A karakia rang out across the Pouākai Range yesterday morning as representatives from Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapū blessed the new Pouākai Hut.
The 34-bunk hut was formally opened yesterday morning (4 August) as part of a small ceremony which also marked the official completion of an eight-month build project, which has been several years in the planning.
The new Pouākai Hut is part of the Taranaki Crossing project, a partnership involving DOC, Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa), Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū which has also seen several of tracks across Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki upgraded. The Taranaki Crossing is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.4 million), which is administered by Kānoa. Additional funding to support the project has been provided by DOC ($5.2 million).
The unique hut design is a result of collaboration between representatives from Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri and architects familiar with alpine hut design and construction.
Richard Buttimore, of Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, says: "Hapū representatives have valued the collaborative partnership with DOC on the design and build of the new Pouākai Hut.
"It has reflected the agreed values for this kaupapa, respecting Pouākai the tupuna, the environment and the whenua - ensuring our ongoing manaaki for the day and overnight visitors who will use this beautiful new hut.
"To see the hut develop from initial ideas and plans, to now be completed and ready to welcome visitors represents a shared vision brought to reality."
Tinaka Mearns, DOC's Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director, says the new Pouākai Hut represents a major milestone in the Taranaki Crossing project.
"We're so pleased to have completed this part of the project, as it's the most popular hut in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki," Tinaka says.
"The previous Pouākai Hut was at the end of its life, and the new structure is more than double the size of its predecessor – so it's a big improvement for visitors."
Tinaka says the construction of the hut presented some challenging logistics – including the need to fly materials and tradespeople to the site.
"I'm proud of the efficiency and smart thinking the project team has shown to finish the build – constructing a hut on the side of a mountain, where there's no road, is not an easy feat.
"The construction team has done a terrific job: their skill and dedication to the build has been superb, including living on-site for extended periods.
The hut is expected to be back on the DOC booking system and available to visitors on 12 August.
Special thanks to Dulux for providing paint. Dulux and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) have been working in partnership since 2013.
