Taonga return of immense cultural significance for Rotorua says mayor

The return to Rotorua this week of important Te Arawa taonga from Te Papa, the Auckland Museum and from the Royal collection in London is of immense cultural significance for Rotorua, and an historic moment in time says Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters.

“Yesterday’s ceremony at Tamatekapua to acknowledge the treasures’ return was charged with enormous emotion in an atmosphere where history was clearly being made," said Mr Winters. "It was a very fitting occasion for welcoming pieces of such enormous importance back to their ancestral home.”

Mr Winters said the city’s ambitious $20 million community project to substantially extend the Rotorua Museum and to install state-of-the-art internal climate and security controls in the Bath House building had been the catalyst for the return to Rotorua of the various treasures.

“I’m particularly pleased that the people of Rotorua, young and old, will be able to experience these treasures first hand and view them in a wonderful local environment where they belong. These historic pieces will play an important role in helping to tell the unique stories of Rotorua.”

Mr Winters paid tribute to the large team of local people who had worked long and hard to negotiate the return of the taonga, and to the organisations that had cooperated to make it all possible.

“It’s been a wonderful, generous and cooperative effort by many dedicated individuals and agencies. It’s seen remarkable unity of purpose and an admirable commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of our culture, our heritage and our history.”

“When the extended Rotorua Museum formally opens in August, the returned taonga will be amongst the most important exhibits housed in the new galleries, and will be of genuine significance to all New Zealanders.

“I’m delighted that these treasures will be viewed by hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors alike, and I’m immensely proud to have them in our midst,” said Mr Winters.