Tauranga STEMFest 2025: Te Manawataki o Te Papa construction opens to public

Tauranga city centre’s future civic precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa, will be opening its doors to the public on September 28. Photo / Tauranga City Council

People curious to see inside Tauranga city centre’s future civic precinct will get the chance when part of the construction site opens for one day this weekend.

The civic centre, named Te Manawataki o Te Papa, is a $306 million Tauranga City Council project that includes a civic whare, exhibition gallery and museum, as well as a new library and community hub in Tauranga’s CBD.

The library and community hub are under construction, due to be completed next year.

This weekend’s opening, from 11am to 3pm on Sunday is being held as part of STEMFest 2025, Tauranga City Council said in a statement.

Now in its fourth year, STEMFest is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

It is expected to attract more than 8000 attendees from Tauranga and beyond to experience large-scale exhibits and interactive demonstrations.

People were invited into the library and community hub construction site to see how the project is taking shape. A council spokesman said one zone in the library would be opened.

“Te Manawataki o Te Papa is a place where learning, storytelling and community connection will thrive,” said Te Papa ward councillor Rod Taylor said in the statement.

“By giving young people a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s being built, we hope to spark curiosity, create pathways into future careers, and build excitement for what’s to come in the city centre.”

Project director Craig Body of LT McGuiness said construction is a world of problem-solving and creativity, powered by new technologies and the people who use them.

The tour will showcase the tools and technology driving the build, from laser positioning systems and 3D modelling, to the skill and dedication of apprentices working on-site.

Young people and their families will be able to hear their stories, ask questions and experience the innovation behind modern construction.

The majority of STEMFest stalls will be hosted on Durham St and on University of Waikato campus.

STEMFest free tickets have now all been claimed, but tickets aren’t required to check out the new library and community hub construction site on the corner of Wharf and Willow Sts.