Rotorua Museum Project Update

Connecting Vision to Action

Monday 18 November 2019 marks three years since the Rotorua Museum closed to the public after the Kaikoura earthquake.

The strengthening, restoration and redevelopment of Rotorua Museum is a key element of Rotorua Lakes Council’s Vision 2030 and the Rotorua Way.

Project Lead, Stewart Brown (Rotorua Lakes Council, Arts and Culture Manager), will give a project update that will take place at Rotorua Library (1127 Haupapa Street) on Monday 18 November 2019 at 12.30pm.

As well as the project update (similar to previous updates held in September) hear what the Museum team has achieved over the last three years while their beloved building has been closed. From events to exhibitions, from guided tours to education programmes, they have been engaging with the community and looking after our precious taonga.

Following the closure in 2016 a detailed seismic assessment revealed that the Museum was 19% of new building standard (NBS). Buildings under 34% NBS are considered earthquake prone. On completion of the project, the building will be strengthened to at least 80% New Building Standard.

The strengthening programme involves under floor shotcreting, as well as the installation of new structural steel elements throughout the building, to reinforce the existing elements and provide additional strength in the event of an earthquake.

Once completed, the building will look almost exactly the same as it did before it closed. Where changes are visible, the direction from Heritage New Zealand is for any new design elements to be sympathetic to the heritage building but clearly differentiated from it.

As part of the seismic strengthening and restoration project, the opportunity will be taken to upgrade key amenities in the building to enhance functionality, accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

Should you wish to find out more about the Rotorua Museum project visit rotorualakescouncil.nz/reopenmuseum