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 is a place where governance, partnership, and community engagement come alive, showcasing Tūwharetoa leadership and commitment to a prosperous future.  

This building is a living expression of our connection to our whenua, taiao, cultural heritage, and shared goals for economic and social growth. It is a space where the past, present, and future intersect, honouring the wisdom of our tūpuna while paving the way for our uri whakatupu (future generations).

What makes He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa unique? 

A cultural masterpiece 

The heart of He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa lies in its design, which weaves together te reo Māori, tikanga, and artwork by talented Ngāti Tūwharetoa artists such as Te Maari Gardiner, Haki Williams, Kingi Pitiroi, Te Manawa Williams and Len Hetet. These pieces, crafted by the innovative Human Dynamo Workshop in Wellington, tell the stories of our people and bring our cultural narratives into the modern world.  

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.

Te Kāhui Whetu (Upper Panel)

Te Kāhui Whetu guided Te Arawa waka from Hawaiki and continues to shape environmental cycles today.

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.

Tia

Honouring Tia, whose cloak inspired the name Taupō-nui-a-Tia, this pou also highlights his role in naming key locations across the region.

Totara Pou

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.

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

Ngā Mata o te Marama o Tūwharetoa (Celestial Moon Phases)

This installation celebrates the knowledge of esteemed kaumatua Te Kanawa Pitiroi, showcasing the 30-day lunar cycle unique to Tūwharetoa. Each moon phase is named and contextualised within the local environment, drawing from the wisdom shared by Te Kanawa before his passing in 2022.
Designed by Kingi Pitiroi of the Pitiroi whānau, these lunar discs reflect the rich tradition of Māori star lore, strengthened by the revival of Matariki and Māori astronomy.

A hub for collaboration 

He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa is home to Tūwharetoa entities, including the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust. It also houses Taupō District Council, Amplify, and Love Taupō. This co-location strengthens relationships, enables collaboration, and creates a unified space for decision-making and community engagement.  

Economic growth and opportunity 

As a long-term Tūwharetoa investment, the building aims to generate sustainable economic returns that will support future projects, initiatives, and grants for the benefit of Tūwharetoa whānau. It also contributes to Taupō’s economic development, creating jobs and attracting investment to the region.  

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. 

Timeline 

• May 2023: Construction began
• January 2025: Building completed and prepared for occupancy
• March 2025: Official opening, blessing ceremony, and kaimahi working from site. 

FAQs

What is He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa? 

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.   

Who is involved in the project? 

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. 

What is the purpose of the building? 

The building serves as a space for governance, collaboration, and community, reflecting the cultural identity of Tūwharetoa and supporting community economic and social growth.  

How does the building benefit Tūwharetoa whānau and hapū? 

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.  

What is the significance of the building’s artwork? 

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.