Whare hui opened in style

Artist Kura Te Waru-Rewiri was project manager for the whare hui's refurbishment.

Right up until the day before NorthTec's refurbished whare hui opened, workers were installing the final pieces of artwork.

Kura Te Waru-Rewiri, project manager and arts tutor, said carvers, weavers, artists and students from NorthTec worked tirelessly from January to ensure the whare hui, Te Puna o Te Matauranga, was ready by December. It was officially opened this week.

"I'm very pleased," said Ms Te Waru-Rewiri.

"The concept was the three baskets of knowledge and also the delivery of NorthTec and an emphasis on contemporary."

Ms Te Waru-Rewiri said because the whare hui was part of NorthTec they were able to take a step away from what would be expected in a traditional whare.

Around 250 people attended the opening of the whare hui which hosted performances from local dance crews and kapa haka groups.

Photographer John Stone went along to capture all the action.