Previously the area where the building is located was harbour frontage to Te Aro Pā, one of the largest Māori communities in Wellington up until the 1880s.

The building sees the re-establishment of a Māori presence on Taranaki Wharf, notably absent on the waterfront since that time.

Te Wharewaka o Pōneke was officially opened at a dawn ceremony on Waitangi Day, Sunday 6 February 2011.

Many of these facets about the building and the landscape are conveyed in the korero (stories) as part of the waka and cultural walking tours.

The waka were built under the guidance of Master Carver, Hector Busby and are made out of swamp kauri.

For ceremonial occasions the kaihoe on the waka will wear traditional pake or raincapes which tie around the shoulders of the paddlers.

As both men and women are welcome on this waka it is envisaged that the unification of people, the environment, communities and goodwill will elevate the pride and prestige of Wellington.

The bow piece typically takes the form of a stylised face with a protruding tongue, described as tētē, or pakoko, by which the vessel is classified.

The hiwi or hull of the waka is made from an ancient kauri tree recovered from the swamps of Te Taitokerau/Northland.