Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre in line for heritage recognition

10 May 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre in line for heritage recognition

The former Te Urewera National Park Visitor Centre at Aniwaniwa on the edge of Lake Waikaremoana is being proposed for Category 1 registration by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

The building was designed in the early 1970s by prominent architect John Scott, who is regarded by many as New Zealand’s foremost Maori architect. By 2010 the condition of the Department of Conservation-owned building led to its closure. On-going speculation over its future has prompted discussion from architects, heritage professionals and iwi.

NZHPT Heritage Advisor Blyss Wagstaff said the building fulfils John Scott’s aim to merge elements of Maori and European architecture, with local hapu involved in the original design.

“The design is outstanding in conveying the philosophy, tradition, mana and wairua of tangata whenua in Te Urewera. It features many elements of Maori architecture in its marae-based form.

“Category 1 status is given to places of ‘special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value’. The former Visitor Centre has very special aesthetic, architectural, cultural, historical and social significance which makes it a historic place of outstanding heritage value to New Zealand.”

The building’s architectural significance was reflected in a petition to Parliament with 802 signatures from within the architectural community calling for its retention and restoration. It is also held in high regard by some tangata whenua, who see opportunities to adapt the building for further use.

The registration report is available online at www.historic.org.nz, with the public invited to make written submissions by 25 May.

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