An impressive beautifully crafted architecturally designed and thoroughly appropriate new addition to the resources of Tūhoe hapū will soon open its doors on the shores of Lake Waikaremoana. Work on Te Wharehou o Waikaremoana began December 2015 and the $6.5 million build being undertaken by construction company Arrow International, will take 12 months to...

The controversial demolition of an architecturally renowned visitors centre at Lake Waikaremoana is almost complete.   The Aniwaniwa visitor centre, designed by architect John Scott, was set among native forest alongside State Highway 38, and was opened in 1974.   It once housed Colin McCahon's triptych Urewera Mural, which was stolen from the site in 1997 but returned after 15 months.   The...

A research project undertaken by a former Trident high school student has produced staggering results when comparing the effectiveness of self-resetting predator kill traps versus traditional single-action traps, currently used in most national conservation efforts. Chantal Lillas, who is completing a diploma of environmental management through Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, conducted  the research project in the Taneatua Forest over...

Preparations for the planned demolition of the former Aniwaniwa visitor centre at Lake Waikaremoana began yesterday. Yesterday morning a small group, including family members of the late John Scott who designed the building, were taken on site to carry out a farewell. A karakia was held at the site at 5am yesterday by the Waikaremoana Tribal Authority to clear the way for the work to start and for the workers who will be carrying out the...

Media Update 5 September 2016 Work has started at Aniwaniwa The Department of Conservation has begun the process of dismantling and removing the old Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre this morning. Late this morning a small group, which included family members of the late John Scott, were taken on site to carry out a farewell with dignity and respect throughout the building, this ceremony included karakia and waiata. A karakia was held at 5am...

Media release 2 September 2016 Old Visitor Centre to be dismantled The Department of Conservation begins the dismantling and removal of the old Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre next week. DOC Operations Director Meirene Hardy-Birch says DOC has considered all practical options for the old building since it was condemned by the Wairoa District Council, vacated and closed in 2008. “This has been a difficult decision as so many parties have an...