Waihi Village

[2] The landslides flowed down the Waimatai Stream from their source above the village in the Hipaua Steaming Cliffs geothermal area.

The opening was presided over by Ngāti Tūwharetoa paramount chief, Hepi Hoani Te Heuheu Tūkino.

The building project took eight years to complete and involved fundraising, volunteer labour, gala days, functions and a government subsidy.

The carving project was welcomed by Princess Te Puea to Tūrangawaewae Marae and was supervised by her nephew Tamatai Wanakore Hērangi.

However, due to his ill health, the project was moved to the Rotorua School of Arts and Crafts and continued by Tuhaka Kapua and Hōne Taiapa.