Rotorua Museum Photo: Supplied / Rotorua Lakes Council
Building work to restore Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa will begin this month.
The landmark historic building has been closed since it was determined the building was earthquake prone after the Kaikōura earthquake in 2016.
New Zealand Community Trust on Thursday announced it had awarded Rotorua Lakes Council a grant of $400,000 to aid in the strengthening, restoration, and redevelopment of the prominent museum.
Ben Hodges from the trust said the museum was a precious institution in the heart of Rotorua and they were delighted to support its rebirth.
Photo: Supplied / Rotorua Lakes Council/ Craig Robertson Photography
With the recent funding announcements, detailed design plans completed, and resource consents issued, the building project was now fully funded and ready to commence.
The total building project was expected to cost $73.55 million, with fundraising for the exhibition work ongoing.
In August 2023, Rotorua Lakes Council's Infrastructure and Environment Committee approved proceeding with the museum's strengthening and reopening.
Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell said the council understood how well-loved this building was to the community and that there was strong support to re-open it.
"The support from New Zealand Community Trust and other funders is yet another step towards reopening the doors of the Rotorua Bath House and Museum to everyone," she said.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2027.