A new $6 million development overlooking Lake Rotorua is set to become an iconic building for Te Arawa - and bring employment and business to the region.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust has announced plans to build the multi-storied, wood first building on Lake Rd with aspirations for it to becomea shared, central hub for iwi organisations.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Sir Toby Curtis said the building would have great value to Te Arawa and significant benefits for Maori and the local economy.
"It is going to create employment because we want our local people to build it. We also want this development to provide opportunity for training so that our people can learn the skills required for the various trades."
He said the building was the result of the "foresight" Te Arawa Lakes Trust had to buy the land 10 years ago "and with patience and perseverance it will now be transformed into an asset for our iwi".
Sir Toby said while they could have gone ahead with the development a decade ago, the wisdom of the board said they needed to wait.
The building will have a net lettable area of 1970sq m over three floors, with 37 carparks.
The Trust will occupy the building and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has signed a memorandum of understanding to look at relocating to the new building once it is completed.
Sir Toby said the trust wanted a building that reflected the needs, aspirations and hopes for its future.
He said it was not just a building that looked nice, but one which had an impact on their people. He said Te Arawa was a major player as a land owner in Rotorua.
Artist's impression of the new $6 million lake side office building on Lake Rd. Photo/Supplied
Mayor Steve Chadwick said the development would mean Te Arawa would have a significant building.
"I'm thrilled they are building a wood first building."
Mrs Chadwick said it was great the trust had made a commitment to using local contractors.
"It is an exciting journey for them and shows their confidence."
It built on the air of confidence and the other investments happening around Rotorua, she said.
"They always said they would invest in the district. It will be a significant building and a legacy project for them."
The building, designed by Darryl Church Architecture, has a strong emphasis on having a minimal carbon footprint. Key features include solar panels, rainwater catchment and hydroponic plants lining the outside.
Dr Tanira Kingi, chairman of the trust's asset holding company Te Arawa Management Limited, said the cost was enabled by the reallocation of funds into an investment that would return a social as well as a financial return.
Mr Walsh said one of the benefits with this particularly development was the commitment to use local people to build the development and the use of a local architect to design it.
"That means the money is staying in our economy. The development really highlights the level of confidence here."
The plan - $6 million, cross laminated timber construction - On Lake Rd site between Third Place Cafe and the old Lakehouse - Aspirations it will become a central hub for Te Arawa services - Bay of Plenty Regional Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the option to move in - Work should start mid-2017 with the opening expected early 2018
