A historic waka fragment found on Golden Bay’s west coast will have a new home in Tākaka. The Tasman District Council has unanimously approved plans for a purpose-built wharewaka at Pioneer Park, next to the Golden Bay Museum. The Anaweka waka was discovered 14 years ago and has since gone through a long process to preserve it.
The new building will be designed especially for the important artefact and will allow people to learn more about its history. Chris Hill, from the Anaweka waka project group, said the council’s decision was an important step forward. A consent application is expected to be submitted by the end of August, with more planning needed before construction can begin.
The project group plans to pay for the wharewaka and the changes needed at the museum. This means the project is not expected to cost local ratepayers. The land will be leased from the council for 33 years, although the final ownership of the building has not yet been decided.
Some parts of Pioneer Park, including a memorial and sundial, will need to be moved to another location. The community will be able to have a say about possible new sites. About three-quarters of people who made submissions supported building a wharewaka in Tākaka, while about two-thirds supported the Pioneer Park location.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
