Wellington welcomed the opening of the “Wharewaka o Poneke”, the site for one of the city’s Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Fanzones with a symbolic dawn ceremony on Waitangi Day.
A showcase for Maori culture and the base for the Rugby World Cup 2011 village
The Wharewaka is an important new addition to Wellington's waterfront and reflects the city's commitment to local Maori. It was specifically designed to house the Wellington City waka (canoe), Te Raukura.
Construction of the Wharewaka began in January last year and Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is delighted to see it finished.
"Wellington should be very proud of this building. It's a building you couldn't see anywhere else in the world.”
The Wharewaka has exhibition and function areas, a cafe, commercial kitchen and office space. It will host pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies) and cultural performances, and feature carvings and interactive history displays.
The Wharewaka will also be the centrepiece of Wellington's RWC 2011 Fanzone, creating a fan village around the building which will host a programme of activities to provide a unique cultural experience for visitors and locals during RWC 2011.
Said Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden: “The opening of the Wharewaka is another important milestone in Wellington’s preparations for RWC 2011. It will provide a really special backdrop for locals and visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the Tournament.”
The Wharewaka's exterior design is based on the form of a korowai (cloak), which has in recent times come to reflect mana and prestige. The design is based on the traditional sails of the waka fleet and metal panels symbolise the cloak's arms draping over the sides of the building.
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