink and White Terraces. https://www.waimangu.co.nz/
Ownership:
• Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA) and Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership each hold a 50% share of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley Limited Partnership which owns the business Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
• Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA) and Ngāti Rangitihi jointly own and administer the whenua.
• Directors of Waimangu Volcanic Valley Limited Partnership are: Lana Ngawhika (Tūhourangi Tribal Authority), Fergus Brown (Te Puia | NZMACI Limited Partnership) and Deryck Shaw (Independent).