Te Maru o Ihowa - Whare Renovations

Te Maru o Ihowa was closed for remedial work and renovation ealier this year and is due to reopen in May.

Work on the Whare

We had hoped that all the remedial work that is required to bring the building up to compliance standard as per building code that there wouldn’t be a need to change any of the internal design. However,  we have since been advised that the window overlooking the main part of the whare from the mezzanine floor has to be completely removed, and replaced with a wall with fire rated cladding or with either square or a rectangle shaped fire rated window. (The consensus so far is to have two rectangular shaped windows, oriented vertically, situated on either side of the tukutuku panel.)

We also have to get the internal side walls relined and windows replaced but thankfully will be reinstated to look the same as they do now. 

The other significant change is the need to remove the walls from the paepae shelter,  and replace with drop down sides (like we have on the manuwhiri paepae shelter) as the existing walls weren’t erected as per building consent.

We are also looking to replace the tiled paving area directly in front of the wharenui with a reinforced concrete pad, as the existing pavers were damaged by the heavy machinery that was used during the removal of the carvings. 

Carving restoration

After consultation with Bobby Te Huia, one of the original master carvers of our whakairo, thearvings were also brought down for remedial work which is being undertaken by carvers ???? in Kirikiriroa. Due date for completion of this mahi is …