100-Year-Old Discovery in Rotorua Museum Renovation
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Loading... - Isabella Borja
- 06 Jan 2025
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During the ongoing restoration works at Rotorua Museum, a previously unknown section of heritage tiles has been uncovered, shedding light on the building's historical significance. The discovery includes black and brown glazed terracotta tiles that were hidden beneath the café area, adjacent to the original Rachel pool, which has also been covered during renovations.
The Rachel pool was an integral part of the original bathhouse design of the heritage-listed building, which dates back to 1908. A spokesperson for the Rotorua Lakes Council noted that the tiles reveal the original partition layout of the bath area, providing valuable insights into the museum's past. The tiles will remain in place and will be incorporated into the renovation plans, ensuring that this piece of history is preserved.
The tiles were found in three distinct areas of the museum, and their presence has prompted the council to consider how to manage their integration into the current structural strengthening design, which utilizes the café floor space. While the exact impacts on design and costs are still being assessed, the council does not anticipate significant disruptions to the overall renovation budget.
Rotorua Museum - Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is classified as a category one heritage building. It was closed in 2016 due to earthquake risk, and last year, the Rotorua Lakes Council voted to fully restore and reopen the facility. The council aims to keep the funding for the project within the $15.5 million budgeted.
In April, the council announced that it had secured the final funding needed for the restoration and awarded the construction contract to Watts & Hughes, the same company that managed the museum's south wing extension completed in 2011. The expected total cost for the restoration project is $73.55 million, with construction having commenced in June.
The museum previously attracted between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors annually, and the restoration aims to revitalize its role as a cultural and historical hub in the region. According to the agenda from an Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting, the focus for 2025 will be on completing all structural works to facilitate the building fit-out in 2026. The museum is expected to reopen to the public in 2027, marking a significant milestone in preserving Rotorua's rich heritage.
This recent discovery of heritage tiles not only enhances the historical narrative of the museum but also underscores the importance of careful restoration practices that honor the building's legacy.
